Hovhaness, Alan (1911 - 2000)

[Richard Barrett]

Hi Richard - Apologies, I think my comment was misguided. I have, on the whole, been fascinated and delighted by the many new and rediscovered composers that have lately been appearing on Radio 3. Only time will tell which ones will make it into a more inclusive canon - indeed, most will probably fade away again, but it's good to get the chance to hear this music.

I was just wondering who you were talking about in particular - there was nothing else behind my question!

[Bryn]

I was just wondering who you were talking about in particular - there was nothing else behind my question!

I think t'other Richard might have been being addressed, i.e. richardfinegold.

[Mario]

With listening to the Hovhaness symphonies one has to completely forget about symphonic form in the traditional sense, but rather take it as a ritualistic, almost timeless & dreamlike experience. It is a world that one tends to either be totally 'in tune' with or not at all. I've recordings of quite a few of the 67 numbered symphonies and have listened to 50 of them. No 2 'Mysterious Mountain' is the best known. Among the more engaging symphonies are Nos 7, 11, 17 & 19 'Vishnu' which is among his best works IMO, 46, 48 & 50 'Mount St Helens' the recording of which became an unlikely best seller in the early 1990's. His songs are very attractive, although unfortunately most were recorded by his wife, and sadly listening to her singing is a rather painful experience! The Prayer of St Gregory for Trumpet & Strings is another work that his broadcast from time to time. I'm also rather fond of the 2nd Guitar Concerto.

I mean what I say Sc. I really would like to get to know this composer more. You seem to know quite a few of his symphonies - any recommended recordings please, even if it's only a listing of what you own?

Thanks in advance,

Mario

[Suffolkcoastal]

Sorry about being slow to get back to you. There's quite a number of his symphonies that have been commercially recorded, a fair number (including Delos recordings from the 1990s) are on Naxos CDs. Hovhaness also had his own recording label Crystal Records, a number of which are on CD, though the performances vary in quality. There's also the artmusic forum & one member has added a considerable number of non-commercial recordings of his music. They are under United States Music at this addresshttp://artmusic.smfforfree.com/index.php/board,92.0.html Hopefully the recordings & links are still there.

[Mario]

Sorry about being slow to get back to you. There's quite a number of his symphonies that have been commercially recorded, a fair number (including Delos recordings from the 1990s) are on Naxos CDs. Hovhaness also had his own recording label Crystal Records, a number of which are on CD, though the performances vary in quality. There's also the artmusic forum & one member has added a considerable number of non-commercial recordings of his music. They are under United States Music at this addresshttp://artmusic.smfforfree.com/index.php/board,92.0.html Hopefully the recordings & links are still there.

Most grateful to you Sc - currently surveying what's available.

Mario