Date of Birth: March 8, 1911
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: June 21, 2000
Biography
Alan Hovhaness was an American composer of Armenian and Scottish descent, renowned for his distinctive and eclectic style that fused elements from Eastern and Western musical traditions. Born Alan Vaness Chakmakjian in Somerville, Massachusetts, Hovhaness showed an early interest in music and began composing in his teens. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and later took private lessons with composer Bohuslav Martinů. Throughout his prolific career, Hovhaness composed over 500 works, including symphonies, operas, ballets, and chamber music. His compositions are characterized by their spiritual depth, innovative use of orchestration, and incorporation of non-Western musical elements, particularly from Armenian and Indian traditions. He was a pioneer in exploring modal scales and ancient forms, often seeking to evoke a sense of timelessness in his music. Hovhaness’s works have been performed by major orchestras around the world, and he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to contemporary classical music. Despite his success, Hovhaness remained dedicated to his artistic vision, often working in relative obscurity and eschewing the commercial aspects of the music industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Alan Hovhaness
1. Alan Hovhaness was fluent in several languages, including Armenian, English, and French.
2. He was heavily influenced by the music of ancient civilizations, particularly those of Armenia, India, and Japan.
3. Hovhaness composed his first symphony, “Exile Symphony,” at the age of 26.
4. He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1947, which allowed him to travel and study non-Western music.
5. Hovhaness’s Symphony No. 2, “Mysterious Mountain,” is one of his most famous works and was commissioned by Leopold Stokowski.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Hovhaness
1. “I am not interested in having an orchestra sound like itself. I want it to sound as if it comes from another planet.”
2. “There is no such thing as a dissonance, only a relationship between sounds.”
3. “Music is the voice of God, speaking to the human heart.”
4. “My purpose is to create music, not for myself, but to inspire and uplift others.”
5. “The role of the composer is to deepen the mystery of life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Alan Hovhaness is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Alan Hovhaness had one daughter, Jean Christina Hovhaness, from his second marriage to Serafina Ferrante.
Relevant Links
1. [Alan Hovhaness Official Website](http://www.hovhaness.com/
2. [Biography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/alan-hovhaness-mn0000933415/biography
3. [Alan Hovhaness on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-Hovhaness
4. [Hovhaness’s Works on IMSLP](https://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Hovhaness,_Alan
5. [Interview with Alan Hovhaness](https://www.bruceduffie.com/hovhaness.html
