Customer Reviews

Hovhaness: Holy City Op. 218; Symphony No. 17

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Hovhaness was fusing Western and Eastern music in the 1940s, decades before others followed. This is direct, sincere music which communicates on a spiritual level with no specific religious connotations. Mainly modal, incantatory and serene in mood, it sounds simultaneously archaic and modern. Should appeal to fans of Arvo Part, John Taverner and Kancheli. Scored only for metal instruments, "Symphony No.17" (he wrote 67 in total!) is the stand-out work (of the 6 pieces) ... at once haunting, beautiful, oriental and meditative. 20th century Classical fans will not be disappointed.

Long ago, the Ithaca High School Concert Band issued a vinyl LP purporting to be a recording of Alan Hovhaness's Symphony #17 for Metal Instruments. Anyone who buys this CD expecting to get the same music will be disappointed. The music on this disc, although decent, is clearly not the same work. In fact the numbering of Hovhaness's symphonies appears to have changed. The Mysterious Mountain, which is now #2, was once #4. The original work which I knew as #17, "Symphony for Metal Orchestra", now appears to be #20, "Three Journeys to a Holy Mountain". I wish they would clear up the confusion.