Hovhaness, "Ani" Symphony

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The Ani Symphony is one of Hovhaness’ best works for winds and is performed by the Highline and Shoreline College Bands. The Spirit of Ink for three flutes is performed by flute virtuoso Samuel Baron, paying all three parts.

Tracks:

Reverie
Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Kinderszene-Traumerei
Thais-Meditation
Sonata For Two Pianos, K.448-II: Andante
Lullaby: Cradle Song
Nocturne For Harp
The Nutcracker: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
Concerto, Op. 8, No. 4 'Winter': II. Largo
Clair e lune
Eine kleine Nachtmusik-II. Romanze: Andante
Berceuse
Russian Lullaby
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Lyric Pieces, Op. 68, No. 5: Cradle Song
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus
Ave Maria

Amazon.com

While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies' tender minds, Ultrasound brings together a delightfully well-rounded set specifically chosen for those still in the womb. Expectant moms will appreciate the effects of the mellow strains of Bach's Suite No. 3, the delicate playfulness of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," and Mozart's proven-to-make-you-smart Sonata for Two Pianos featuring André Previn. Debussy's "Clair de lune" is especially lovely as conducted and fluted by James Galway, and Leontyne Price is a warm blanket of comfort giving voice to Schubert's "Ave Maria." Indeed, these songs are aural balm to both parent and child long after birth. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Grandmother's Review.......2007-05-21

I purchased this product for my expectant daughter, and she says that it is the best gift she has ever received. She, herself, finds the music very soothing and relaxing, and she is certain that it is wonderful for her child.

great cd!.......2007-05-14

This is a fantastic product! I bought it to play for my unborn daughter and I started it when I was around five mos. pregnant. She moves all over the place when I put the headphones on my belly and I can even tell by her movements that she likes some songs more than others. I have done a lot of research into playing music for unborn babies, including the helpfulness as far as birthing positions when the music is played regularly. This cd fits the bill for all of the research I've done. It is completely worth the money!

Absolutely Love It!!!.......2007-04-02

I have a 6 month old daughter. I first purchased this CD when I was pregnant and would place my earphones on my belly for her to listen. I now use it in her room at bedtime and I absolutely love it. I have a collection of other CD's, but honestly this is my favorite. It is a very nice blend of songs. It is soothing for baby and parents. If you only buy one CD I would recommend you make it this one.

My daughter loved this before she was born.......2006-12-15

When I was about 18 weeks pregnant I bought this and two other CDs of gentle classical music and played one of them for her every 2nd or 3rd night, putting headphones on my belly. I was actually skeptical about this being "music for the unborn" but she really did react to this one much more than anything else I ever played for her. If she hadn't been very active that day I could always lay down in the evening with the headphones and play her music, and she's wriggle around. She especially liked #5 and #10. :)

She didn't seem to have much connection to it after she arrived, but she does enjoy music in general. (She's currently almost 11 mo old.)

enjoyable.......2006-08-03

I have enjoyed this cd thus far. If you have the money to spend, this is relaxing and enjoyable, however you can get similar music for free on your local classical station. So if you would rather save your money...just tune in on your radio dial. I am glad I bought the cd for the familiarity of the songs, but I also love just plain old classical radio.

Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig

Average customer rating:

Superb Introduction to Hovhaness
Hovhaness on Naxos

Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Howard Hanson: Organ Concerto; Fantasy Variations; Nymphs and Satyr; Summer Seascape; Pastorale; Serenade
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Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto

ASIN: B000JVSVDI
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Khirimian Hairig, Op.49
Largo
Andante Espressivo
Allegro Moderato
Adagio Doloroso
Allegro
Senza Misura: Adagio
Finale: Andante - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Superb Introduction to Hovhaness.......2007-05-24

This is a superb introduction to the works of Alan Hovhaness, a long-neglected 20th Century American Composer. The Trumpet Concerto (Khrimian Hairig) is well-played and has a serious thoughtful quality to it. This work should be performed more often by orchestras. The Guitar Concerto is also entertaining and well-played and deserves more playing time with larger orchestras. The Symphony No. 60 (!) is a work more typically associated with Hovhaness - upbeat positive music with no ties to the modern school of classical music. The conductor Gerard Schwartz has spent much of his career championing the works of lesser known American composers and does a great job here. The recording is excellent as well.

Hovhaness on Naxos.......2007-03-07

The reputation of the American composer Alan Hovhaness (1911 -- 2000) continues to grow. Hovhaness was a prolific composer of 67 symphonies and about 400 other works. He wrote in a highly personal, mystical style that emphasized his Armenian roots, his devotion to nature, and his interest in Eastern thought and music. His music is accessible and enjoyed substantial popular appeal during the later years of the composer's life. But it was not always well-received by critics.

This CD is the third that Naxos has devoted to the music of Hovhaness in its "American classics" series. It offers two world-premiere recordings. These releases offer an outstanding opportunity at a budget price to get to know Hovhaness' music. The first two CDs featured Hovhaness early cello concerto and symphony no. 22, the "City of Light" and a collection of three of Hovhaness' six symphonies for wind band. The most recent, CD offers three works in differing forms from relatively early in Hovhaness' career to near the end. Gerard Schwarz, music director of the Seattle Symphony (Hovhaness spent the final years of his life in Seattle) and long a champion of the composer conducts the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. It is good to see a European orchestra offer sympathetic performances of Hovhaness in a short early work, and in the first recordings of a guitar concerto, and a late symphony. The composer's widow, Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness, has written excellent notes for the CD.

The CD opens with a work called "Khrimian Harig", opus 49, composed during the mid-40s. This is a work of about 8 minutes for orchestra and solo trumpet, played here by the orchestra's first trumpet, Lars Ranch. This is a highly lyrical, mystical work in which the trumpet represents an ancient Armenian prophet leading his people through persecutions to the path of faith. Much of the work is call-and-response between trumpet and orchestra. Hovhaness later adopted this work into a composition titled "Return and Rebuild the Desolate Places" opus 213 which appears on the earlier Naxos CD of Hovhaness' music for wind band.

