Alan Hovhaness’s Music is timeless and continues to be celebrated by talented musicians working hard to keep his legacy alive.
- Keeping the Music Alive: Pianists Martin Berkofsky and Şahan Arzruni play important roles in sharing Hovhaness’s works. Berkofsky’s engaging concerts and Arzruni’s recordings of never-before-heard pieces have given new life to his Music, inspiring audiences everywhere.
- Blending Cultures: Hovhaness’s unique mix of Eastern and Western musical elements is beautifully showcased by artists like Christina Gullans and Alessandra Pompili. Gullans’s album “Across the Ages” and Pompili’s “Journeying Over Land and Through Space” highlight his ability to weave together different cultural themes, demonstrating the depth and universality of his compositions.
- A Global Connection: Hovhaness’s Music is known for its healing qualities and emotional depth. It has a unique way of connecting listeners to nature and ancient cultures. Performers like Lawrence Sobol and Alessandra Pompili bring his Music to life, emphasizing its universal appeal and emotional power. Alan Hovhaness’s extraordinary musical vision continues to inspire people worldwide, thanks to these remarkable artists.
Maro Ajemian-A Partnership for Contemporary Music (1920-1978)
Maro Ajemian, a talented pianist born in Switzerland in 1920, played a crucial role in helping Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness gain recognition. In the late 1940s, Maro and her sister Anahid, a violinist, started a group called The Friends of Armenian Music Committee. Their goal was to promote modern music, especially the works of Hovhaness.
Through this committee, the Ajemian sisters organized successful concerts at well-known venues like Carnegie Hall and Town Hall, where they showcased Hovhaness’s orchestral music. Their events received enthusiastic praise from important music critics, including Virgil Thomson. Beyond putting on concerts, Maro and Anahid also financially assisted Hovhaness when he faced tough times.
Maro Ajemian’s influence on Hovhaness’s career was significant in many ways. She actively performed his music and recorded around 40 of his pieces during the 1940s and 1950s. These recordings, often produced by her sister’s husband, George Avakian, helped introduce Hovhaness’s unique style to a broader audience.
Maro’s dedication and support were key in helping established Hovhaness as an important figure in American contemporary music. Their partnership shows the power of working together and the lasting influence that advocates can have on artists.
Gerard Schwarz
Gerard Schwarz is a well-known supporter of the music of Alan Hovhaness, and many consider him the greatest advocate for the composer. Early in his career, Schwarz promoted Hovhaness’s work while at a record label called Delos in Seattle, and later, he moved to another label called Naxos. Mr. Schwarz has remained dedicated to Hovhaness, recording many of his symphonies and other pieces. Schwartz’s passion and commitment have been vital in keeping Hovhaness’s music alive because he truly appreciates the beauty and melodies in the composer’s works.
The All-Star Orchestra, led by Gerard Schwarz, unites top musicians from across the US to celebrate symphonic music. Notably, Schwarz is a leading interpreter of Alan Hovhaness’s work, having championed his compositions through numerous recordings and performances. This connection adds a special dimension to the orchestra’s mission, showcasing the richness and diversity of American orchestral music.
Martin Berkofsky
Martin Berkofsky, an American classical pianist, was renowned for his deep connection with composer Alan Hovhaness. Their collaboration began in 1971 when Berkofsky’s ensemble premiered Hovhaness’s “Saturn, Op. 243” at Carnegie Recital Hall. Berkofsky became a dedicated interpreter of Hovhaness’s works, performing and recording several of his compositions, including the piano concerto “Lousadzak” and the “Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra.” His commitment extended to organizing marathons and concerts to honor Hovhaness’s legacy, notably running from Mount Monadnock to Arlington, Massachusetts, the composer’s boyhood home. Berkofsky’s efforts significantly contributed to preserving and promoting Hovhaness’s music.
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.
For a deeper dive into how Mr. Arzruni explores Hovhaness’s music, you might find the following video insightful:
- Alan Hovhaness Centennial Celebration, 2011 (here & here)
- Şahan Arzruni: Armenian Influence on the Music of Alan Hovhaness
Alessandra Pompili
Alessandra Pompili is a highly respected classical pianist known for her heartfelt performances of Alan Hovhaness’s music. She has introduced many people to Hovhaness’s unique blend of Western classical music and Eastern influences through her recordings and live concerts.
As part of her project celebrating the 110th anniversary of Hovhaness’s birth, Pompili sheds light on his unique place in classical music. Hovhaness was a prolific composer, creating over 500 pieces of music. He took a different path from some of his contemporaries, choosing to draw inspiration from various musical traditions and historical figures like Handel, Bach, Sibelius, and even the philosopher Francis Bacon. Pompili believes listening to Hovhaness’s work opens up a fascinating and unconventional musical world.
In her second album, “Hovhaness: Piano Music Vol. 2, Journeying Over Land and Through Space,” Pompili continues showcasing her dedication to Hovhaness’s music. This album features pieces that express Hovhaness’s love for different cultures and his interest in themes related to space and the cosmos, with tracks like “Fantasy on an Ossetian Tune” and “Journey to Arcturus, Lullaby.” Her performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and sensitivity, bringing fresh attention to these beautiful compositions.
Through her efforts, Alessandra Pompili is helping to rekindle interest in Alan Hovhaness’s music, ensuring that his innovative works continue to reach and inspire modern audiences.
For a deeper insight into Pompili’s exploration of Hovhaness’s work, you might find the following video enlightening: Discovering Alan Hovhaness Through the Lens of Alessandra Pompili
Lawrence Sobol, a versatile clarinetist, conductor, and educator, was a devoted advocate of Alan Hovhaness’s music for over 30 years. Sobol’s multifaceted efforts included initiating recordings, performances, and transcriptions of Hovhaness’s works, alongside fostering their commissioning and publication. Their collaboration began in 1971 when Hovhaness attended a performance by Sobol’s Long Island Chamber Ensemble, which inspired him to compose Saturn specifically for the group. Sobol performed and recorded Saturn multiple times, including during a celebrated live concert-lecture in 1975 that showcased Hovhaness’s cross-cultural fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Despite his significant contributions, Sobol maintained a humility that often kept his pivotal role in championing Hovhaness’s music underappreciated.
Ornette Coleman
In a 1991 interview with Lawrence Sobol, musician Ornette Coleman spoke highly of composer Alan Hovhaness, praising his deep sense of humanity. Coleman described Hovhaness’s music as something that can heal and transform people. In the video, Coleman also discusses the celebration of Hovhaness’s 80th birthday, which Sobol organized. This special event occurred at Carnegie Hall in New York, featuring singer Richie Havens performing John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine.” The video drew a comparison between Hovhaness and an ancient Chinese painter, highlighting his art’s timeless and universal quality. This tribute underscores Hovhaness’s enduring influence on music and culture.