Alan Hovhaness Quotes
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The Life and Work of Alan Hovhaness
Born in 1911 in Boston’s Armenian Community
The life and work of Alan Hovhaness, a composer of Armenian descent born in Boston’s Armenian community in 1911, is a testament to his unique blend of cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
Hovhaness was born on March 8, 1911, to an Armenian family who had immigrated to the United States from Turkey. He grew up in a close-knit Armenian community in Boston’s West End, where he was exposed to the rich musical traditions of his ancestors.
As a young boy, Hovhaness began playing the violin and later went on to study music at Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He continued his studies at the New England Conservatory and later with the famous composer Nadia Boulanger in Paris.
Hovhaness’ compositional style was characterized by his use of Eastern musical elements, such as modal harmony and melodic patterns inspired by Armenian folk music, combined with Western classical forms and instrumentation. His music often expressed a sense of mysticism and spirituality, reflecting his deep connection to his Armenian heritage.
Throughout his career, Hovhaness composed over 400 works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, as well as sacred choral pieces and film scores. Some of his most notable compositions include:
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‘Mysterious Mountain’ (1965)
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‘Symphony No. 2 in B flat’ (1944)
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‘Cello Concerto No. 1’ (1958)
Despite facing financial struggles and criticism from some within the music establishment, Hovhaness continued to compose with unwavering dedication until his death on June 21, 2000.
Hovhaness’ legacy extends far beyond his own music. He has inspired countless composers and musicians to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Armenian people and the possibilities of combining Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Father was a Violinist and his Mother was of Armenian Heritage
The life and work of Alan Hovhaness, a composer whose ancestry was Armenian and French, spanned over six decades with a prolific output that showcased his unique blend of Eastern and Western musical influences.
Born on March 8, 1911, in Boston’s South End, Massachusetts, Hovhaness was the son of an Armenian father, Mikaël Hovhannisyan, who was a violinist, and a French mother, Claire Garabedian.
This rich cultural heritage played a significant role in shaping his musical style, which combined elements of Armenian folk music with classical Western influences.
Hovhaness studied at the Boston Latin School and later attended Harvard University for two years before dropping out to pursue a career in music.
He went on to study composition under the guidance of noted instructors such as Walter Piston, Randall Thompson, and John Verrall.
In 1940, Hovhaness converted to Theosophy, an esoteric philosophy that emphasized spiritual growth and the interconnectedness of all things. This conversion had a profound impact on his music, which began to reflect his interest in Eastern mysticism and spiritual themes.
During World War II, Hovhaness served in the US Army, stationed in New York, where he worked at NBC Radio and composed film scores for documentaries and educational films.
After the war, he returned to Boston and began a long and productive career as a composer, producing over 500 works spanning multiple genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, vocal pieces, and film scores.
Hovhaness’s compositional style was characterized by its use of exotic instrumentation, extended harmonies, and modal scales. His works often featured elements of Armenian folk music and classical Western influences.
Some notable examples of his compositions include the “Mysterious Mountains” series, which drew inspiration from the mountains of New England; the “Symphony No. 2,” a work that combined elements of Eastern mysticism with classical Western forms; and the opera “And God Created Woman,” a work based on the biblical story of Eve.
Hovhaness’s music was performed by leading orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout his long life, Hovhaness received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including several ASCAP Awards for film scores and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Award for Best Classical Composition.
Hovhaness passed away on June 1, 2000, at the age of 89. His legacy as a composer continues to be celebrated by music lovers around the world, who recognize him as one of the most innovative and influential composers of his generation.
**Discography:**
* Hovhaness’s complete discography includes over 250 albums featuring his compositions.
* Some notable recordings include:
+ “Symphony No. 2” (Naxos Records)
+ “Mysterious Mountains” series (Naxos Records)
+ “And God Created Woman” (Centaur Records)
**Quotations from Alan Hovhaness:**
* “Music is the poetry of the soul.”
* “I believe that music should be a spiritual experience, not just an intellectual exercise.”
* “The only true originality comes from within, and it must express itself through one’s art.”
These quotes reflect Hovhaness’s deep commitment to music as a means of expressing the human experience, and his belief in the transformative power of music to touch the soul.
In summary, Alan Hovhaness was a composer whose life and work reflected the rich cultural heritage of his Armenian father and French mother. His unique blend of Eastern and Western musical influences produced over 500 works that continue to be celebrated by music lovers around the world.
Hovhaness’ Musical Style and Influences
Blending Eastern and Western Traditions
Hovhaness’ musical style was characterized by a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions, reflecting his Armenian heritage and interests in mysticism, mythology, and nature.
One of the distinctive features of his music is the use of exotic scales and melodic patterns, often derived from ancient Armenian and Persian sources. For example, he employed the use of the pentatonic scale in many of his compositions, giving them an otherworldly and meditative quality.
Hovhaness was also heavily influenced by Western classical music traditions, particularly the Romantic era, which is evident in his use of large orchestras, complex harmonies, and virtuosic solo passages.
His compositions often incorporated elements from Eastern musical traditions, such as the use of microtones (intervals smaller than a semitone) and modal interchange. This created a sense of tension and release that was reminiscent of Indian ragas or Middle Eastern maqam music.
Hovhaness’ love of mythology and mysticism is reflected in his use of programmatic titles, which often referenced ancient myths, legends, and mystical concepts. His compositions were meant to evoke specific emotions, moods, and images, rather than simply being abstract musical exercises.
Some notable examples of Hovhaness’ eclectic blend of Eastern and Western traditions include:
- Mysterious Mountain, which features a pentatonic melody over a background of chromatic chord progressions.