Hovhaness' guitar concerto opus 325 was composed in 1979 and it is performed here by the American guitarist and composer David Leisner. This three movement work is highly idiomatic for the guitar and balances the voice of the instrument well against the larger forces of the orchestra. In the opening movement, slow, ominous statements of a theme for orchestra and bells alternate with long, guitar solos of a reflectively Spanish cast. The middle movement is in a concertante style as the guitar part alternates with a variety of solo passages for bassoon, cello, wind choir, and violin. The finale begins dramatically in a statement for the full orchestra. The stern orchestral writing alternates througout with softer, lyrical sections for the soloist. This is an intriguing, successful work in a difficult genre.

The final work on the CD is the Symphony no. 60 "To the Appalachian Mountains" opus 396 which also receives its first recorded performance. Hovhaness wrote this work in 1985 under a commission to celebrate the cultural heritage of the State of Tenessee. Apparently, the work was not well received in its opening performances, and that is unfortunate. This is one of Hovhaness' longer symphonies, over one-half hour in length, and it is lovely. Hovhaness combines his love for eastern music and nature with passages of distinctively American folk themes, virtually in the manner of Aaron Copland's popular works. With good reason, the composer referred to this work as his "Americana" symphony.

The work opens with a slow passage for flute and harp followed by a long flowing melody for strings. Near the end of the movement, the melody turns into a fugue, backed by pulsating drums and chimes. The second movement is an allegro which opens with a folklike mountain theme in the strings. This is followed by a melancholy English horn solo soon joined by the flute. After an outburst by the full orchestra, the folk theme returns to close the movement. The brief third movement opens with the harp and is based upon an old mountain tune called "Parting Friends." The finale opens with a large, slowly rocking theme in the strings followed by sections reminiscent of mountain dances before the opening material returns with brass and bells to close the work. I loved this symphony, particularly in its use of folk-sounding material (all of which were originally composed, with the exception of the tune in the third movement) and in its imaginative orchestration.

Listeners wanting to get to know Hovhaness and his distinctive style will enjoy this CD and its companions on Naxos. I am looking forward to further releases of Hovhaness' music in the "American classics" series.

Robin Friedman

Average customer rating:

Sublime
Try to find a better recording than this. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Fire and Ice: Fritz Reiner's Legacy Lives On
Mountaintop Experience
"Mysterious Mountain" has aged badly, but the Stravinsky and Prokofiev live on

Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto
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Music of Alan Hovhaness

ASIN: B000003FMX
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Mysterious Mountain, Op. 132 (Symphony No. 2): Andante
Mysterious Mountain, Op. 132 (Symphony No. 2): Double Fugue: Moderator maestoso
Mysterious Mountain, Op. 132 (Symphony No. 2): Double Fugue: Allegro vivo
Mysterious Mountain, Op. 132 (Symphony No. 2): Double Fugue: Andante espressivo
The Fairy's Kiss: Divertimento: Sinfonia
The Fairy's Kiss: Divertimento: Danses suisses
The Fairy's Kiss: Divertimento: Scherzo
The Fairy's Kiss: Divertimento: Pas de deux
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: The Birth Of Kije
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Romance
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Kije's Wedding
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Troika
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: The Burial Of Kije

Amazon.com

Most people became acquainted with Hovhaness's greatest symphony, Mysterious Mountain (Symphony 2), through this recording when it appeared on vinyl during the Stone Age. It plays like an extended prayer and is oddly structured. It was an immediate hit when it appeared in 1955. Stravinsky's The Fairy's Kiss is a 1928 ballet commission that, quite intentionally, recalls Tchaikovsky and was written to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death. Last here is a bang-up reading of Serge Prokofiev's classic Lieutenant Kije Suite. If you want to turn a young person onto classical music, play this disc. Worked with me. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Sublime.......2007-07-01

Taking into account Mysterious Mountain. There are some noticable crackling early on, which I attribute to the age of the recording, but the performance is great. Very grand.....inspirational.

Try to find a better recording than this. Go ahead, I'll wait........2007-04-24

At the moment I have over 1000 cd's of music of every sort though mostly western classical, and I have no problem recommending this before any of them. This piece of music by Alan Hovhaness is easily the most simply beautiful thing I have ever heard and never fails to inspire and uplift upon repeated listenings. The performance here by Reiner and The Chicago Symphony is virtuosic and sensitive, revealing the hidden details of this seemingly simple piece of music. This is THE recording to own of this work, no competition. However, don't let this be your only recording of music by Hovhaness. Don't let shallow comments like "All his music sounds the same" or he "re-wrote this symphony 60 more times," keep you from further explorations of Hovhaness' music. Odd that those same criticisms aren't raised with the music of Haydn and Mozart... The performance of the Stravinsky work is equally impressive. The superb solo and ensemble playing of the Chicago musicians under Reiner reveal the characters and colors of this lesser known Stravinsky work. This is a recording I have treasured for years and I have no doubts that you will as well. Highest Recommendation!

Fire and Ice: Fritz Reiner's Legacy Lives On.......2006-05-09

For many of us some of the most thrilling recordings during the 1950s and 1960s were those made by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The magic that happened between conductor and orchestra is legendary. Fortunately we are seeing more of his recordings remastered and made available to a new audience on CD.

This CD remastering of the old 1955 recording is a terrific example. This is probably the most eloquent recorded performance of Armenian American Alan Hovhaness' Symphony No.2 (better known as 'Mysterious Mountain'). Hovhaness created some lushly atmospheric works that have somehow slipped into the realm of 'old style' and therefore are not performed frequently. But this performance of Symphony No. 2 should bring back some to the fold. The recorded sound of this extended poem is lush and full-bodied and Reiner moves the blocks of strings movements like few others can.

Keeping in line with his penchant for embracing new and old works this CD includes an abbreviated but well played 'Divertimento', Stravinsky's own symphonic suite from his Tchaikovskyesque ballet 'The Fairy's Kiss'. This is not one of Stravinsky's more memorable scores and is far better represented in the violin/piano transcription, but Reiner makes it work well in the few moments he includes here.

