Customer Reviews

Music of Alan Hovhaness

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4 star:		(1)
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Alan Hovhaness (who incidentially passed away just a few weeks ago as of this writing) is somewhat obscure, but I believe that he will someday be recognized as one of the twentieth century's greatest composers. Forsaking the atonalism that dominated his era, Hovhaness drew his inspiriation from an eclectic mix of ethnic influences, and from the world of nature.

While hardly "typical" of his work, this album of harp-based music displays the Hovhaness stamp in terms of organization, structure, etc. (his style, once identified, is instantly recognizable). It's the instrumentation that makes this unique. Yolanda Kondonassis is marvelous performer who obviously holds a great deal of affection for this music.

One would expect harp music to be quiet, etherial and evocative; this recording does not disappoint. It creates a mood of quiet and mystery, suggesting images of misty forests and far-off shores, but with a depth that lifts it beyond mere new-age noodling and into the classical tradition.

At first listen, this album appears to be "background music", the kind you'd expect to hear playing in a shop of some sort. But upon closer inspection, Hovhaness' unique style and gift for counterpoint is revealed, and the music is seen for what it is: The work of a masterful composer.

This Cd is of the great music of

the wonderful composer Alan Hovhaness.

No matter what your favorite style is,

this music you will fine it to be divine,

spiritual.The sonata for the unusual

combination of harp and guitar,"The

Spirit of Trees" was composed in 1983

and is here recorded for the first time.

Unique about this Cd is that money from

sales will help protect the enviroment

worldwide...Unique music, wonderful performances

great price, peak quality sound, and a

noble cause....

An outstanding and important collection of Hovhaness' music. Performed flawlessly on harp, the music is emotionally powerful. The orchestra is wonderful, making this "modern" music both lush and beautiful. This music shines out above all the ugly music of the late 20th century; Hovhaness is one of the best composers we had.

Hovhaness is a new discovery for me, and one that has opened up new vistas in music -- however his unique compositions may be defined. I first noticed his name in a catalog of a retrospective exhibit of the paintings of Boston expressionist artist Hyman Bloom. Being a fan of Bloom's, I decided to check out the music of his composer friend (who passed away several years ago)-- and did not regret it! As this wonderful CD eloquently shows, Hovhaness was a spiritually-inspired and innovative composer whose eclectic vision encompassed a range of unusual combinations of instruments guided by his resolute exploration of the inner world.

I was mostly unfamiliar with the music of this composer, but this has to be one of the most beautiful albums of harp music that I have ever heard. It is restful and healing, and a wonderful antidote to the stresses of modern living. Hovhaness' love of nature comes through in almost every peace. It seems almost all of the compositions are influenced by the music of the Far East with pentatonic melodies predominant. My two favorites are the Concerto for Harp and an apparently newly recorded one called "Spirit of Trees." Don't hesitate to buy it.

Ah......the sheer beauty and profundity of piece #5 "Andante Appassionato" is beyond words. Music like this relaxes your soul, mind and spirit. This is what music SHOULD be, but usually isn't!

The first 5 tracks on this CD are wonderful. The remainder I've never really gotten into.

I perceive the music of Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) to be dark, eerie, mysterious, occasionally foreboding, but above all strangely beautiful! If album cover-art can project how the music within will sound, then the cover for this outstanding album is picture-perfect with its dreary and gloomy fog-laden trees and brush. I enjoy listening to this late at night when all is quiet and still, or on dark and rainy days. Upon initial listening, I didn't like this album one bit! It sounded too creepy and I had trouble getting into it. If I had heard this music as a little boy, it would have scared me to pieces! It surely would have induced nightmares in me. But curiously enough, I was allured somehow and felt a need to give it another listen. After I got past my ridiculous sense of fear that an evil spirit might suddenly appear and have its way with me, I relaxed and really listened to the beauty of Alan Hovhaness. Hovhaness was inspired by many cultures whist composing and experimented heavily, often resulting in harsh criticism and ridicule of those unfamiliar with his radically different styles. With each listen, I gain understanding and appreciation of the musical genius of this marvelous 20th century composer. It is truly a lovely album and Yolanda Kondonassis is to be commended highly for bringing much deserved attention to this wonderful music and composer. Ms. Kondonassis is a brilliant and immensely talented harpist. This album is a great value too, featuring over 70 minutes of excellent music!

Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness passed away not long after the release of this recording. His music is typically characterized by ample melody, mild exoticism, and a sense of joy in life, music, and nature. Harpist Kondonassis seems to share in that joy, as her performances seem just right for this program.

The opening composition, Spirit of Trees, is a sonata for harp and guitar (played here by David Leisner). The two instruments blend together marvelously, and the music is gentle but evocative. In the brief (about 18 minutes) Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra, Ms. Kondonassis is accompanied by I Fiamminghi in a work that emphasizes beauty and expression more than virtuosity. Upon Enchanted Ground, featuring the unusual combination of harp, flute, cello, and giant tam-tam, sounds something like a miniature ballet score as it leaps and twirls and pirouettes. The Sonata for Harp continues the dance-like atmosphere, and the concluding Garden of Adonis is a duet for harp and flute (here played by Eugenia Zukerman), has an air of mystery about it.

Hovhaness's works for smaller instrumental forces seem to these ears more interesting than his orchestral scores. All things considered, this is a delightful recording, and the sound quality is exquisite.