Many of you ask me the website address of the Georgian Composers' Union. Unfortunately, they do not have a website. A Facebook page is available. If you wish to contact someone, here is their mail address: Composers’ Union of Georgia.
Mr. Giorgi Shaverzashvili - Chairman (bio)
Mail address: 123 Agmashenebeli Av. Tbilisi 0112. Georgia
Tel.: +(995 32) 2954164 / +(995 32) 2967505 (speak in Georgian). E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Fax: +(995 32) 2968678
Meeting the interest expressed by some of your visitors let me introduce you to the list of Georgian composers. I have some documents in Georgian containing information about their lives, compositions, and discography. Since nobody is financing the creation of this website I will try to allocate some time to translate articles and documents to give you as much information as it will be possible in current circumstances. Some of the contemporary composers are missed at the moment and will be included further.
Unfortunately, the list lacks names of Georgian composers who support pop music and jazz genres which is so popular in today's Georgia. It would be great if some of you could provide me with additional information on this issue.
So, dear visitors of this website, any of your help in the creation of this website (donations, documents, advice, information, resources, CDs, vinyl records, etc.) are welcome.
Mr. Kakha Tsabadze - Vice-chairman
Born in Tbilisi (Georgia) on 14 September 1959. Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1982 composition department (prof. A Balanchivadze class). Was a teacher at the First Music College and at the Palace of Youth. From 1997 up to 2008 served as the Deputy Chairman and from 2008 up to 2017 was the Chairman of the Union of Composers of Georgia, From 2017 he is the Deputy Chairman of the Union of Composers of Georgia.
Dimitri Arakishvili (1873 - 1953)
Composer, folk music collector, public figure, teacher. One of the founders of Georgian professional music. The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1929). Academician of the Academy of Georgia (1950). While working in Moscow (till 1918) headed four expeditions to different regions of Georgia to collect folk music resulting in 3 monographs. Editor of main music magazines of that time. Founder of the second conservatory in Georgia (the first one was headed by Hippolitov-Ivanov), In 1924 both conservatories were merged and Arakishvili was appointed as a director of the conservatory (1926 – 1930). First Chairman of the Georgian Composers' Union (1932). Author of the opera “Tale on Shota Rustaveli” (1919), symphonic poem “Hymn Ornuzds”, opera-buffo “Live is Gladness” (“Dinara”, 1926), symphonic picture “Hymn to the New East” (1933). Romances and works for piano – “Georgian Dance”. Music for films (“Jurgai’s Shield”, 1944).
Vaja (Vajha) Azarashvili (1936 - 2024)
Composer. Arts Honorable Worker of Georgia (1988), Honorable Citizen of Tbilisi (1999), professor (1991), Chairman of the Georgian Composers' Union (1997-). Graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatory (I. Tuskia composer master classes), postgraduate (under the leadership of A. Balanchivadze). Carries out pedagogical activities at Tbilisi State Conservatory since 1971. Created:
1. Ballet “Hevisberi” (1982).
2. Operetta “mecxre talga” (Ninth Wave).
3. Operetta “cekvis mastsavlebeli” (The Dance Teacher).
4. Operetta “shvidi dzmani gurjanelni” (Nine Brothers from Gurjaani).
5. Operetta “bichuna” (A Guy).
6. Operetta “solomon isakich majganaushvili” (Solomon Isakich Majganaushvili).
7. Operetta “kahelebi bamze” (Kakhetians on the BAM).
8. Musical “mechekme gabo” (Shoemaker Gabo).
9. Two symphonies in 1966 and 1986.
10. Concertino for symphony orchestra (1963).
11. Pieces for orchestra (Nocturne and others).
12. Concertos for cello.
13. Two concertos for violin in 1972 and 1973.
14. Concerto for alto (1973).
15. Trio for piano (1959).
16. String quartet (1988 and second reduction 1999).
17. Quartet pieces cycles “Pictures of Native Side”. (1990).
18. Quartet pieces cycles “Pictures of Old Tbilisi”. (1990).
19. Two sonatas for cello and piano (1961, second edition 1999, 1976).
20. Sonata for 2 violins and piano (1975).
21. Vocal cycle for poems by I. Grishashvili and Sh. Nishnianidze. (1980).
22. Popular songs.
Shalva Azmaiparashvili (1902 – 1957)
Conductor, composer. Arts Honorable Worker of Georgia (1941), Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic Prize laureate (1947). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in (1930) as composer and orchestra conductor. Postgraduate (1933). In 1923 – 1928 played wind instruments at the symphony orchestra. Conductor (1932) and principal conductor (1938 – 1952) at Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre. Head of Georgian Radio Symphony Orchestra (1954 – 1957). Main works: suite for orchestra “Picture of old Tbilisi” (1941), vocal-Andrea Balanchivadzesymphonic poem “Kartli” (1946), opera “Khvisberi Gocha” (after A. Kazbegi novel, 1951), musical “rac ginahavs vegar nahav” (You’ll Never See What You Saw”, 1952).