Prokofiev's suite from 'Lieutenant Kije' fares very well in Reiner's bristling and tongue in cheek reading. This is a romp of a performance and one that should please even the most 'anti-contemporary music' friends you may have! But the glory of the recording is the respect Reiner pays to Hovhaness and for this it is worth the purchase. Grady Harp, May 06

Mountaintop Experience.......2006-04-26

For many, climbing a mountain (or a hill) is more than a physical exercise. Amercian composer Alan Hovhaness recognized that there is a spiritual quality to being on top of a mountain, perhaps going back to the Biblical example of the three disciples who joined Jesus Christ on a mountain. Simon Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here." Mountains can be a place for meditation and reflection.

In his second symphony, which he called "Mysterious Mountain," Alan Hovhaness imagined a mountain where one could indeed have a spiritual experience. Perhaps this was his vision of an IDEAL mountain, certainly a place to get away from things and spend time in contemplation. There's no doubt that the symphony, which was premiered by Leopold Stokowski and the Houston Symphony in 1955 (on NBC television), is an uplifting piece. It is also very majestic and profound at times, setting a pattern for Hovhaness in the numerous symphonies he wrote in the years after 1955.

Fritz Reiner's remarkable recording of "Mysterious Mountain" was one of a series of incredible stereophonic recordings that RCA Victor made in Chicago's Orchestra Hall between 1954 and 1962. Using just three microphones and a triple-track tape recorder, RCA achieved outstanding results with a greater clarity than had been accomplished in earlier recordings. This particular recording remains a "high water" mark and is probably the definitive version of a magnificent work that can be quite inspirational. Yes, Hovhaness does represent a mountaintop experience and, some years later, he celebrated yet another mountain in his "Mount Saint Helens" symphony, recorded by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the volcano's violent 1980 eruption.

The lighter work on this disc is a top-notch performance of Igor Stravinsky's tribute to Peter Tchaikovsky, a divertimento drawn from the ballet "The Fairy's Kiss." Much in the same vein as Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty," this is magical, delightful, and enchanting music that is given a very fine interpretation by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony. Although there are a few obvious quotes from the music of Tchaikovsky, much of the score is a homage to the earlier composer that represents his considerable imagination and musical abilities.

Stravinsky (1882-1971) once said, "Of all of us, Tchaikovksy was the most Russian." Stravinsky once glimpsed Tchaikovsky, just before the premiere of the sixth symphony in 1893, and was left forever with an image of a tragic but very gifted composer/conductor. Reiner's recording is a very good representation of this musical tribute.

One of the first recordings this writer ever heard by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony was their performance of the orchestral suite that Sergei Prokofiev prepared from his film score for "Lt. Kije," based on a classic Russian tale of a mythical Russian Army officer created by a bureaucratic error. The satirical qualities of the story were not lost on Prokofiev, who readily composed music that suited the various episodes of the lieutenant's supposed life.

Reiner's interepretation of this delightful music was thoroughly enjoyable, even if it omits the baritone solo in the original score (included in Seiji Ozawa's Deutsche Grammophon recording with the Boston Symphony).

The score begins with a mysterious, haunting theme representing the birth of Kije; this music is later repeated, in a somewhat altered version, for Kije's death. Along the way, we hear a delightful, appropriately martial, march; an exquisite and intense love theme; a grandiose, pompous wedding celebration; and a furious sleigh ride. All of this is played extremely well by the Chicago musicians and, once again, the ground-breaking stereophonic recording still has a remarkably modern sound.

"Mysterious Mountain" has aged badly, but the Stravinsky and Prokofiev live on.......2006-01-17

On LP the original pairing was Hovhaness's Mysterious Mountain (Sym. #2) and the Divertimento that Stravinsky put together form his full-length ballet tribute to Tchaikovsky, The Fairy's Kiss. The title echoes the plot of Sleeping Beauty, and Stravinsky reaches out of bounds, exchanging everything modernist for an affectionate tunefest mildly in the style of The Firebird's quiet bits. Frankly, it's a bit cloying even in this abbreviated suite. Reiner helps things by condcuting with sober precision and giving us sugar substitute instead of sugar.

The Hovhaness work is from 1955 (Reiner's account came two years later, although the RCA Living Stereo sound could be from yesterday), and it proved to be the composer's fifteen minutes of fame. Writing the same piece twice is excusable, but Hovhaness went on to write Mysterious Mountain dozens of times over, never advancing by a single jot or tittle beyond its modal string harmonies, simple fugues, plangent prayers to heaven, and a noticeable aversion to modernity. These qualities went down very well for a brief period, and here he gets the superstar treatment from Reiner and the CSO. If I had been Hovhaness, I would have played this recording every day of my life.

The Lt. Kije Suite comes from 1958 and is so famous that there's not much to say. Reiner always played Prokofiev without a Slavic accent, and although the CSO sounds totally mid-West here, their virtuosity, even in simple movie music like this, is thrilling.

Average customer rating:

Classic Wynton
amazing
Heard this with NEW appreication.........
Wynton's the best
Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions

Classic Wynton

Manufacturer: Sony
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Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet
Trumpet Concertos
Carnaval
Greatest Hits: Trumpet
Standard Time, Vol.3: The Resolution Of Romance

ASIN: B00000DI10
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

In Gabriel's Garden: The King's March - English CO; Leppard, R.
Concerto For Two Trumpets In C Major: Allegro - English CO; Newman, A.
The Indian Queen: Entrada From The Indian Queen - St. Luke's Orch; Nelson, J.
In Gabriel's Garden: The Prince Of Denmark's March - English CO; Newman, A.
In Gabriel's Garden: Trumpet Voluntary - English CO; Leppard, R.
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Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: III. Allegro Assai (Excerpt) - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
In Gabriel's Garden: Prelude From Te Deum - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In D Major: II. Allegro Moderato - Philharmonia Orch; Salonen, E.
Baroque Music For Trumpets: I. Adagio - Eastman Wind Ensemble; Hunsberger, D.
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E-Flat Major: III. Finale. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Major: III. Rondo. Allegro Molto - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: 'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Variations On 'Le Carnaval De Venise' - Wynton Marsalis
On The Twentieth Century: Rondo For Lifey (For Trumpet And Piano) - Wynton Marsalis
Prayer Of St. Gregory For Trumpet And Organ - Anthony Newman
Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra: I. Allegro - Wynton Marsalis
Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo - Wynton Marsalis
Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee - Wynton Marsalis

