Album Review KHACHATURIAN (Jean-Yves Thibaudet, pianist; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; LA Phil)

Jean-Yves Thibaudet Revives Khachaturian with Dazzling Virtuosity

Jean-Yves Thibaudet is on a mission, and Khachaturian, his latest release on Decca Classics, proves just how passionately he champions overlooked repertoire. Anchored by a live recording of Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, this album is both a love letter to the composer and a testament to Thibaudet’s flair for breathing new life into forgotten gems.

The Piano Concerto was once a Cold War-era sensation, championed by greats like William Kapell and Oscar Levant before slipping into relative obscurity. But Thibaudet, who has performed it for nearly 30 years, delivers a fresh, electrifying interpretation—one which I was lucky enough to catch live. And with Gustavo Dudamel at the helm, the LA Phil matches his energy note for note in this high-wire performance captured live over just two concerts. Listening to it again, there are nuances captured for the recording that are tough to hear at a live concert. Is it possible it’s even better recorded?! Yes, and more thrilling.

Beyond the concerto, Thibaudet showcases the breadth of Khachaturian’s artistry with an inspired selection of solo piano works. His Pictures of Childhood suite reveals a delicate, almost Classical side of the composer, while Oscar Levant’s transcriptions of Sabre Dance and Lullaby burst with virtuosic flair. But the real highlights are Thibaudet’s own transcriptions—the Adagio from Spartacus and a reimagining of the Masquerade suite—which add a deeply personal touch to an already heartfelt project.

If Khachaturian has felt like a historical footnote in recent years, Thibaudet’s Khachaturian makes a compelling case for his revival. Passionate, powerful, and deeply personal, this album is a triumph—one that will make you wonder why this music ever faded in the first place.

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