Andrea Balanchivadze (1906 – 1992)
He graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1927 and then, in 1931, from Leningrad Conservatory. He became the musical director of several theatres in Georgia from 1931 to 1934 and then, a professor at the Tbilisi Conservatory in 1942 and served as an artistic director of the Georgian State Symphony Orchestra from 1941 to 1948. Chair (1953), and first secretary (1955-61, 1968-72) of the Union of Georgian Composers. He composed the first Georgian ballet "The Heart of the Mountains" (1936). numerous symphonies, piano concerts, and other compositions heavily contributed to Georgian classical music.
He carried the titles of the People's Artist of Georgia (1957) and the People's Artist of the Soviet Union (1968). He was awarded several prizes, including the USSR State Prize (1944) and the Shota Rustaveli State Prize (1969).
Meliton Balanchivadze (1962 - 1937)
He began his career at the Tbilisi Opera House in 1880. In 1882, he founded a Georgian folk ensemble and organized the first-ever folk concert in Tbilisi in the next year. From 1883 to 1886, he traveled to various parts of Georgia, collecting folk songs and training folk choirs. From 1889 to 1895, he studied at St. Petersburg Conservatory where one of his teachers was the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Between 1895 and 1917, he toured Russia giving concerts of Georgian folk music. After 1917 he returned to Georgia. He is the author of the first original Georgian opera Tamar the Wily, later renamed Darejan the Wily —first performed at the Hall of the Russian Nobility Council in 1897 — as well as numerous choral works, as mass, and other church services.
Alexander (Alexandre) Bukia (1906 – 1876)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1979). Main works: 2 operas for children: “Uninvited Guest” (1949), “Three Blacksmiths”, opera “Arsen” (Georgian folk hero), symphony (D-Dur, 1947), songs, romances, etc.
Archil Chimakadze (1919 – 1991)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1973). Director of Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Academy Theatre (1963- 1967). Professor of Tbilisi State Conservatory. Main works: symphony poem “Devleti” (1946), cantata “The Heart of Kartli”, drama-musical composition “Vephistkaosani” (1962 "The Knight in the Tiger's Skin" by Shota Rustaveli,), the musical “Maya Tskhneteli” (1980), choirs. Romances, songs, and music for theatre. Author of a handbook on polyphony.
Meri Davitashvili (1924 - 2014)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1979). Shota Rustaveli Prize winner (1981). Main works: 2 operas for children “Kadjana” (1965) and “Natsarkekia” (1972), songs, music for theater and films for children, symphonic music.
Viktor Dolidze (1890 - 1933)
Viktor Dolidze was born on July 18, 1890, in Ozurgeti and spent his childhood in Guria (Western region of Georgia). He revealed musical abilities at an early age and learned to play guitar and mandolin when he was a child. He was awarded the First prize in the mandolin players competition held in Tbilisi in 1910. He graduated from Tbilisi Commerce College and then the Kyiv (Ukraine) Commerce University. Simultaneously he was taking violin lessons at Kyiv Music College from violinist M. Erdenko. He also took the music theory classes.
He returned to Georgia in 1917 and in 1918 he composed his main work, buffo opera Keto and Kote. He also composed operas LEILA (1922) and TSISANA (1929), the symphony AZERBAIJAN (1931 – 1932), the symphony-fantasy IVERIADA (1925), and several romances. He visited some Georgian regions in Ossetia and collected folk songs that he intended to use in his new opera ZAMIRA (1931), but he did not finish it. He died May 25, 1933, in Tbilisi.
Revaz Gabichvadze (1913 – 1999)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1967). Established the first jazz and popular music ensemble in Georgian in 1941. Main works: opera “Nana” (1957), ballet “Hamlet” (1970, after William Shakespeare, “Medea” (1975 after Euripides) “The Man Who Smiles” (1986 after Victor Hugo), operetta “Chrichina” (1952), oratories “Vephistkaosani” ("The Knight in the Tiger's Skin" by Shota Rustaveli, 1938), “Cantus Humanus” (1979), nine symphonies (1963 – 1984), symphonic poem “gamzrdeli” (1943), Overture (1975), concert for violin and symphonic orchestra (1946), concert for cello and symphonic orchestra (1950), works for folk instruments, string orchestra, chamber orchestra, popular songs, music for theatre and films.