Amazon.com

Wynton Marsalis may not have an easily recognizable or even particularly handsome tone, but this erstwhile jazz trumpeter is an amazing virtuoso with a fine sense of classical style. If you've never owned/heard any of his classical CDs, and you love (mostly baroque) trumpet music, this compilation--a sort of "greatest hits"--is for you. From such cruddy, sensationalistic works as Carnival of Venice to the glories of Haydn's E-Flat Concerto, this is grand entertainment. Marsalis is joined by Kathleen Battle in an exciting version of Handel's "Let the bright seraphim," and the treat there is doubled. A fine piece by Hovhaness for trumpet and organ, never before released, is another surprise. Come listen to the endless, seemingly casual roulades that come out of this guy's trumpet--they'll wake you right up. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Classic Wynton.......2007-07-11

Classic! What else is there to say? As an introduction to the other, many classic recordings of this superbly talented trumpeter, it is as good a guide as possible.

amazing.......2006-10-31

Classic Wynton is the most glorious display of musicianship I have ever heard. No other trumpet player even comes close to Wynton. Don't listen to anything the editorial review says though, it must have been written by a complete ignoramus. Wynton Marsalis not having a clear or recognizable tone? Please...That's like saying Kobe Bryant isn't a good shooter. I can't believe that garbage is on a credible site such as Amazon.

Heard this with NEW appreication................2006-09-07

This is such a wonderful mix. I especially love the Haydn concerto finale in E flat. I was listening to this cd when my grandson (almost 3) heard the glorious music of the trumpet for the first time. He loved seeing the photos of Mr. Marsalis (which I embellished, albeit true, saying how difficult it is to play the trumpet - hence the need for a handerchief to wipe his brow in one of the photos). This awakened his awareness of trumpet music where he now loves to listen to one of his Baby Einstein cd's in the car. Specifically, he told his mother "louder" when the trumpet piece was played - repetetively.

Wynton's the best.......2006-03-17

I'm not a professional musician and don't have a trained ear but Wynton Marsalis has provided me with a very delightful hour of extremely good music.

Classic Wynton--brilliant, clear trumpet renditions.......2006-02-25

For anyone who loves trumpet music as I do, this album is a must. Wynton Marsalis has mastered twenty all-time favorite pieces with such brilliance, that no other trumpeteer comes near by comparison. Opening with J. Clarke's, The King's March, Wynton proceeds to favor listeners with such baroque favorites as Purcell's Entrada from "The Indian Queen," J. Clark's The Prince of Denmark's March and J. Stanley's Trumpet Voluntary. Fantastic selections from Bach, Mozart, and Haydn follow, with the album also including such delightful listening as The Last Rose of Summer, Carnival of Venisee, and Flight of the Bumblebee. You won't be disappointed with this purchase!

Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto

Average customer rating:

Cello Concerto Wins My Heart!
Powerful works -- stunning performance
Enticing, sinuous, poignant music.
lackluster
Why now?

Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 22 ("City of Light"); Cello Concerto

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain
Hovhaness: Celestial Gate and Other Orchestral Works
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Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig

ASIN: B00008V5ZW
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

Andante-Maestoso - Janos Starker
Allegro - Janos Starker
Andante - Janos Starker
Allegro Moderato - Alan Hovhaness
Angel Of Light (Largo) - Alan Hovhaness
Allegretto Grazioso - Alan Hovhaness
Finale: Largo Maestoso - Alan Hovhaness

Amazon.com

Hovhaness wrote stunning music, and many of his symphonies are coming into their own both on recordings and in concert halls. Almost unknown, however, is his Cello Concerto, composed early in his career (1936). It's a nice, if not glorious, work, and it foreshadows much of his later output. In particular, in it one gets the sense of his mysticism and spirituality which permeates his symphonies. Janos Starker plays it handsomely, the orchestra is good, and the sonics are excellent. The Symphony No. 22, titled "City of Light," is grand Hovhaness, with massive brass statements and elegant contrapuntal doodlings. Again, playing and sound are first-rate. This CD is a beautiful bargain. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Cello Concerto Wins My Heart!.......2006-01-29

While the rest of the "classical" music world was paving the road to hell with serialism a la Shoenberg and "experimentalism" a la Cage, a select few of the more sensible composers stuck with good old reliable tonality to get their point across. Sadly, it is the more "avante garde" composers that are remembered today (more because their music was different than good).

Alan Hovhaness was one such composer than undeservedly fell by the wayside. Halfway between the impressionism of Ravel and the (what would be) minimalism of Philip Glass, Hovhaness's music tends to rely on fairly static, dronelike harmonies, long but often repeated (and modal) melodies, and a marvelously measured blending of Eastern and Western sounds. At a time when "classical" music became more bizarre and less accessible, Hovhaness was a uniquely unique, yet accessable composer.

While other amazon reviewers seem to prefer the Symphony ("City of Lights"), I want to chime in to rave about the Cello concerto.

In contrast to "City of Lights," the Cello concerto is suprisingly sparse sounding (especially considering that it is scored for a full orchestra). Where the symphony's first movement utilizes bold, rich, and full chords, the cello concerto's first movement generally consists of one instrument (cello or flute, mostly) playing a melody over a drone provided by the strings (with a little wind coloration here and there). The melodies in this first movement (using the phrygian mode) are some of the most hauntingly sweet melodies I have heard, sounding like a darker version of Ravel.

By contrast, the second movement (less than three minutes) is a rhythmically steady allegro with a Germanic sounding cello melody in front of steadily pulsing pizzicato strings.

The third movement returns to the slow, haunting beauty of the first, this time throwing a harp into a substantial supporting role. The soft melody is thrown back and forth between the cello, clarinet and flute.

