Search - Alan Hovhaness, Rudolf Werthen, Flanders Fiamminghi Orchestra :: Music of Alan Hovhaness

Peaceful, Meditative Music

Doc Sarvis | 07/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Ethereal music, and a divine harp

P. Alvarez | Killeen, Texas United States | 01/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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....

"

Outstanding!

P. Alvarez | 07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."