Dini Virsaladze (1961 - )
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia. Composer, piano player. She studied at W. Sarajishvili State Conservatoire, the piano faculty (Professor Tina Gogolashvili), and organ faculty (Ethery Mgaloblishvili) classes. Graduated with a diploma of honor. Worked in Tbilisi with Chamber Orchestra (pianist and cembalo player). From 1993 performed as a jazz pianist and composer. Ms. Virsaladze became a laureate of the jazz festival in Novosibirsk (1993). She succeeded in 1995 in the Tbilisi Music Festival and the International Jazz Festival in Tbilisi (1999). Since 1995 she has been working with her group in "David's jazz-soul club", she also works in Art-club "Gircha”. Ms.Virsaladze regularly participates in jazz concerts. Georgian TV and broadcasting companies often record her compositions.
She has painted since 1990. She had solo exhibitions at the Museum of Tbilisi history – “Karavan Sarai” (1998, 2000), Arts Salon “Gircha” (1999), Jazz Club “Ati Nati” (2000), Art Club “Lost Paradise” (2001), Art Club “Theater Sailor” (2002). Her works are kept in private collections in Georgia and abroad.
Maya Virsaladze (1971 - )
Nodar Gabunia (1933 – 2000)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1982). Composer, piano player, and professor of Tbilisi State Conservatory. Zakharia Paliashvili Prize winner (1985), rector of Tbilisi State Conservatory (1984 – 2000), secretary of Georgian Composers' Union (1973 – 1079), Chair of the Georgian Composers' Union (1996 – 1997). Graduated from Moscow State Conservatory and postgraduate under Goldenveizer (piano) and Aram Khachaturyan (composition) leadership. Author of two musicals “Kvarkvare Tutaberi” (1973) “Khe” (“Tree”, 1979), two symphonies (1972, 1984), three concerts for piano (1961, 1976, 1986), sonatas for piano, and organ, two string quartets, chamber-vocal compositions, music for films and theater.
Nunu Gabunia (1944 - )
Felix (Philippe) Glonti (1927 - 2012)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1988). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in (1954). Professor. Author of operas: “Iverielebi” (1970), “Cleopatra” (1976). Ballet: “Gantiadi” (1967), oratory “Galaktion” (1986), eleven symphonies (1961 – 1988), symphonic poem “Bedi Kartlisa” (1957), symphony concerto for jazz (1981), two concertos for cello, (1977, 1987), concerto for violin (1998), two string quartets (1954, 1985), music for drama performances, films. Listen to his music
Otar Gordeli (1928 - 1994)
Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in (1951). Secretary of the Georgian Composers' Union (1968 – 1973). Author of cantata “Seasons of the Year” (1954), the vocal-symphonic poem “On What is Murmuring Mtkvari-river” (1961), odes and songs for symphony-vocal orchestras, symphony (1964), symphonic poem “Motherland” (1953), “Youth Overture” (1956), two suites (1965, 1968), Pasakalia (1964), dance “Kartuli” (1958) for symphonic orchestra, concert for piano and symphonic orchestra (1952), concert for flute and symphonic orchestra (1958), a quintet for piano (1950), chamber-vocal and choir compositions, operettas “Natvristvali” (1980), “My Beloved Uncle”, popular, films and theater music.
Nikoloz Gudiashvili (1913 – 1998)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1988). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory in (1954). Professor. Author of the quintet for piano (1948), operas “Eliso” (after Al. Kazbegi), “Ketevan Tsamebuli” (1960), “Bloody Supra”, “Vengeance”, , “Viba Iveeria” (1971), two ballets “Dedis Madili”, (1951) “At the Narikala Caste” (1958), operettas “meeting at the Countryhouse” (1950), “A Gift” (1951), “Salkhinebeli” (1953), “At the Supper” (1959), four symphonies (1944, 1949, 1968, 1980), piano concertos (1941, 1946, 1948, 1961, 80), string quartets, [iano quintet (1948), sonata for piano (1950), 24 preludes and fugues, romances.
Giorgi (Gya, Gia, Gyia) Kancheli (1935 - 2019 )
Born 10 August 1935 in Tbilisi.
Considered as one of the most influential composers of the end of XX and at the beginning of XXI centuries.