In all candor, this cello concerto is like no piece of music I have ever heard before: at the same time, so sparse and so rich, so simple yet so interest-keeping and full of flavor. As evidenced by my four star review, it is not that I disliked the "City of Lights" symphony. It is simply that, at least to this reviewer's ears, the cello concerto is so beautiful as to render "City of Lights" a supporting act. (Of course, as disagreements in music have more to do with taste than rights and wrongs, you should get this wonderful CD and judge for yourself!)

Powerful works -- stunning performance.......2005-10-26

I bought this CD on a whim, not being familiar with much of Hovhaness' work other than "Mysterious Mountain". The real gem on this recording is the Starker performance of the Cello Concerto. There are few cellists around who can get such a powerful and dark sound out of the instrument as he does without sounding forced. The performance is emotionally compelling from the first bar to the last. A pleasant surprise for me was the Seattle Symphony which plays gorgeously in both the Cello Concerto and the Symphony No.22. The lower brass, in particular, display stunning ensemble playing and total security in intonation. Their interjections communicate nicely with the cello part in the Concerto. Altogether a highly recommendable disc.

Enticing, sinuous, poignant music........2005-10-02

Alan Hovhaness, a fascinating and prolific exotic among American composers, sought to combine Eastern and Western thought--not only musical, but religious--in his work. Dissatisfied with his progress as a composer, Hovhaness burned more than 1,000 apprentice works in 1940 (he was only 29!). One of the few early Hovhaness works that escaped the bonfire was his Cello Concerto of 1936; even so, it was not performed until 1975 or recorded until 1999, the year before the composer's death. Listening to this sinuous, poignant work, alternately delicate and majestic, I can only wonder how it took so long to make it to disc. Janos Starker, one of the great modern masters of the cello, is the soloist on this disc, with Dennis Russell Davies conducting the Seattle Symphony; their account of this work argues cogently for its being made a permanent part of the repertoire. The Cello Concerto is accompanied here by one of Hovhaness' major symphonies, "City of Light," conducted by Hovhaness himself; less immediately lovable than the Cello Concerto, nevertheless it stakes its claim as an eloquent, big-hearted work of art.

lackluster.......2005-08-30

I like Hovhaness pretty well. The works on this CD and, particularly the cello concerto, I found to be less interesting than some of his other works. This recording is more for the "Completist" who is trying to collect every recording of H. he or she can find. If you are new to H. I might recommend Mysterious Mountain or Celestial Gate as a place to start. The sound quality here is good.

Why now?.......2005-08-08

This Renaissance of music by American composer
Alan Hovhaness is great, Mr. Hovhaness is
one of my favorite composers; but why now?
why not when Mr. Hovhaness was still around?
so he too could have enjoyed his music performed
by the very best. This is a great recording and
the Cello Concerto is just a smash hit!!!
Starker, Mr. Davies, and a above all Mr. Hovhaness
did a wonderful job. I just wish Mr. Hovhaness had
lived long enough to hear Starker play the Cello Concerto..
Great recording at the great Naxos price...

Average customer rating:

absolutely outstanding
Disappointing
Where's the Organ?
Would Definitely Recommend!!
Simply Superb!

Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003CW4
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Grand Choeur Dialogu
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Customer Reviews:

absolutely outstanding.......2006-08-03

If you enjoy pomp and circumstance type music, you must have this CD.

Disappointing.......2006-05-08

I agree with Mr Hazelwood. This recording is lack luster and I usually like Michael Murray's recording. Too much brass and no organ. I agree that Columbia (Sony) should re-release the E. Power Biggs Music or Organ Brass and Percussion. That is the best recording and the correct mixture of instrments I have heard in a long time. I recently sent them (Columbia) an e-mail making that request. Maybe if they get enough e-mails, they would know that we demand the best of the best.

Where's the Organ?.......2006-02-19

What a big disappointment! How can so many exciting pieces of music be made to sound so dull? Someone should take a torch to Mr. Murray's organ bench; pehaps then there would be some fire to his performance. The Richard Strauss processional has been a longtime favorite of mine, but this lackluster pressing is beyong decent! Please, Columbia, re-release the E. Power Biggs recording of many of the same selections ruinrd on yhis CD!

Would Definitely Recommend!!.......2005-09-30

I enjoy all types of music. I think that this CD would appeal to anyone, not just classical fans. The musical selections are high energy and powerful.

Simply Superb!.......2005-07-13

It's hard to fathom the restraint of some of the prior reviewers' praise of this CD. As you would expect from any Telarc "fully digital" recording, the overall sonic impact is gratifyingly dynamic, and the performances are impeccable. Moreover, many supremely masterful composers are included-several of whom you might otherwise never encounter. At this price, buying this highly enjoyable CD is a no-brainer.

Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers

Average customer rating:

"Old and Lost Rivers" by Picker will even make the strongest of men shed tears
From Nature's Realm
MODERN MUSIC OF BEATHTAKING BEAUTY
What a nice surprise!!!
Wonderful Celebration of Trees

Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers
John Williams , Toru Takemitsu , Alan Hovhaness , Tobias Picker , Judith LeClair , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029TZ
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

I. Eo Mugna
II. Tortan
III. Eo Rossa
IV. Craeb Uisnig
V. Dathi
Tree Line
I. Andante Con Moto
Double Fugue (Moderato Maestoso, Allegro Vivo)
Andante Espressivo
Old And Lost Rivers

Customer Reviews:

"Old and Lost Rivers" by Picker will even make the strongest of men shed tears .......2006-10-04

Caught "Old and Lost Rivers" the other day for the first time on the radio and I immediately fell in love with the piece. I went ahead and picked up this CD this weekend and, it was even more moving than the first time I heard "Old and Lost Rivers" the other day on the radio. I cannot get over how little we've heard of Tobias Picker! If he cranked out more like this, he could have easily been the next Copeland. At any rate, even the most stout hearted person will give way to tears at the touching, yet uplifting melody of "Rivers". I guess what made it even more touching was the fact that lately I have been trying to reach out to this girl in Montreal who has HIV and was emotionally negleted and possibly sexually abused when growing up. Thinking of this, along with listening to the tear-jerking melody of "Rivers", I'm not to proud to admit that I cried a whole lot of "old and lost rivers". It has to be the most saddening piece I have heard next to Samuel Barber's "Adagio". Anyway, I highly recommend this CD to anyone with an ear for touching, yet inspiring music. Well worth your time and money.

