Some of my listening today: Symphony 48 of Alan Hovhaness. There’s a lot of familiar musical stuff here to the composer’s followers. Perhaps including his interest in astronomy, considering the subtitle: Visions of Andromeda. I wonder if he means the mythological … Continue reading
Often missed in the blizzard of symphonies Alan Hovhaness composed are various works for orchestra not labeled “symphony,” but which to my ear, don’t sound much different from them. You can hear an early Hovhaness work, his first concerto for … Continue reading
When I think of American mountains, blue-green majesty is more what comes to mind. Two musical pieces to intersperse with your bands, anthems, and fireworks: From Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia, “The Blue Green Hills of Earth.” Alan Hovhaness’ Symphony number … Continue reading
I’ve been finding some musical gems online, especially some obscure Alan Hovhaness symphonies. One that’s vaulted to near the top of my list is the 24th. It’s long for one of this composer’s symphonies (over forty-seven minutes), and rarely among … Continue reading
I will admit my fifth week of online Ignatian retreat isn’t going well in the sense of warm interior feelings and such. The reflection on sin is disturbing in any situation. I felt completely thrown for a loop with more … Continue reading
