Alan Hovhaness

On March 11, 1985, the Town of Arlington officially declared Alan Hovhaness Day in honor of the internationally renowned composer, who once called Arlington home. Hovhaness is recognized as one of the most prolific and widely performed composers, with a legacy of over 75 symphonies and collaborations with leading orchestras. From his early compositions as a student in Arlington to his global influence, his music continues to inspire. This proclamation is a tribute to a remarkable Arlingtonian whose artistry transcended borders.

The Alan Hovhaness Collection, housed at the Armenian Cultural Foundation, is one of the most comprehensive archives on the celebrated composer. It contains correspondence, legal documents, scores, writings, recordings, and research materials spanning from 1940 to 1991.

Hovhaness (1911-2000), a prolific composer with deep influences from Armenian, Eastern, and mystical traditions, grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. His work blends Western classical music with Eastern spirituality, making him a unique figure in 20th-century music.

This collection, developed in 2009, was spearheaded by Martin Berkofsky and Katherine A. Mullen, who meticulously gathered and cataloged Hovhaness’s materials. It stands as a vital resource for researchers and music enthusiasts exploring his legacy.

The documentary “From Ararat to Europe” explores how Armenia has influenced European culture, particularly through its beautiful church influenced European culture, particularly through its beautiful church buildings. It shares an intriguing story about the renowned artist and thinker Leonardo da Vinci, who possibly visited Armenia. He looked at the local architecture during his time there, which inspired some of his famous works later. This film reveals many interesting facts for the first time and was filmed in various countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy.

The film showcases how many European churches were influenced by the Armenian style of church designs. This design features a central dome that rests on four columns, creating a distinctive shape resembling a cross. One notable example discussed is the Church of San Marco in Venice.

Leonardo’s sketches and writings in the Codex Atlanticus also mention the Armenian Highlands. This suggests that he was directly influenced by the landscapes and architectural styles of the region, which likely enhanced his understanding of building design and aesthetics.

Overall, the documentary highlights the important, albeit often underappreciated, role Armenia has played in developing European architectural heritage through these fascinating connections.

References:

Gregorian, A. K. (2012). “Film Attempts to Document Armenia’s Influence on Europe.” The Armenian Mirror-Spectator.

Codex Atlanticus, folio 393 recto. Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan, Italy.