AH

Alan Hovhaness

26quotes

Alan Hovhaness: A Life of Music and Spirituality


Full Name and Common Aliases


Alan Hovhaness was a renowned American composer, known professionally as Alan Hovhaness, although he is sometimes credited as Alvan or Alan Vartanian.

Birth and Death Dates


He was born on August 8, 1911, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on June 3, 2000, at the age of 88.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Alan Hovhaness was an American composer of Armenian descent. His career spanned multiple disciplines, including composition, music education, and performance.

Early Life and Background


Born to a family of Armenian immigrants, Alan's early life was marked by a strong connection to his cultural heritage. His father, a violinist, introduced him to classical music at an early age. Hovhaness began playing the piano at five and later studied composition with some of Boston's most prominent musicians.

Major Accomplishments


Hovhaness's contributions to American classical music are immeasurable. He composed over 400 works, including symphonies, operas, ballets, and chamber music pieces. His unique blend of Armenian folk melodies, Western harmony, and Eastern mysticism created a distinctive sound that captivated audiences worldwide.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Hovhaness's most notable compositions include:

"Mysterious Mountain" (1954), a symphony that captures the essence of his spiritual connection to nature.
 "And God Created Little Adam" (1963-65), an opera based on Armenian mythology.
* His numerous works for solo piano, showcasing his mastery of the instrument.

Hovhaness's influence extended beyond music. He was a devoted spiritual seeker, studying various Eastern philosophies and practicing meditation throughout his life.

Impact and Legacy


Alan Hovhaness's impact on American classical music is profound. His innovative style and thematic exploration of spirituality have inspired generations of composers. The Alan Hovhaness Chamber Music Series at the University of Oregon, established in 2001, continues to celebrate his legacy through performances and educational programs.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Alan Hovhaness's quotes and writings often convey a sense of reverence for nature, spirituality, and the human experience. His music serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, evoking emotions and sparking introspection in listeners worldwide. As a composer, educator, and spiritual seeker, Alan Hovhaness has left an enduring legacy that transcends his own time, speaking directly to the hearts of those who engage with his work.

Hovhaness's music and philosophy continue to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations of composers, musicians, and spiritual seekers. His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the world through their art and dedication to their craft.

Quotes by Alan Hovhaness

I was born in Somerville, but I don’t remember very much about it because we moved from there to Arlington when I was five years old, and it was in Arlington that I spent most of my childhood.
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I was born in Somerville, but I don’t remember very much about it because we moved from there to Arlington when I was five years old, and it was in Arlington that I spent most of my childhood.
AH
It’s hard for me to think of others because I’m not particularly in sympathy with the music of this century.
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It’s hard for me to think of others because I’m not particularly in sympathy with the music of this century.
AH
I found a greater identity with my own emotions in the Armenian culture as I grew older, as well as from the beginning, although I didn’t know anything about it.
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I found a greater identity with my own emotions in the Armenian culture as I grew older, as well as from the beginning, although I didn’t know anything about it.
AH
My mother’s background was Scottish. She came from an old family, some of whom lived in upper New York State and some of whom had come over from Scotland.
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My mother’s background was Scottish. She came from an old family, some of whom lived in upper New York State and some of whom had come over from Scotland.
AH
My purpose is to create music not for snobs, but for all people, music which is beautiful and healing. To attempt what old Chinese painters called ‘spirit resonance’ in melody and sound.
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My purpose is to create music not for snobs, but for all people, music which is beautiful and healing. To attempt what old Chinese painters called ‘spirit resonance’ in melody and sound.
AH
I’ve always regarded nature as the clothing of God.
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I’ve always regarded nature as the clothing of God.
AH
I had been composing but I didn't know I was. When I realized that this was what I had been doing, I began to take it seriously.
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I had been composing but I didn't know I was. When I realized that this was what I had been doing, I began to take it seriously.
AH
#began
In back of the house where I was born there was an attic and from there you could see a poorhouse. I remember that very clearly.
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In back of the house where I was born there was an attic and from there you could see a poorhouse. I remember that very clearly.
AH
#attic
Also, many very good records of contemporary music have been allowed to disappear. They don't recut them even when they are successful.
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Also, many very good records of contemporary music have been allowed to disappear. They don't recut them even when they are successful.
AH
#allowed
The composer...joins Heaven and Earth with threads of sounds.
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The composer...joins Heaven and Earth with threads of sounds.
AH
#heaven
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