Alan Hovhaness ( / hoʊˈvɑːnɪs /; March 8, 1911 – June 21, 2000) was an American – Armenian composer. He was one of the most prolific 20th-century composers, with his official catalog comprising 67 numbered symphonies (surviving manuscripts indicate over 70) and 434 opus numbers.
How many symphonies has Alan Hovhaness composed?
Alan Hovhaness (/ hoʊˈvɑːnɪs /; March 8, 1911 – June 21, 2000) was an American – Armenian composer. He was one of the most prolific 20th-century composers, with his official catalog comprising 67 numbered symphonies (surviving manuscripts indicate over 70) and 434 opus numbers.
What inspired Giuseppe Hovhaness to write?
Hovhaness was interested in music from a very early age. At the age of four, he wrote his first composition, a cantata in the early Italian style inspired by a song of Franz Schubert. His family was concerned about his late-night composing and about the financial future he could possibly have as an artist.
Why did Hovhaness change his name to Hovaness?
After her death (on October 3, 1930), he began to use the surname “Hovaness” in honor of his paternal grandfather, and changed it to “Hovhaness” around 1944. He stated the name change from the original Chakmakjian reflected the desire to simplify his name because “nobody ever pronounced it right”.
How did Hovhaness learn to play the sitar?
During this period, Hovhaness learned to play the sitar, studying with amateur Indian musicians living in the Boston area. Around 1942, Bloom introduced Hovhaness to Yenovk Der Hagopian, a fine singer of Armenian and Kurdish troubadour songs, whose singing inspired Hovhaness.
How did Hovhaness get his last name?
A Hovhaness family neighbor said his mother had insisted on moving from Somerville because of discrimination against Armenians there. After her death (on October 3, 1930), he began to use the surname “Hovaness” in honor of his paternal grandfather, and changed it to “Hovhaness” around 1944.
