Search - Alan Hovhaness, Karen Griebling, Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra :: Hovhaness: Music for Horn, Voice & Strings

A welcome release of Hovhaness' chamber works

Russ | Richmond, VA | 01/06/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The works of Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) have long been unjustly neglected, so any new Hovhaness recording is certainly welcome. This is an attractive release, featuring five chamber works cut from the same cloth. That is, these are meditative works, sure to bring solace to the most disquieted individuals.



The most substantial piece on this program is the 'Artik' concerto, scored for French horn and string orchestra. This eight movement concerto was inspired by the architecture of an early Armenian church (Hovhaness was of Armenian ancestry). Those familiar with Hovhaness will quickly identify some of the composer's stylistic fingerprints here, including chorale-like writing, pizzicato murmurings, and reflective, yet noble, melodic passages. This is a gorgeous piece of music. I will mention that this concerto has been previously recorded (Music of Alan Hovhaness: Saint Vartan Symphon; Artik). Both versions are good, but I do prefer the version on the disc referenced above, as that recording contains a mellower, less forward, quality that, in my opinion, suits this music better.



The 'Angelic Song' cantata, scored for soprano, French horn and string orchestra, is also a reflective work. The cantata is notable for its inclusion of Eastern harmonies within its inner verses.



My favorite piece on this program is the Concerto No. 3, which receives its premiere recording here. Although the general mood, and scoring, of this work is comparable to the 'Artik' concerto, I personally find this work to be more compelling due to its greater harmonic and textural contrasts. The compound meter second movement of this work contains an ever-changing horn aria, supported by gentle, but constant, quarter notes in the strings. The effect of the modulating harmonics here is totally captivating.



I would characterize the performance and sound quality here as being good, but not exceptional. The string accompaniment, at times, sounds a little thin, but others may disagree.



If you have been collecting the works of Hovhaness, this disc would make a worthy addition to your library. I hope this is just the beginning of new recordings of Hovhaness' works. My primary observation here, however, is that this release only presents one side of this multi-faceted composer. For that reason, I would recommend most listeners first acquire one or more of the recordings of Hovhaness' symphonies (Alan Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountains and Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto are highly recommended by this reviewer).



Recommended.



TT: 55:00"