Music of Alan Hovhaness

Herwig Coryn (Performer), Alan Hovhaness (Composer), Rudolf Werthen (Conductor), Eugenia Zukerman (Performer), David Leisner (Performer), Yolanda Kondonassis (Performer), Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Performer: Herwig Coryn, Eugenia Zukerman, David Leisner, Yolanda Kondonassis
• Orchestra: Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra
• Conductor: Rudolf Werthen
• Composer: Alan Hovhaness
• Audio CD (April 25, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00004S8A8
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,893 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( H ) > Hovhaness, Alan
  #11 in	Music > Classical > Instruments > Strings > Harp
  #30 in	Music > Classical > Chamber Music > Duets

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peaceful, Meditative Music, July 17, 2000

By	Doc Sarvis - See all my reviews

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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethereal music, and a divine harp, January 15, 2005

By	P. Alvarez "vivaldi116" (Killeen, Texas United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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....

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, July 29, 2001

By A Customer

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.