Alan Hovhaness, a prominent global composer, spent his formative years in Arlington, Massachusetts. Born in 1911 to Armenian and Scottish parents, he was raised in an environment rich in cultural diversity. His father held a position as a chemistry instructor at Tufts College, while his mother, who possessed a college education, served as a choir director at the First Baptist Church. Hovhaness demonstrated an early interest in Eastern cultures and music during his adolescence, reflecting the eclectic cultural influences of his upbringing.
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Hovhaness’s musical journey began early. While still in Arlington High School, he wrote his first two operas, “Daniel” and “Lotus Blossom. ” These works showcased his early fascination with Eastern influences, particularly the Middle East. His experiences with Indian music in the 1930s, including encounters with renowned performers like Uday Shankar and Vishnu Shirali, further solidified his connection to Eastern musical traditions.
Hovhaness’s compositional style evolved significantly throughout his life. He experimented with various Eastern musical elements, incorporating influences from India, Japan, Korea, and Armenia into his works. His experiences at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 1942 served as a turning point, leading him to reassess his musical approach and ultimately embrace Eastern traditions more fully.
Travel played a crucial role in Hovhaness’s musical development. His trips to India and Japan in the 1950s and 1960s exposed him to diverse Eastern musical cultures, including Carnatic music, Gagaku, and Noh theater. These experiences enriched his understanding of non-Western musical practices and significantly influenced his compositional style.
Hovhaness’s life and work exemplify a deep appreciation for Eastern cultures and their musical traditions. His contributions to the music world continue to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends cultural boundaries.
- Parents
Alan Hovhaness grew up in a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating home, thanks to his well-educated parents. They fostered an environment that encouraged learning, creativity, and exploration, shaping his artistic journey from an early age. Surrounded by diverse influences, Hovhaness developed a deep appreciation for music and culture, inspiring him to blend various traditions into his compositions and explore new creative directions throughout his life.
- Mother
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Alan Hovhaness’ mother, Madeleine Scott, was an American of Scottish heritage who graduated from Wellesley College, a prestigious women’s college. She married Haroutioun Hovanes Chakmakjian, an Armenian professor of chemistry at Tufts College, bringing together two different cultures in Alan’s upbringing. While there’s less information available about how Madeleine influenced Alan’s music compared to his father, it’s clear that her presence played a significant role in shaping his early experiences.
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Haroutioun Hovanes Chakmakjian (1878–1973) was a remarkable Armenian-American chemist, linguist, and writer. He was a professor at Tufts College, where he made important contributions to the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. One of his notable achievements was creating a detailed English-Armenian dictionary, considered the first of its kind in modern times. He also wrote a 700-page book on the history of Armenia. His work has had a lasting influence on both the scientific world and the Armenian diasporas worldwide.
Dr. Chakmakjian was a notable Armenian-American scholar who made important contributions to science and cultural spheres. He helped improve our understanding of various scientific concepts as a chemistry professor. Alongside his work in science, he created an important English-Armenian dictionary. He wrote a detailed history of Armenia, which is vital in maintaining Armenian heritage in the United States. His work continues to inspire and support a strong sense of Armenian-American identity.
A Grandfather’s Legacy: Science, Survival, and Sacrifice
My grandfather was a man of resilience and brilliance. A survivor of the Turkish massacres in the 1890s, he fled as a teenager, making his way across Europe and eventually settling in America by posing as a Frenchman. With determination, he pursued an education and became a biochemist, later serving as a professor at Tufts University.
He was more than just an academic—he was a magician in my childhood. In his laboratory, he would captivate me with chemical “tricks,” transforming clear liquids into vibrant colors with a simple wave of his hand. His home near Boston was filled with unique wonders, from an old reed organ to the taste of Armenian yogurt (“madzoon”).
Yet, in his final years, he faced solitude and suffering. A tragic fall left him helpless, and despite a friend’s pleas, I struggled to reach out. The guilt of my silence lingers, a reminder of how a simple word or gesture could have brought him comfort. His greatest gift to me wasn’t just his life savings for my education but the lesson that even the slightest connection can bring light in someone’s darkest moments. (Source: Jean Nandi: A Life of Unconventional Wisdom)
Wives
Alan Hovhaness’s six marriages wove a vibrant tapestry around his prolific musical career, each union infusing his life with creativity and inspiration. Many of his wives were accomplished artists in their own right, including a talented painter and a virtuoso pianist, evidencing a deep well of shared artistic passion. Notably, his fifth wife, Elizabeth, played a crucial role in championing his work through her record label, where her dedication and vision showcased his compositions to a broader audience.