Works for Orchestra:
Concerto for orchestra (1961)
Symphony No. 1 (1967)
Symphony No. 2: Songs (1970)
Symphony No. 3 (1973)
Symphony No. 4 "To the Memory of Michelangelo" (1974)
Symphony No. 5 "To the Memory of My Parents" (1977)
Symphony No. 6 (1978–1980)
Symphony No. 7 "Epilogue" (1986)
Mourned by the Wind (Vom Winde Beweint), a liturgy for viola and orchestra (1989)
Trauerfarbenes Land (1994)
à la Duduki (1995)
Simi, for cello and orchestra (1995)
Rokwa (1999)
Chamber music:
Morning Prayers for chamber orchestra and tape (1990)
Midday Prayers for soprano, clarinet, and chamber orchestra (1990)
Night Prayers for String Quartet (1992)
Caris Mere for soprano and viola (1994)
Magnum Ignotum for Wind Ensemble (1994)
Valse Boston for piano and strings (1996)
Instead of a Tango for violin, bandoneon, piano, and double bass (1996)
In L'Istesso Tempo for Piano Quartet (1997)
Sio for strings, piano, and percussion (1998)
Choral/Opera
Music for the Living, opera in two acts (1982–1984)
Bright Sorrow Requiem (to the 40th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism) (1984)
Evening Prayers, for eight alto voices and chamber orchestra (1991)
Psalm 23, for soprano and chamber orchestra (1993)
Lament, a concerto for violin, soprano, and orchestra (1994)
Diplipito, for cello, counter-tenor, and chamber orchestra (1997)
And Farewell Goes Out Sighing... for violin, countertenor, and orchestra (1999)
Styx, for viola, mixed choir, and orchestra (1999)
Little Imber, for solo voice, children's and men's choirs and small ensemble (2003)
Amao Omi, for SATB choir saxophone quartet (2005)
Archil Kereselidze (1912 – 1971)
The People's Merited Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1988). Zacharia Paliashvili Prize Laureate. Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory (1934) in piano and composition specialties and Moscow Conservatory composition specialty (1939). Opera “Bashi-Achuki” (1945), ballet “Nazibrola” (1947), musicals “Under Tbilisi Sky” (1949), “Back from the Moon” (1963), “Cherry Blossoms” (1965), two concerts for piano (1941, 1945), symphony (1940), music for theatre and films (Keto and Kote adaptation), many famous songs.
Grigol Kiladze (1902 – 1962)
Composer, conductor, teacher. The Honored Worker of Arts of the Republic of Georgia title holder (1941). Professor of the Tbilisi State Conservatory. Chair of the Georgian Composers' Union (1937). Director of Tbilisi State Conservatory (1938- 1941, 1945 – 1953). Conductor and director of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Academy Theatre (1941- 1945). Head of the Tbilisi State Conservatory Opera Studio, Tbilisi Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Chief Director. Author of the opera “Bakhtrioni”, (1936), “Lado Ketskhoveli”, (1940), ballet “Light” (1947), 2 symphonies, 2 suites, symphonic poem “Gandegili” (1937), music for films.
Bidzina Kvernadze (1928 - 2010)
Prof. Kvernadze graduated from Georgian State Conservatory in 1953 where he studied composition with Andrey Balanchivadze.
He carried titles of People's Artist of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic (1979), the Z. Paliashvili Prize (1981, for My Entreaty, Old Georgian Inscriptions, and Vocal-Symphonic Poem), and the Shota Rustaveli State Prize (1985, for And it was in the eighth year). He was also named an honorary citizen of Tbilisi (1995). He was a Professor of Composition at the Georgian State Conservatory since 1988. He taught composition and instrumentation there since 1963,
ORCHESTRAL WORKS:
To the Dawn (symphonic poem), 1953; Concerto No. 1, piano, orchestra, 1955; Concerto, violin, orchestra, 1956; A fancy dance, 1959; Symphony No. 1, 1961; Seraphita, 1964 (section of Choreographic Stories; may be performed separately); Concerto No. 2, piano, orchestra, 1966; Expectation, string orchestra, 1968; Ceremonial Overture, 1977; Symphonic Overture, 1984; Symphony No. 2, string orchestra, 1986
CHORAL:
Immortality (cantata, texts by L. Chubabria, Peter Gruzinsky), speaker, mixed chorus, orchestra, 1971; Cantata about Georgia (text by Peter Gruzinsky), baritone, mixed chorus, orchestra, 1971; My Entreaty (vocal-symphonic poem, text by Nikoloz Baratashvili), mixed chorus, orchestra, 1974, revised 1977
STAGE:
Choreographic Stories (2-act ballet, scenario by Zurab Kikaleishvili, Guram Meliva, Chukurtma Gudiashvili, after Lado Gudiashvili), 1964 (one section may be performed separately: Seraphita); Wives and Husbands (2 act operetta, libretto by R. Lezgishvili), 1970; Berikaoba (1 act ballet, scenario by Giorgi Aleksidze), 1973; And it was in the eighth year (2 act opera, libretto by Robert Sturua, after Jakob Khutsessi), 1982; Happier than we (2 act opera, libretto by Robert Sturua, after Ilya Chavchavadze), 1987
VOCAL:
Old Georgian Inscriptions (text by Giorgi Leonidze), tenor, orchestra, 1978; Vocal-Symphonic Poem (texts by E. Tataraidze, folk poems), mezzo-soprano, orchestra, 1979; Pray, Child (triptych, text by Jakob Gogebashvili), soprano, piano, 2001, revised 2002
In addition, Kvernadze has composed much incidental and popular music for movies, theater, and vocal groups.
