Ballet
Gayane
You almost certainly know one piece of this ballet even if you have never heard its name, because the Sabre Dance is everywhere. Khachaturian built the whole score around Armenian folk music and it absolutely crackles with energy. The ballet itself has been reworked many times, but that music is forever.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Aram Khachaturian
- Choreographer
- Nina Anisimova (original 1942 version)
- Premiere
- 1942, Kirov Ballet, performed in Perm (then Molotov)
- Structure
- Originally four acts
The story
Khachaturian's score tells a story set on an Armenian collective farm, following the young woman Gayane through love, hardship, and loyalty. The plot has been revised repeatedly over the decades, so companies treat the libretto loosely, but the folk-inflected dances and the famous whirling Sabre Dance remain the heart of it. Today it is heard far more often in concert suites than seen staged in full.
What Gayane is famous for
- The Sabre Dance
- Khachaturian's Armenian folk-based score
- Its widely performed orchestral suites
- A libretto that has been revised many times
Companies that perform Gayane
Gayane is in the repertoire of companies including Bolshoi Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gayane most famous for?
The Sabre Dance, a fast and ferociously energetic number that has become one of the most recognizable pieces of orchestral music in the world.
Who wrote the music?
Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, who drew heavily on Armenian folk melodies and rhythms.
Is the story fixed?
No. The libretto has been revised many times over the years, so the plot details vary between productions while the score stays central.
Who composed Gayane?
Gayane was composed by Aram Khachaturian.
How long is Gayane?
Gayane is a originally four acts ballet; running time varies by production.