- And God Created the Genius, which incorporates elements of Indian ragas and modal interchange.
- City People, which uses large orchestral forces to evoke the energy and vitality of city life.
Hovhaness’ musical style was not limited to his use of Eastern and Western traditions, but also reflected his interests in nature and the environment. Many of his compositions feature natural imagery and metaphors, such as mountains, forests, and rivers.
His music often had a sense of timelessness and universality, which was perhaps due to its roots in ancient traditions and mystical concepts. Despite being influenced by specific cultural and musical sources, Hovhaness’ music has a distinctly global quality that continues to inspire audiences today.
In summary, Hovhaness’ musical style was characterized by a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions, reflecting his Armenian heritage, interests in mysticism and nature, and love of mythology. His compositions often incorporated elements from ancient musical sources, creating a sense of tension and release that was reminiscent of Indian ragas or Middle Eastern maqam music.
Prolific Composer, Writing over 300 Works in 60 Years
Hovhaness was a prolific composer who wrote over 300 works in his 60-year career, demonstrating an incredible versatility and range as a musician.
His musical style was deeply influenced by Eastern and Western classical music traditions, drawing on Armenian, Persian, Indian, and Chinese elements to create a unique sound that blended mysticism, spirituality, and emotional depth.
Hovhaness was particularly drawn to the spiritual and philosophical concepts of various cultures, and his music reflects this interest in its use of symbolic forms, mythological allusions, and mystical themes.
His early works were heavily influenced by Armenian folk music, as well as the Impressionism of Claude Debussy, while later compositions began to incorporate elements of minimalism and aleatoric music, reflecting his growing interest in avant-garde techniques.
Hovhaness’s orchestral music often features complex rhythms, unusual instrumental textures, and a range of timbres that push the boundaries of what was possible on traditional instruments.
His chamber music works are equally innovative, featuring extended instrumental techniques, intricate patterns, and a focus on individual voices within the ensemble.
In addition to his orchestral and chamber works, Hovhaness also wrote a significant number of vocal pieces, including operas, oratorios, and song cycles that explore themes of love, nature, and spirituality.
Hovhaness’s music was not limited to traditional concert formats; he also composed for film, dance, and solo piano, demonstrating an incredible range and adaptability as a composer.
Throughout his career, Hovhaness maintained a strong commitment to new musical forms and techniques, while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of classical music.
Hovhaness’s legacy as a composer has been increasingly recognized over the past few decades, with many of his works being reevaluated and rediscovered by performers and audiences around the world.
Legacy and Recognition
Awards and Honors from Universities and Government Bodies
The concept of legacy and recognition in the context of awards and honors is a multifaceted one that encompasses various aspects, including academic institutions and government bodies.
Awards and honors bestowed by universities can serve as tangible manifestations of an individual’s contributions to their respective fields. These accolades often take the form of honorary degrees, professorships, or lifetime achievement awards. For instance, renowned individuals such as Nelson Mandela received honorary doctorates from prominent universities like Cambridge University in recognition of their extraordinary service.
Similarly, government bodies have established various programs and initiatives to recognize outstanding achievements within specific fields or industries. These accolades can manifest in the form of prestigious medals, orders of merit, or even national honors.
In many cases, these awards are accompanied by significant financial rewards or other benefits. For instance, winners of certain competitions may receive substantial prizes or funding for their research or projects.
Universities and government bodies can also recognize an individual’s contributions through various forms of recognition, including scholarships, grants, or fellowships. These opportunities often aim to support talented individuals in pursuing their educational goals or advancing their careers in specific fields.
The impact of awards and honors is far-reaching, influencing the trajectory of an individual’s career and contributing significantly to shaping public discourse around specific issues. The legacy of these recognitions can extend beyond the lifetime of the recipients, inspiring future generations and serving as a testament to the lasting influence of their work.
Commissions by Ensembles and Orchestras around the World
The recognition and legacy of an artist’s work are often a testament to their enduring impact on the world of music. For Alan Hovhaness, this legacy extends far beyond his native United States, with commissions by ensembles and orchestras around the globe. The esteemed British composer and musician, Colin Matthews, has noted that Hovhaness’ “ecstatic, ecstatic and visionary” music has become a staple of the classical repertoire.
Hovhaness’ unique blend of Eastern mysticism, American folk influences, and avant-garde experimentation has captivated audiences worldwide. His iconic compositions, such as “Mysterious Mountain” and “And God Created Man,” are regularly performed by prominent ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic.
One notable example of Hovhaness’ global recognition is his commission from the renowned conductor, Seiji Ozawa, to write a symphony for the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. The resulting work, “Mysteries of the Nativity,” premiered in 1984 and has since become a staple of the orchestra’s repertoire.
Additionally, Hovhaness’ music has been widely performed by prominent ensembles from across Europe, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Paris Opera Orchestra. His legacy extends to the realm of chamber music as well, with works such as his String Quartet No. 6 being frequently performed by top-notch quartets like the Emerson String Quartet.
The international appeal of Hovhaness’ music is not limited to live performances; his recordings have also been widely celebrated and admired. His debut recording for Columbia Records in the early 1960s, featuring the legendary cellist, Zara Nelsova, marked a significant milestone in his career and helped introduce his unique sound to a broader audience.
Hovhaness’ influence extends beyond the realm of classical music as well. His use of microtonal tuning and unconventional instrumental techniques has inspired generations of musicians across various genres, from jazz to rock and electronic music.
In conclusion, Alan Hovhaness’ remarkable legacy is a testament to his innovative spirit, his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression, and his ability to transcend cultural and geographical divides. His recognition by ensembles and orchestras around the world serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to unite and inspire humanity.
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