Aram Khachaturian Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Waltz from “Masquerade”Aram Khachaturian11rank/position

Khachaturian: Suite “Masquerade” – No. 1, Waltz

It is a composition by Aram Khachaturian.

Khachaturian is known for his bold and intense style, and he also composed the “Sabre Dance” used in the ballet Gayane.

This piece is one of the numbers from the incidental music for Masquerade, which premiered in 1941.

It was later arranged by Khachaturian himself into a suite for orchestra, and today it is familiar to Japanese audiences not only through orchestral concerts but also because many figure skaters—including Nobunari Oda and Mao Asada—have used it in their programs.

Album for Children 1 “A Boy’s Album of Paintings” ‘Wooden Horse’Aram Khachaturian12rank/position

Khachaturian: The Little Horse (from Children's Album 1 “Pictures of Childhood”) | A. I. Khachaturian: The Little Horse

For those who have just started playing the piano, a cool classical piece I recommend is this work by Aram Khachaturian.

It vividly captures a child’s playfulness and imagination, and is characterized by a light, rhythmic feel.

Its unique rhythms and melodies, infused with elements of folk music, are captivating and leave a fresh impression on listeners.

For piano learners, it also serves as an excellent study piece that helps develop rhythmic accuracy and expressive skills.

Composed in 1926, the piece remains widely loved and frequently performed today.

It’s a popular choice in children’s piano studies as well, so why not add it to your repertoire?

Violin ConcertoAram Khachaturian13rank/position

Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D minor – Oistrakh / Khachaturian / Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra

Khachaturian was an Armenian conductor and composer from Georgia who was active in the 20th century.

The city where he was born and raised, Tbilisi, means “the city of song,” and growing up surrounded by Georgian bands and Armenian street performances, he won fame by bringing enchanting, untamed rhythms and melodies into the orchestra.

In this piece as well, powerful rhythms and dance-like violin vitality weave in Romani earthiness and an Arabian wistfulness, creating a singular presence.

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‘Sabre Dance’ from the ballet GayaneAram Khachaturian14rank/position

Sabre Dance (Khachaturian) Pianist Yuki Kondo / Khachaturian Sabre Dance (Gayane) Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

Aram Khachaturian is an Armenian composer who epitomized the Soviet era.

The excerpt Sabre Dance from his signature ballet Gayane captivates audiences with its unrelenting energy and tension.

Composed in 1942, the piece gained popularity in the West after World War II.

It exists in numerous arrangements for different instruments and has been used as background music in films and television shows.

Of course, it’s frequently performed on piano as well and is a favorite for recitals.

Brimming with passion and imbued with an homage to Armenian folk music and dance, this piece is highly recommended for anyone interested in ballet or folk dance.

Flute Concerto, Movement IAram Khachaturian15rank/position

Flute Concerto, First Movement (Khachaturian)

This is a masterpiece that highlights the flute’s elegant tone.

Originally composed as a violin concerto in 1940, it was arranged for flute in 1968.

Featuring melodies influenced by Armenian folk music and vivid harmonies, it brings out the flute’s full appeal.

Known as a challenging work that allows the soloist to showcase their virtuosity, it has been recorded by world-renowned flutists such as Jean-Pierre Rampal and James Galway.

It’s a recommended piece not only for classical music fans but also for those interested in folk music.

You’ll be amazed by the flute’s wide expressive range.

Children’s Album, Volume I: ‘Album of My Childhood’ No. 5: EtudeAram Khachaturian16rank/position

Grade C Khachaturian: Etude (2022 PTNA Competition Set Piece) pf. Mai Koshio

This piece is included in Aram Khachaturian’s collection Children’s Album, Book 1: Pictures of Childhood, known for Sabre Dance.

The Russian composer Khachaturian was born in Tiflis in June 1903 and studied at the Moscow Conservatory.

This work is a piano collection for children, suitable for beginner to intermediate pianists.

Within its short pieces, it portrays the image of a lively boy, featuring abundant eighth-note staccato passages and distinctive rhythms.

Why not perform this stylish, brilliantly effective work with confidence on a recital stage?

Waltz from the suite “Masquerade”Aram Khachaturian17rank/position

Khachaturian: Suite “Masquerade”: Waltz [Naxos Classic Curation #Gorgeous] / Khachaturian: Masquerade / Waltz

Incidental music based on the play Masquerade by the great Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov.

After the premiere, Khachaturian himself arranged it into an orchestral suite of five pieces: Waltz, Nocturne, Mazurka, Romance, and Galop.

Masquerade is set in the aristocratic society of late Imperial Russia and tells the story of a marital scandal that unfolds after a visit to a masquerade ball.

This piece is the waltz that Nina, the protagonist’s wife, danced for the last time in her life.

It vividly conveys both the splendor and the mysterious, shadowy atmosphere of the masquerade.

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