Interviews – Alan Hovhaness

Hovhaness’ Interview with Ararat Magazine: Quarterly (45, 1971), pages 19-31

In this interview, Hovhaness discusses his deep connection to Armenian heritage and its profound influence on his music. He reflects on his early exposure to Armenian culture, particularly through his father’s heritage, and how this shaped his compositional style. Hovhaness emphasizes Armenian music’s spiritual and mystical elements, noting that it transcends mere nationalism to touch universal themes. He also shares insights into his creative process, describing it as an intuitive journey guided by inner inspiration rather than formal academic training. Throughout the interview, Hovhaness highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating Armenian musical traditions while integrating them into a broader, global context.

Hovhaness speaking with Charles Amirkhanian, 1975

In a profound interview in 1975 with Charles Amirkhanian, Alan Hovhaness shares his inspiring approach to music, emphasizing simplicity, spirituality, and the influence of nature. He believed that music should connect with the soul, rejecting unnecessary complexity. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and ancient traditions, Hovhaness celebrated the beauty and harmony that can thrive in a modern world often fraught with chaos. His unwavering commitment to purity in art continues to resonate through time.

Alan Hovhaness with Richard Howard, 1983

1983 Richard Howard spoke with composer Alan Hovhaness about his notable works, including Fra Angelico, Op. 220. This conversation revealed Hovhaness’s thoughts on music and how he creates it. He highlighted his importance to spirituality and shared his wish to go beyond traditional Western music by blending different cultural styles. Hovhaness also mentioned that nature plays a big role in inspiring his compositions. This interview clearly shows his unique approach to music and showcases his important contributions to classical music in the 20th century.

Hovhaness’ Interview with Bruce Duffie, 1985

In this interview, Hovhaness reveals the composer’s profound spiritual connection to music and his unique approach to blending diverse cultural influences. Hovhaness emphasizes simplicity, intuition, and universal harmony in his work, expressing deep respect for nature and ancient traditions. This inspiring conversation highlights his belief that music transcends time and culture, fostering a sense of unity and peace.

From Mountain Climbing to Composing: An Interview with Alan Hovhaness

In a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Vance Wolverton in 1993, composer Alan Hovhaness shares insights about his creative journey and the deep impacts that have shaped his music. Hovhaness’s work focuses on themes of nature, spirituality, and various cultural traditions, showing his commitment to creating music that speaks to everyone. He has a unique talent for blending musical styles from both Eastern and Western cultures, reflecting his innovative approach and desire to break traditional barriers. His thoughts provide a fascinating look into the mind of a composer who aims to explore the richness of human experience through beautiful music.

Interview with pianist Sahan Arzruni: Remembering Alan Hovhaness’ Centennial

In this interview, pianist Sahan Arzruni talks about the life and work of composer Alan Hovhaness as we celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. Arzruni highlights Hovhaness’s unique musical style, blending elements from Western classical music and Eastern traditions. He also shares personal stories about Hovhaness’s career and the lasting influence he had. This conversation offers a great chance to appreciate Hovhaness’s contributions to music in the 20th century and how he continues to inspire modern composers today.

Armenian Influence on the Music of Alan Hovhaness (Ararat Magazine, 2016

Pianist Sahan Arzruni illuminates the profound influence of Armenian culture on composer Alan Hovhaness, born Alan Vaness Chakmakjian. Inspired by Armenian church music and the work of Komitas Vardapet, Hovhaness seamlessly integrated diverse cultural and folk influences into his distinctive musical voice. During the 1940s, exposure to Armenian folk songs, notably through the guidance of Yenovk Der Hagopian, ushered in his “Armenian period,” a prolific era marked by the creation of numerous significant works deeply rooted in his heritage.

The Guitar and Harp – Interview with David Leisner (2023)

In this conversation, guitarist and composer David Leisner shares his thoughts on two interesting pieces that feature both the guitar and harp. Although he doesn’t mention the specific names of these pieces, his insights provide a great look into how these two instruments work together. One possibility for the pieces he discusses could be from Alan Hovhaness, a prolific composer who created over 500 works throughout his career. Hovhaness was known for blending different cultural influences in his music, resulting in a sound that many people describe as gentle, spiritual, and filled with a sense of nostalgia.