Komitas Vardapet
In the early 1940s, composer Alan Hovhaness significantly changed the direction of his music by incorporating elements from Eastern cultures. His work as an organist at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, influenced this shift. There, he became immersed in Armenian religious traditions and music and discovered unique musical patterns and styles that resonated with him deeply.
Komitas Vartabed, a highly regarded Armenian composer and priest, was a key figure in this transformation. Komitas was known for his simple yet powerful approach to music, which had a lasting impact on Hovhaness. Inspired by how Komitas could express deep emotions using just a few notes, Hovhaness sought to adopt a similar style in his own compositions. He later recorded some of Komitas’s piano pieces and conducted his choral music, demonstrating the strong influence Komitas had on him.
Komitas Vartabed, born Soghomon Soghomonyan in 1869, is considered a foundational figure in Armenian music. Despite facing many challenges in his early life, including losing his family, he honed his musical abilities within the Armenian Church. He played a significant role in shaping Armenian liturgical music, forming choirs, studying folk songs, and advancing music education. His efforts helped preserve many Armenian melodies and led to the creation of the “Patarag,” a notable work of church music. Unfortunately, Komitas’s life was deeply affected by the Armenian Genocide in 1915, which took a toll on his mental health and creativity. Although he composed less in his later years, his legacy as a central figure in Armenian music continues to inspire Hovhaness and many others today.
Indian Music
As part of his musical journey, Hovhaness combined elements from both Western and Eastern musical traditions, particularly influenced by Indian music. His fascination with Indian sounds began in the 1930s when he attended performances by Uday Shankar and Vishnu Shirali in Boston. Later, he had the opportunity to study Indian classical music in India as a Fulbright Scholar from 1959 to 1960.
His experiences in India had a profound impact on his music, leading to unique compositions like “Nagooran,” which features a variety of Indian instruments. One of his notable achievements was the premiere of his work “Arjuna” (Symphony No. 8) at the Madras Music Festival, where he was the first Western musician invited to perform. Hovhaness’s compositions often include Indian musical elements, resulting in rich and meditative sounds that appeal to audiences from both Eastern and Western backgrounds, making his music a beautiful bridge between cultures.
Jean Sibelius
Alan Hovhaness was significantly influenced by the music of Jean Sibelius. Hovhaness first encountered Sibelius’ work at a concert in Boston, where he heard the Finnish composer’s Fourth Symphony. This experience profoundly impacted him, prompting a journey to Finland in 1935. During that visit, Hovhaness met Sibelius and formed a personal friendship, which was highlighted by Sibelius becoming the godfather to Hovhaness’ daughter, Jean Christina. This connection reflected Hovhaness’ deep admiration for Sibelius.
Although Hovhaness had strong ties to Sibelius, he later wanted to emphasize that his music incorporated a wider range of influences, including Eastern sounds and traditions from Armenia and Kurdistan. While you can hear hints of Sibelius’ style in some of Hovhaness’ earlier works—like the simple melodies for strings—the unique blend of Western and Eastern music forms truly defines Hovhaness’s own artistic journey.
Jean Sibelius was a major figure in Finland’s music scene and influenced composers worldwide. His works, such as the famous Finlandia and various symphonies, are known for their emotional richness and connection to the natural world. Sibelius was meticulous with his compositions, ensuring each note served a purpose in conveying emotion. Despite facing personal challenges, including financial issues and health problems, he remained a significant presence in music. In his later years, living at Ainola, a peaceful retreat, Sibelius kept working on his music, leaving behind a legacy that inspired others, including Hovhaness. The journeys of both composers highlight how influence and creativity can intertwine to shape modern classical music.
https://sibeliusone.com/jean-sibelius/jean-sibelius-a-short-biography/
Şahan Arzruni
Renowned Armenian pianist Şahan Arzruni, a close friend of Alan Hovhaness, has played a pivotal role in preserving and sharing the composer’s legacy through world-premiere recordings of his handwritten manuscripts. Arzruni’s masterful performances, such as the atmospheric Mystic Temple and the vibrant Visionary Landscapes suite, bring Hovhaness’s unique blend of Armenian and Far Eastern influences to life. A multifaceted artist and cultural ambassador, Arzruni’s extensive career spans global recitals, academic contributions, and projects highlighting Armenian heritage, ensuring Hovhaness’s transcendent music continues to inspire audiences worldwide.