Alan Hovhaness 1911-2000
American composer Alan Hovhaness died on 21 June 2000, aged 89. Of Armenian/Scottish descent but born in Somerville, Massachusetts, USA, Hovhaness was influenced deeply by nature. Mountains, in particular, became a recurring theme in the titles of his works: Three Journeys to a Holy Mountain, Mysterious Mountain, To the Green Mountains, Mountains and Rivers without End, Two Macedonia Mountain Dances. Other influences are the philosophies and music of other countries, including China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea and Russia. Extremely self-critical, Hovhaness destroyed about a thousand early works, and was probably the most prolific composer since Haydn, able to make a living entirely from writing music. Music & Vision's Bill Newman met Hovhaness several times: 'He was a fabulous man, a wonderful composer and totally original. The Seattle Symphony/Gerard Schwarz recording of the Mount St Helens Symphony took people by storm.'
Posted: 23 June 2000
Next item:
Whilst Music & Vision strives for accuracy in everything published,
we can accept no responsibility for textual inaccuracy.
|