Revaz Lagidze (1921 – 1981)
After graduating from the musical school, Revaz Lagidze entered the Conservatory and was enrolled in Andrea Balanchivadze's class. It was a time of war, a time of hardship. In the morning he played in the Symphony Orchestra and worked at the Radio Committee, while in the afternoon he attended lectures. He won the Chaikovski scholarship. In the Symphony Orchestra, he was an assistant concertmaster. Here he studied reading from a score and orchestral art. Being a first-year student, he wrote music for the string quartet, variations, and two songs.
Revaz Lagidze worshiped folk songs. He said that nothing equal to "Khasanbegura" and "Chakrulo" had ever been created In Georgia. "Despite the great folk poetry and numerous grand monuments of architecture and monasteries that have been built, I can find nothing comparable with the Georgian song...". And today when all the borders are open when you can say all you have to offer when you are seen and listened to, you tend to think more and more about his words.
He has a unique way of understanding a folk song. Those who have heard "Lile" in Svaneti, "Chakrulo" In Kakheti, or "Krimanchuli" in Guria - not in a concert hall but somewhere amidst the nature - at the river bank or the edge of the forest or even at the Georgian table, will understand why Revaz Lagidze did not want youth to study Georgian folk songs from music and why he was always obsessed by wandering or going hiking. "I've never been a great singer but, honestly, I know the songs of almost all parts of Georgia. I've hiked a lot in the broadest sense of the word. I've wandered with a rifle, with a dog, with a fishing net; I've thrown the fishing net into every river in Georgia. I'm crazy about water. I love water desperately, probably because I am Lagidze ..." ("Lagidze" is the surname of a very famous Georgian businessman of the past century who produced very popular soft drinks in Georgia. Nowadays these waters are called "the Lagidze waters").
Alexi Machavariani(1913 - 1995)
He is the author of 5 symphonies. The 1st symphony was created in 1947 and dedicated to the tragedy of the II World War. Concert for piano an violin, two operas - "Mother and Daughter" and "Hamlet", musical-show "Funny Comedy", two ballets: "Othello" and "The Knight in a Tiger's Skin" (after Shota Rustaveli's poem), four string quartets, two sonatas for piano, sonata for violin, pieces for different instruments and choir works.
Nodar Mamisashvili (1930 - )
Nodar MamisashviliN. Mamisashvili graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatory (under Andrea Balanchivadze) in 1956. He has been a Professor of Composition at the Conservatory since 1962.
Prof. Mamisashvili is vice president of the National Academy of Georgia, a corresponding member of the Engineering Academy of Georgia, and president of the Holostudio. He was awarded the “Georgia’s Honored Cultural Worker” title. He is a member of the Georgian Composers Union since 1956 (board member since 1973 and serving as chairman in 1990-91) and was a member of the Soviet Union Composers Union from 1959 to 1990. The Honored Worker of Arts of the Republic of Georgia title holder (1967). Vice-president of the state National Academy of Science, and a member of the Engineering Academy. Author of several technical inventions, author of the book “Three-phase Musical Composition System” (1978), opera for Children “Bakia Bachia” (1965), seven symphonies, four concertos for piano, ballet “Three Keys”, choirs, chamber music, music for theatre and films.
