Aram Khachaturian
Aram Ilich Khachaturian (Russian Аpaм Илич Xaчaтypян) (June 6, 1903 - May 1, 1978) was a composer of classical music.
Khachaturian was born in Tiflis, Georgia, Russia (now Tbilisi, Georgia) to an Armenian family (several of his works show the influence of Armenian folk music). He studied music in Moscow under Nikolay Myaskovsky and Mikhail Gnesin. In 1951, he became professor at the Gnesiny State Musical and Pedagogical Institute (Moscow) and the Moscow Conservatory.
His works include concertos for violin, cello and piano (the latter originally including an early part for the flexatone), three symphonies and the ballets Spartak and Gayane, the latter opening with what is probably his most famous movement, the "Sabre Dance". He also composed some film music.
He died in Moscow, short of his 75th birthday.