Acclaimed Musicians Arsenyan and Hare Release New Digital Single 'Stratum'

The moving work for bass and piano explores themes of fatherhood and Armenian musical traditions.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Navona Records has released a new digital single titled 'Stratum' that brings together acclaimed pianist and composer Hayk Arsenyan and double bassist Matt Hare. The work, commissioned by Hare to honor his late father, features virtuosic playing and melancholic melodies inspired by Armenian medieval music. Recorded for the first time, 'Stratum' showcases the duo's formidable talents through its complex, textured soundscape and lyrical passages.

Why it matters

The release of 'Stratum' highlights the continued collaboration between two acclaimed musicians who are expanding the repertoire for bass and piano. The work's exploration of themes like fatherhood and Armenian musical traditions also provides insight into the personal inspirations behind the composition.

The details

Composed by Arsenyan expressly for the Hare-Arsenyan duo, 'Stratum' utilizes extended playing techniques on bass and piano to create new timbres and sonorities. The piece features lush harmonies, layered polyrhythmic phrases, and virtuosic passages that showcase the broad capacities of the instruments and performers. Hare's deep, melancholic bass lines give way to Arsenyan's delicate piano work, creating an ethereal and emotionally resonant musical experience.

  • The work was published by Zimmerman Publications in Laguna Beach, California in 2014.
  • 'Stratum' was premiered that same year at the International Bass Convention in Fort Collins, Colorado and toured across the United States and Canada.

The players

Hayk Arsenyan

A New York-based pianist and composer who has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, appearing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall.

Matt Hare

A prolific double bassist, performer, composer, and educator based in Southern California. He recently premiered his orchestration of 'Stratum' with the University of California at Irvine Symphony Orchestra.

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What they’re saying

“Stratum explores various extended playing techniques on bass and piano to create new timbres and sonorities that complement lyrical melodies, inspired by Armenian medieval traditions.”

— Hayk Arsenyan, Composer (The Armenian Mirror-Spectator)

“Hare's deep, melancholic lines in the bass give way to Arsenyan's delicate piano passages, making an ethereal splash of beauty that softens Hare's dark, rich and commanding tone.”

— The Armenian Mirror-Spectator (The Armenian Mirror-Spectator)

What’s next

The work is expected to continue touring and being performed by Arsenyan and Hare in recitals across the United States.

The takeaway

The release of 'Stratum' showcases the continued collaboration between two acclaimed musicians who are expanding the repertoire for bass and piano while exploring themes of personal significance, such as fatherhood and Armenian musical traditions.