From Nature's Realm.......2006-10-02

For those moments of reverie, escape form the frenetic pace of the world in which we live and run, for those times when space form all that is needed this stunning album of music is a must. John Williams conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in his own work as well as works by Takemitsu, Hovhaness, and Picker that at first ground us to the memory of what truly counts in life and proceeds to lift the soul out of the state of pixelation and return it to the realm of nature, the place where all things relate.

John Williams' own Concerto for bassoon & orchestra "The five sacred trees" occupies the greater part of this CD and while it may not be great classical music, it is hauntingly moody, and quite simply beautiful music. Judith LeClair plays the solo parts with exceptional balance and technical aplomb. In keeping with the concept of musically painting trees, Williams programs 'Tree Line, for chamber orchestra' by Toru Takemitsu and once again we can readily relate to this gifted composer's union with nature.

Alan Hohvaness' Symphony No.2 (better known simply as 'Mysterious Mountain') enjoys more exposure than his other works and for good reason. His chordal structure pulses his work with grandeur as well as simplicity and of the current recordings available of this work, Williams enters the arena of the fine ones.

For this listener the joy of the CD is the Tobias Picker 'Old and Lost Rivers for orchestra', a wholly tonal composition of spare beauty and superb writing. Though short, this work transports with its ability to conjure images relevant to everyone's past. It is a wondrous work. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 06

MODERN MUSIC OF BEATHTAKING BEAUTY.......2004-04-23

This disc contains great performances of some of the finest examples of sheer beauty in 20th century music that I've heard in some time - in a recording of exceptional quality. It's a wonderful opportunity for those who equate `20th century music' with `cacophony' and `discord' to experience how incredibly beautiful it can be. I discovered it while browsing - the Ansel Adams cover photography caught my eye, which then widened when I saw the bassoon reference prominently displayed (one of my favorite instruments).

The title piece, a concerto for bassoon and orchestra by John Williams, takes up roughly half the disc. The five-movement composition is an homage to the majestic and sacred qualities of trees. Williams says he wrote the concerto with the bassoon in mind, believing it to be `haunted' by `the spirit of the tree from which it is made'. Utilizing Celtic imagery and titles, each of the five movements evokes one of the legendary trees featured in the mythology of that ancient culture. The mood and tone of each section reflects the characteristics attributed to those trees: the sturdiness of the oak; Tortan, the mythical tree associated with witchcraft; the yew, symbol of destruction and creation; the ash, symbolic of strife; and Dathi, the tree-muse of poets and the last tree to fall in the mythological Celtic forest, appropriately placed at the end of the program. Williams translates his reverence for the forest into his music skillfully and with great feeling, and the performance by Judith LeClair and the LSO complement his vision perfectly, bringing the `personality' of each of the movements to life with sensitivity and passion.

Toru Takemitsu has long been one of my favourite modern composers - I discovered his work back in the 1970s, and I soon learned that I could count on the intelligence and quality his music. It has never failed to both challenge and reward me. Listening to the work included here, `Tree line', I'm amazed at the complexity and delicacy represented in this short (under ten minutes) example of his work - I've often compared his compositions to the work of traditional Japanese brush artists, whose works achieve so much with apparently so few strokes. The beauty of the haiku form of poetry also comes to mind. Takemitsu was a master at combining the ancient spirituality and traditions of Japan with modern classical music.

I haven't heard much by Alan Hovhaness - an oversight I plan to correct. The piece which represents this composer here, his Symphony no. 2 (`Mysterious mountain') is, I'm told by a friend who is well-schooled in classical music, one of his most widely appreciated. An American composer who pioneered the `fusion' of western and eastern ideas and traditions, his writing as showcased here is breathtakingly beautiful - I was especially taken with the layers-upon-layers sound of the strings. The notes here indicate that this piece was intended to pay homage to the great American landscape painters of the 19th century Hudson River School - and it evokes the images they captured on canvas beautifully.

The last piece on the CD is `Old and lost rivers' by Tobias Picker - another composer with whose work I am sadly unfamiliar. The shortest work on the album (under five minutes), it's a masterful exercise in tranquility and beauty. It certainly makes me want to seek out more compositions by Picker.

The four pieces presented here go together perfectly in theme and mood - and the recording is of stellar quality, made crystal clear through the full digital recording process, which utilizes the 20-bit technology. The notes are informative and well-written, and the graphics are appropriate and lovely. It's a wonderful package for multiple senses.

What a nice surprise!!!.......2004-04-15

First of all, I must confess that I noticed this album just because I found it at an incredible low price! Then, I noticed that the cover artwork was quite interesting too (forgive me, but being a designer I am an extremely visual person)! Then, I found that it had something by Takemitsu (whose work I really like)!...So, I decided to give it a try! When I got home and listened to it, I realized what a great album this really is! What a nice surprise!!!

Williams' bassoon concerto ("The Five Sacred Trees") is a very nice work! It sounds absolutely different from his film music! Don't expect any "Star Wars" or "Jaws" theme to pop up! Oh, and the soloist (Judith LeClair) plays beautifully!!!

Takemitsu's "Tree Line" is quite nice too, just as I was expecting it to be! But, the real surprises here were the gorgeous Second Symphony by Hovhaness and "Old and Lost Rivers" by Tobias Picker!!! I was curious about these two composers, and now I'm quite delighted to have finally been able to listen to their work!

This album has a very atmospheric, ethereal and somehow mystical feel about it! It is relaxing without being boring, it is modern without being difficult to listen to, it is surprising without being weird! This is a great album indeed!!!

Wonderful Celebration of Trees.......2003-09-12

Williams is profound composer of our time. Here, outside of his normal mode of soundtrack, Williams excels. His composition to the Five Trees is diverse, high arching, swaying sounds concentrated in a double-reed instrument which holds its very essence from trees, cane and maple, et al.

These five contrasts surround profound,passionate bassoon playing of Judith LeClair. Especially fond of opening "Eo Mugna" and harp featured "Eo Rossa."

