Don's Classical Picks

Alan Hovhaness

Alan Hovhaness is an American composer who produces "spiritual" sorts of works usually with an Oriental or Middle Eastern flavor. His works tend to be either extremely brilliant or extremely bland. He's become trendy in recent years.

St. Vartan Symphony, No. 9, op 180 National Philharmonic Orchestra of London Conducted by Alan Hovhaness Artik, Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra Meir Rimon, Horn; David Amos Conductor Crystal Records CD802, ADD

This is not your typical symphony, its 24 short movements with a Middle Eastern sound, spiritual, engaging and very dynamic. One of the best. Artik is also wonderful.

Mt. St. Helen's Symphony, No. 50, op 360 Seattle Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Gerard Schwarz Symphony No. 22, City of Light Seattle Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Alan Hovhaness Delos, DE3137, DDD

Both these are spiritual symphonies however in Mt. St. Helen's the mountain explodes, but this is still done as a celebration of life, not death.

If you have any questions or comments, write me.

To Don's Home Page