His final marriage to the enchanting Japanese soprano Hinako Fujihara proved to be a particularly transformative partnership; she managed his affairs and published his music through her own companies. This enduring collaboration lasted until his passing, securing Hinako’s profound influence on Hovhaness’s legacy and ensuring that his artistic voice continued to resonate through her efforts.
- Martha Mott Davis:
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Also known as ‘Patt’ or ‘Patty Mott,’ was a rebellious spirit who never quite fit into her high-class New England upbringing. Born into a wealthy and distinguished Quaker family—one that included the renowned abolitionist and early feminist Lucretia Mott—she defied expectations from an early age. Her dedication to her passion for art, which she pursued despite the refined traditions of her blue-blooded relatives, is a source of inspiration. She studied in Rome and later earned a certificate from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Martha Mott Davis’s resilience was particularly evident during the Great Depression when her family’s wealth was wiped out in the 1929 stock market crash. As a talented and inventive graphic artist, she was the only one among her family able to provide financial support during those difficult times. Her independent spirit and unconventional path, which often made her the family’s ‘black sheep,’ is a powerful example of defying societal expectations. Her story is one of strength, creativity, and empowerment. (Source: Jean Nandi: A Life of Unconventional Wisdom)
- Serafina Ferrante
- Elizabeth Whittington
- Hinako Fujihara
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At a concert featuring his music, Hovhaness met Hinako Fujihara, a Japanese soprano and former actress who eventually became his wife for the last 23 years of his life. Later on, Fujihara founded Fujihara Music to publish his new pieces. Like Hovhaness’s previous wife, who had run the Poseidon Society, Fujihara took on the significant responsibility of managing an independent record label, Fujihara Records, dedicated to sharing his music. This label released several of Hovhaness’s symphonies and various vocal chamber works, making his music more accessible.
Children
- Jean Nandi
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Jean Christian Brandt-Erichsen, later known as Jean Nandi, was born into a family of cultural and intellectual richness intertwined with struggles. Her name, Jean Christian, was inspired by Jean Sibelius, a renowned composer who symbolized her family’s connection to music. This name encapsulated her identity—a bridge between art, science, and resilience.
Childhood and Family Background
Jean’s childhood was steeped in contrasts. Her father, Alan Hovhaness (originally Chakmakjian), was a prolific composer who distanced himself from his Armenian roots by adopting a more Americanized name, only to later reclaim his heritage. Her mother, Martha “Patty” Davis, came from a once-wealthy Quaker family with connections to notable figures like Lucretia Mott. Martha’s rebellious spirit and determination to support her family during the Great Depression shaped Jean’s early years.
Her paternal grandfather, an Armenian biochemist who fled Turkish massacres as a teenager, carried with him the weight of survival and the pursuit of knowledge. He eventually became a professor at Tufts University, contributing significantly to science while raising Jean’s father amidst financial and cultural adversities. This legacy of intellectual achievement deeply influenced Jean’s path.
The Journey of Her Grandfather
Jean’s paternal grandfather’s story is a testament to resilience. Escaping the horrors of persecution, he disguised himself as a Frenchman to gain entry into America. With perseverance, he earned an education and built a career in biochemistry. His love for science was not merely a profession but a beacon of hope and stability. Despite his own challenges, he saved money to support Jean’s education. At one critical moment, he traveled across the country from Boston to California, presenting her with his last $1,500—a gesture that symbolized his unwavering faith in the value of knowledge and his granddaughter’s potential.
Education and Early Career
Jean excelled in academics, a reflection of her familial dedication to learning. Encouraged by her mother’s emphasis on music and her grandfather’s scientific legacy, she pursued higher education with vigor. Her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley marked the beginning of her journey in comparative endocrinology, where she demonstrated exceptional promise. She earned a Ph.D. at Columbia University, mentored by leading scientists, and her work caught the attention of prominent figures, including President Kennedy’s physician.
Illness and Resilience
From early childhood, Jean battled health challenges. Diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disorder at twenty, she faced each obstacle with determination. Her mother’s steadfast support and their shared love of music and literature provided emotional strength. Jean’s resolve to “progress faster than her illness” became a guiding principle, driving her success across diverse fields.
Relationship with Parents
Jean’s relationship with her father was distant yet impactful. After her parents’ divorce, he remained a shadowy figure in her life. Still, his influence lingered through his musical compositions, which he occasionally sent her. Her bond with her mother was profoundly close—more of a partnership than a conventional parent-child relationship. Together, they navigated poverty, societal judgment, and Jean’s early struggles with isolation and illness.
Legacy of Music, Science, and Advocacy
Jean’s career transitioned from science to music, where she became a professional harpsichordist, overcoming physical limitations with ingenuity. Later, as her health declined, she entered the field of information systems and became an advocate for disability rights. Her work combined her intellect, creativity, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on those she touched.
Jean Nandi Book