Main Works
STAGE: Three Keys (ballet), 1963; Boaster Hare (children’s opera), 1965; Khorumi (ballet), 2000
ORCHESTRAL: Fantasy, piano, orchestra, 1955; Tales (symphonic fantasy), 1956; Ice Obelisk (symphonic picture), 1959; In Guria (watercolor), 1961; Concerto, oboe, orchestra, 1961; Small Suite, small orchestra, 1961; Concerto, trumpet, orchestra, 1962; Three Pieces, small orchestra, 1963; Piano Concerto No. 1, 1964; Impression and Blue Dancers (symphonic drawing), 1966; Concertino, violin, small orchestra, 1967; Two Pieces, 1971; Solemn Overture, 1972; Concerto No. 2, piano, small orchestra, 1973; High Ravine (symphonic drawing), 1976; Concerto, wind ensemble, small orchestra, 1979; Symphony No. 2, The Man Gives Us Peace, mixed chorus, orchestra, 1986; Symphony No. 4, Spectrums, 1990; Concerto No. 3, piano, small orchestra, 1992; Symphony No. 6, Cain’s Sons, 1993; Image, small orchestra, 1993; Piano Concerto No. 4, 2001
CHAMBER MUSIC: Two Pieces, violin, piano, 1962; Two Pieces, ensemble (9 players), 1964; 6 Miniatures, string quartet, 1964; Three Pieces, cello, piano, 1965; Three Pieces, harp, 1966; Concertino, string quartet, piano, 1972; Triptych, violin, piano, 1987; Sonata, violin, piano, 1993; Triplex, violin, cello, piano, 1994; Virtual (inconstant, seeming) Visions, violin, piano, 2002
CHORAL: 9 Moods, 4 male voices, 1953 (also arranged for mixed chorus, 1966); Three Children’s Songs, mixed chorus, 1968; Poem, mixed chorus, 1986; Passions, mixed chorus, 1989; The Blessed Virgin, Rejoice, mixed chorus, 1990
PIANO: Sunrise and Blue Dancers, 1956; 7 Preludes, 1957; 24 Preludes, 1958; Lad from Tavpharavani, 1961; Two Children’s Pieces, piano 4 hands, 1964; Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, 1964; Pioneers’ Concerto, 1964; Improvisation in the Form of Variations, 1970; Three Children’s Pieces, 1970; The Pages of the Lyric Diary, 1979
PIPE ORGAN: Demon (poem), 1999
HARPSICHORD: Three Pieces, 1963
ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC: Resonance, 4 tapes, 1982; Symphony No. 1, Dream, large orchestra, tape, 1985; Symphony No. 3, Visions of the Abyss, orchestra, tape, 1989; Symphony No. 5, Triptych, baritone, piano, tapes, 1990
Mamuka Megrelishvili (1967 - )
Shalva Mshvelidze (1904 – 1984)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1958). Georgia State Prize winner (1941, 1947). Zacharia Paliashvili Prize winner (1971), India. J. Neru Prize winner (1973). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory (1930) in composition. Professor of the Conservatory (1942). Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty, and Director of the Theory-composition Department at the Conservatory. Head of the State Ensemble of Song and Dance (1947 – 1050), Director of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Academy Theatre (1950- 1952). Chair of the Georgian Composers' Union (1941 - 1951). Author of symphonic poem “Zviadauri” (1940), choir and opera “Story on Tariel” (1946, after Shota Rustaveli poem), “A Magic Hand of a Master” (1949, after K. Gamsakhurdia novel, “Maradi Tkhmuleba” (1970), “Mindia” (1950), “Indian Suite” (1955), “Juvenile and a Tiger” (1962), music for theater, films. Author of the research work “Orchestration” (1965).
Vano Muradeli (1908 – 1970)
Zurab Nadareishvili (1957 – )
Sulkhan Nasidze (1927 - 1996)
Sulkhan Nasidze (1927 - 1996) was one of Georgia's leading composers. A teacher and a prominent figure in public life he holds the chair of the composition at the Tbilisi State Conservatory; he is also chairman of the Georgian Composers' Union, a People's Artist of Georgia, and holder of the Shota Rustaveli Prize. His major works include eight symphonies, the ballets Orpheus and Eurydice and King Lear, concertos, and a large number of chamber works, including five string quartets.
Dedicated to the memory of Sulkhan Tsintsadze and subtitled "Con Sordino" - the outer sections are performed with muted strings — Nasidze's Fifth Quartet of 1992, though written in one uninterrupted movement, nevertheless is of perceptibly tripartite structure. The first and third episodes are linked by a recitative-like theme played on the viola, whilst the overall narrative mood of meditation is underscored by special harmonic thinking that creates the effect of "weightlessness", of "unsupportedness". The middle episode, by dint of the richness of its dynamics, serves as a contrast to the two outer sections, whilst the third and final episode is again of an elegiac mood, though, unlike the opening episode, immanent with hidden anxiety.