In Takemitsu's "Tree Line" we have colorstudded musical idiom intermingled with Oriental and Debussy like shinings. While some reviewers are not encanted with this style, its shimmerings and stylistics tone patches capture this reviewers ear. I enjoy this.

Hovhaness excels in sublime aura sound, much what feeling of mountains provide, stark, reaching, soaring, echoing. I liked this offering very much, well done under Williams by the London Symphony Orchestra. Especially grandeur is tymp playing, which is so controlled, and creates sublimity. His use of oboe is exquisite on opening Adante..grandeur and majesty that opens up and envelopes one upon first viewing mountain rising up before one's field of vision.

"Old and Lost Rivers" images flows and tributaries and ebb/flow, gushing to the drought. From urbania to bayous to the oceans, this hydrophonic composition exhibits tranquility and dynamicism of the very fabric of life.

Tracks:

Mysterious Mountain-Symphony No.2: I. Andante con moto
Mysterious Mountain-Symphony No.2: II. Double Fugue
Mysterious Mountain-Symphony No.2: III. Andante espressivo
Prayer of St. Gregory
Prelude & Quadruple Fugue
And God Created Great Whales
Alleluia & Fugue
Celestial Fantasy

Customer Reviews:

Alan Hovhaness and some very big friends.......2007-02-04

This is a brilliant work combining the compositional artistry of Alan Hovhaness with the music from the orchestra of the sea, the great whales themselves. To be listened to over and over again as there are always some new nuances that won't have been heard on previous visits.

M.M. version mediocre; St. Gregory performance Excellent........2006-07-21

Of the two pieces I care most about on this recording, my ears received them very differently.

On a positive note, the performance of St. Gregory's Prayer is transcendentally beautiful... liquid joy... outstanding.

I'm less enthusiastic about the Seattle Symphony's reproduction of the Mysterious Mountain here. Perhaps I am biased in favor of Fritz Reiner's Chicago interpretation, having heard that many times first. Regardless, I think a lot of listeners would have to agree with me that this Seattle production truly rushes through the suite, barely sampling the incredible potential of the composition. They simply move through it much too fast. So much of the power of Mysterious Mountain is intimately linked to its cadence, and to rush a piece like this is to drain it of most of its glory. The rendition excels technically, but the spirit comes out flat.

St. Gregory's Prayer is worth the purchase of this disc, but for a better Mountain, get the Chicago recording.

As for Great Whales, there's something good in hearing a symphony with the Pacific Ocean at its doorstep waxing Cetacean. Unfortunately this poetic justice does not suffice to make this piece worth frequent listening. It does succeed as a curiosity and a nice jog of the ear if you've fallen into a rut.

Entering the Realm of Alan Hovhaness.......2006-06-16

Like other reviewers here, I flipped on the radio one night & caught the tail-end of "Mysterious Mountain" and was thunderstruck by the beauty pouring out of my speakers. I strained to catch the name of the composition and the composer: Alan Hovhaness...Mysterious Mountain. That night was a revelation to me and the beginning of my explorations into the musical realm of Mr. Hovhaness. Several CD's later, I still return to this one. All of the selections here are wonderful with the possible exception of the composition, "And God Created The Great Whales"... I have never been able to latch onto that one, but that is just me. Otherwise, this CD is absolutely superb; the music is richly textured and satisfying. Highly recommended.

A Stimulating Hovhaness Sampler.......2006-05-04

Boy, it's amazing how different sets of ears hear things differently! I was just musing on the purity of sound that the Seattle strings are able to produce on this disc, nimble and without the heaviness that some more famous string bodies under certain conductors (say, Philadelphia under Ormandy or Sawallisch) would proffer. And I was further thinking that Delos' clean, clear recording was a big help, especially in the "Prayer to Saint Anthony," where the lonely sound of solo trumpet is etched against the accompanying strings. Then I read the comments by others on this page and am amazed to read that some think the sound on this disc "tinny...muddy." Obviously, I don't agree.

As to the performances, Schwarz seems to me a master Hovhaness interpreter, as other performances from Seattle and elsewhere have proved. I, too, recall the classic recording of "Mysterious Mountain" with Reiner, and I think Schwarz yields nothing to Reiner in terms of depth of feeling or any other musical criteria. Schwarz's is a lovely performance, with all the required mystery and majesty of this seminal piece intact.

In other hands than Hovhaness's, "God Created Great Whales" could have emerged as a one-trick pony of a piece. I happen to think that Rautavaara's "Cantus Arcticus," mentioned by at least one other reviewer, comes far closer to this downfall. I find that Rautavaara's music is no more or less interesting than, nor does it shed special light on, the recorded bird sounds in his piece. As you can guess, I'm not a great admirer of the Finnish composer. But Hovhaness manages to mirror the sounds of the whales, in both the strings and brass (hard feat!) in such a way that we come to appreciate the remarkable communicativeness of these great beasts of the sea. At least I do. Plus, the technique that Hovhaness employs--a rare foray into aleatory music--is in the service of the work's program: the emergence of the earth from primordial chaos.

Of the other pieces on this disc, I find "Prelude and Quadruple Fugue" the most memorable. A dry, pedantic name perhaps, but not a dry piece: the fugue manages to be both very traditional and very modern, which is true of Hovhaness's best music. As I say, Schwarz, Seattle, and Delos all do Hovhaness full justice on this CD.

Hovhaness Is An American Original.......2006-03-27

Alan Hovhaness is probably one of the most underrated, unappreciated composers this country has ever produced. How unappreciated? I've been a passionate lover of classical music for fifteen years, took a few courses in my undergrad years on music theory and the history of music in the West, have been a season ticket holder in more than one city's philharmonic/orchestras, and it was not until about five years ago that I heard of Hovhaness--and even then it was only because I so happen to listen to his Symphony No. 2 (`Mysterious Mountain') on a local public radio station during classical music hour.

The first time I heard `Mysterious Mountain,' I almost mistook it for Dvorak or Smetana. Hovhaness might have lived in the 20th century, but his compositional approach and philosophy was very much in the mold of the 19th century romantics. It is grandiose in style, haunting and yet beautifully majestic in sound, and it never ceases to amaze me every time I listen to it.

