Songs Without Words by the Grigoryan Brothers
If you say the words ‘Grigoryan brothers’ to most classical music fans, they’ll smile and nod knowingly. Renowned for their musicianship since they were teenagers, they’ve released five albums together: pretty much all of them have been nominated for awards. They’re played all the time on ABC Classic FM, and in people’s homes around the world. Slava Grigoryan’s most recent album featured beautiful arrangements of the Bach Cello Suites that I still listen to, these many months later.
On the brothers’ latest collaboration they pay homage to their first teacher, mentor and father, Edward Grigoryan, by performing his arrangements of their favourite works. Edward Grigoryan was the one who started his sons’ love of all things guitar and has helped guide both brothers on their superstar path.
Keeping in mind each brother’s style, you can tell these arrangements were lovingly crafted for each specific performer. Gentle and delightful, this collection of famous works is the perfect wind-down music. With names like ‘Morning Song’, ‘Night Song’, ‘Sad Song’ and ‘After a Dream’, and composers like Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Falla and Faure, you get the sense that this album will be delightful – and exactly what you need at the close of a long day of modern hectic life.