Tsintsadze's quartet miniatures, composed at different points in his life, are exemplary transcriptions of Georgian folk tunes, where the composer skillfully carries the polyphonic structure of folksongs over into the quartet mode, whether it be in the lyrical Indi Mindi, Suliko, Sisatura or the humorous Tsoli Gamididgulda (A Nagging Wife), or where, as with Sachidao (the tune that accompanies sports competitions) or Mtskemsuri (Shepherd's Dance), he creates masterfully written sketches of folk scenes, imitating the harmonic colors of folk instruments.
Sulkhan Nasidze was one of Georgia's leading composers. A teacher and a prominent figure in public life: People's Artist of Georgia (1980) and holder of the Shota Rustaveli Prize (1973). His major works include eight symphonies (1957 - 1992), 2 concertos for piano (1955, 1961), concertos for violin (1968) and two violins (1979), for violin and cello (1982), for fagot (1994). He is the author of 5 string quartets (1968 - 1992), 2 trios for piano (1960 - 1995), the vocal cycle "From Georgian Poetry" (1969), the oratory "Chemo Samshoblo" (My Motherland, 1967), the ballets Orpheus and Eurydice (1973) and King Lear.
Levan Paliashvili (1895 – 1976)
Composer. Music historian, teacher. The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1967). Author of operas: “Mother and a Child” (1922), “A Knight in a Tiger's Skin” (1925, after Shota Rustaveli's poem), “Iavana” (“Lullaby”, 1933). Cantata (1938), pieces for orchestra and piano, choirs, and romances. Author of textbooks in music theory.
Zakharia (Zacharia) Paliashvili (1871 - 1933)
Z. Paliashvili was born on 16 August 1871 in Kutaisi. His first tutor was his brother Ivan, who later became a conductor. Paliashvili moved to Tbilisi in 1887 as a chorister in the St. Mary Assumption Catholic Church of Tbilisi, eventually entering the music school there, studying French horn and composition. During 1900-1903, he studied composition under Sergei Taneyev at the Moscow Conservatory. Upon returning to his native land, Paliashvili began to play a strong role in developing national music in Georgia. He collected Georgian folk songs, co-founded the Georgian Philharmonic Society, and became head of the Tbilisi Conservatory.
Paliashvili composed works for symphony orchestra (e.g., Georgian Suite on Folk Themes), but is probably best known for his vocal music, which includes choruses and songs. His major works in this regard are the operas Abesalom da Eteri (Absalom and Eteri) (premiered 1919, although a version of Act III was performed in 1913; based on a folk tale "Eteriani"), Daisi (Twilight) (1923), and Latavra (1927).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakaria_Paliashvili
Alexander Shaverzashvili (1919 - 2003)
Graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatory the faculty of composition (A. Balanchivadze classes) in 1944 and postgraduate in 1947. In 1946 - 1955 he worked for the Georgia Film Factory as composer and music designer of the news-reel department. From 1947 he carried out pedagogical activities and from 1955 at the Tbilisi State Conservatory as a professor (from 1971) and in 1968 - 1978 he was appointed as a Head of the Composition Department at the conservatory. In 1972 he was appointed as a vice-rector of the Tbilisi State Conservatory. Among his students were well-known composers Bidzina Kvernadze and Vajha Azarashvili. From 1958 till 1959 he headed the Chamber Department at the Georgian Philharmonic. In 1982 he was awarded the Georgian State Artist's title. He has composed:
Marine (1954), King Oedipus (1964), Towards New Shores 1967 operas.
Three Symphonic Trios (1952, 1968, 1979).
Vocal-symphonic cycle "khma idumali" ("Mysterious Voice", according to N. Baratashvili verses).
Three symphonies (1945, 1962, 1976).
Symphony Poem "To The Fighters of the 1905 Revolution". (1955).
Symphonic picture "Mtkvari" (river in Georgia and Tbilisi) in 1958
Oratory. "Gza ukdavibisgen" (The Way To Deathless) in 7 parts.
Cantata "chemi samshoblos simgerebi" (The Songs Of My Motherland).
Concerto for Voice and Symphony Orchestra.
Trios and quintet for piano
and other small compositions.
Nikoloz Sulkhanishvili (1871–1919)
Composer, singer, and collector of Georgian folk songs. He graduated from Tbilisi Music College (1902). Headed choirs and church choir “a capella” at the Philharmonic. In 1912 – 1914 collected plenty of Kakhetian (Eastern region of Georgia) folk songs. Founded a contemporary Georgian choir and created the first Georgian folk music templates.
Shalva Taktakishvili (1900 – 1965)
Composer, conductor, and violin player. The Honored Worker of Arts of the Republic of Georgia title holder (1949). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory (1928) in composition. Professor of the Conservatory (1941). One of the founders of the “Association of Young Georgian String Orchestra” and then - of the Georgian Symphony Orchestra. He has founded Georgian chamber-folk instrumental music together with I. Tuskia. He also is the author of the first string quartet in Georgia. Operas: “Deputy” (1939), “Otaraant Kvrivi” (1942), Ballet: Maltakva” (1932), two string quartets (1931, 1933). Three single-act operas for children: “The World of Flowers”, “The 1st of May”, and “Autumn”. Pieces for cello and piano “Nana”, “Urmuli”, “Tale”, romances and songs.
Otar Taktakishvili (1924 - 1989)
Otar Taktakishvili graduated from the Tbilisi State Conservatory, while still a student he composed the official anthem of the Georgian SSR. By 1949 he became a Professor at the Tbilisi Conservatory and the conductor and the artistic director of the Georgian State Chorus. In 1951 he received his first Stalin Prize (USSR State Prize) for his First Symphony. In 1962, Taktakishvili became Chairman of the Georgian Composers' Union; and in 1965 the Minister for Culture of the Georgian Republic.
He was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1974, the Lenin Prize in 1982, and the USSR State Prize in 1951, 1952, and 1967.
Taktakishvili's works include operas, two symphonies, four piano concertos, two violin concertos, and two cello concertos, the symphonic poem Mtsyri and the oratorios In the Steps of Rustaveli and Nikoloz Baratashvili. Probably his best-known work in the West is his sonata for flute and piano.
Davit (Guguli) Toradze (1922 – 1983)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1982). He graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory (1928) in piano and composition. Moscow Conservatory (1941) - composition. Tbilisi State Conservatory postgraduate (1952). Professor of the Conservatory (1973). Deputy Chair of the Georgian Composers' Union (1962 - 1968). Author of operas: “Mtebis dzakhili” (“The Call of Mountains”, 1947), “Chrdiloetis patardzali” (The North's Fiance 1958), ballet “Gorda” (1949), “For Peace”, “Mtsiri” (after M. Lermontov's poem), two symphonies (1946, 1968) musicals, choir with a symphony orchestra (Georgian Folk Songs” (1974), overture “Rokva” (1944), concerto for piano (1983), songs and music for films.
Giorgi Tsabadze (1924 – 1986)
The Reputable Citizen of Tbilisi status holder(1983). The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1973). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory (1956). Director of Popular Music Department of the Georgian Philharmonic (1956 – 1975). Author of about 20 operettas - “Song About Love” (1949), “Magnificent Trio” (1963), “Kurka's Wedding” (1969), “Ietim Gurji” (1976), “The Shadow of Metechi” (1984),, musicals “My Fair Brother” (1965), “Italian Affair” (1977). He is the author of more than 200 songs, and music for films (Melodies of Vera District” by G. Shengelaya, 1972).
Sulkhan Tsintsadze (1925 - 1992)
He began his musical career in the 1940s as the cellist in the Georgian State String Quartet. His first composition, based on Georgian folk songs and is a collection of miniatures for string quartet, was an immediate success. He also wrote several operas, ballets, symphonies, and concertos, but it was his compositions for the string quartet that came to take pride of place amongst his works and which made a notable contribution to Georgian music. Tsintsadze's compositions are based on the traditional forms as well as styles and characteristics used by composers such as Shostakovich and Shebalin. Georgian folklore is ever-present in his music.
Sulkhan Tsintsadze was one of Georgia's leading composers. He was awarded the People's Artist of Georgia (1961) and People's Artist of the USSR (1987) titles and was a holder of the USSR Stalin Prize (1950), Shota Rustaveli Prize (1981), Z. Paliashvili Prize (1977).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulkhan_Tsintsadze
Iona Tuskia (1901 – 1963)
The People's Artist of the Republic of Georgia honorary title holder (1962). Graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatory – composition and violin, Leningrad Conservatory (1931). Chair of the Georgian Composers' Union (1935 - 1937). Professor of the conservatory (1950), Rector of the Tbilisi State Conservatory (1952 – 1962). Author of operas “Motherland” (1939), string quartet “Chela” (1926), symphonic pictures “gvelismchameli” (“Snake-eater” after V. Pshavela's poem, 1927), “Keenoba” (1930), a concert for violin (1944), “March-grotesque” (1927) and others. Songs, romances, choirs, and music for theater and films (“Dariko”, 1937, “Narinjis veli”, 1937 by N. Shengelaya).