The remaining pieces of music, particularly the Prayer of St. Gregory and Alleluia and Fugue, betray Hovhaness's earlier work as a composer of music (and organist) for the Armenian Church. It surprises me still that more of his music is not played, although he is best known for Mysterious Mountain (a symphony that was composed and premiered in 1955). This CD itself is an excellent addition to any classical music collection and a must for anyone wanting to discover more about American composers.

Hovhaness: Celestial Gate and Other Orchestral Works

Average customer rating:

Beautiful and inspiring
best of the Hovhaness recordings I own
Hovhaness Primer
Inspiring, surprising, meditative all in one.
Tzaikerk Allelula Evening Songs

Hovhaness: Celestial Gate and Other Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003D0V
Release Date: 1995-08-29

Tracks:

Celestial Gate
Prelude And Quadruple Fugue, Op. 128 For Orchestra
Tzaikerk, 'Evening Song'
Prayer Of Saint Gregory
Alleluia And Fugue, Op. 40b
I. Allegretto
II. Jhala: Allegro
III. Double Fugue: Allegretto

Amazon.com

Alan Hovhaness is an Armenian American composer whose music knows no end to experiments with styles, modes, and even instrumentation. But the core of his work seems to be mystical, as in Symphony 6 Celestial Gate based on a painting by the mystic Hermon de Giovanno. His Concerto for Orchestra, No. 7 is a 1953 work with Hindustan elements in it; but like a true concerto for orchestra, it makes its rounds to all the instruments. Tzaikerk, or Evening Song, is for flute, violin, timpani and string orchestra is heavily influenced by Korean (or Asian) music. This is a diverse collection by one of our best. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and inspiring.......2005-11-27

"Mysterious Mountain" was the first thing I had ever heard from Alan hovhaness and that was more than enough to get me interested in his music. Later I came across this CD and it instantly became one of my favorite CD's. "Celestial Gate" and "Tzaikerk" alone are worth the buy.

best of the Hovhaness recordings I own.......2005-10-08

I own several recordings of Alan Hovhaness' music and this is the best. The pieces contained are good exemplars of his best work. Symphony #6 is episodic in its structure but contains some of his most mystically atmospheric material and is not overly repetitive. Opp. 128 & 53 are nice works. The Prayer of Saint Gregory might be his best work. The playing here is really good and the sound is also good -- a nice sharp image, good depth. This is an excellent introduction to this somewhat obscure composer.

Hovhaness Primer.......2004-06-08

As is the case with many others, this was the first Alan Hovaness CD I ever purchse and I now own about 11.
For someone interested in getting to know this unique composer it is the best place to start. The variety of pieces are a good representation of this man's work. It is like no music I have ever heard before!

Inspiring, surprising, meditative all in one........2003-04-21

The CD cover art - a bright light shining boldly from deep in space - is an apt visual description of the music on this beautiful and graceful CD. It's the first Hovhaness CD I purchased, and I have bought many more since. Alan Hovhaness was an inspired genius, and not afraid to blaze his own path. In some respects, he reminds me of Jean Sibelius, another of my favorites, for his love of natural beauty and hints of eastern mysticism. The 5 minute Prayer of Saint Gregory alone is worth the price of the CD. I can't write very well about music I like - it's like describing wine and sounding snooty - but if you like to think, be surprised, and transported, then Hovhaness is your man. And this CD is a great place to start.

Tzaikerk Allelula Evening Songs.......2002-12-18

Alan Hovhaness was born on March 8th of 1911. Around 1940, after studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, he was appointed to the position of organist at an Armenian church near Boston. An inner prompting, around that same time, led to an intensive study of Oriental music, philosophy and religion. These two strong spiritual influences helped to contribute to a mystical disposition in both Mr. Hovhanness's life and in his abundant artistic creations.

The following may help to describe three of the major pieces on this Telarc disc:

"Celestial Gate" was completed in the year 1959. In this piece, Hovhaness describes an interior journey of many years duration, which culminated in the passage, through a 'mental gate', into a spiritual realm of expansive satiating presence. We are invited, through this translation into sound by conductor Rudolf Werthen and The Orchestra of Flanders, to know once again this welcoming spiritual state, in the act of listening to this wonderfully sensual recording.

"Concerto No. 7" was composed between August and October of 1953. A wealth of themes are introduced and woven together during the three movements. As the composer notes: "In the course of it's twenty-four minute duration all unnecessary elements are removed - only a voluptuous essence remains".

The "Prayer of Saint Gregory" is an excerpt from a Hovhanness Opera, conceived in 1946 and titled "Etchmiadzin". As the composer notes: "This music is like a prayer for mutuality and tender emotional reciprocity amidst melancholy social isolation".

Tracks:

Te Deum
March & Gigue
Trumpet Tune In D Major
Rondeau
Sicilienne
La Rejouissance
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Ave Maria
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
If Love's A Sweet Passion
Ave Maria
Trumpet Tune In D Major
Rigadon & Passapied
Toccata
The Prayer Of St Gregory
Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Good Wedding Music.......2007-01-02

I was looking for ideas for music for my wedding last year and found this cd to be really helpful. If your looking for ideas and inspiration for marches and other tunes associated with wedding ceremonies look no further.

Ceremonoal marches for trumpet and symphonic organ.......2006-11-05

It is an excellent recording especially the 12 marches by Telemann.

A ceremony in sound.......2005-10-18

This is a beautifully performed CD of ceremonial music of the Christian tradition. While organist Michael Murray talks about the diversity of kinds of ceremonial music in the liner notes essay, the musical selection here is drawn from the Western Christian tradition with few exceptions.

Sometimes the music did not start out as ceremonial in nature - Murray points out that the 'Incidental Music for A Midsummer Night's Dream' is now considered traditional wedding-march music, whereas at one time it considered completely inappropriate.

Music is drawn from the past four hundred years - works of well-known composers such as Purcell, Handel, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Bach are collected here, together with lesser-known composers such as Paradis, Mouret, Charpentier, Clarke and Martini, famous and respected in their day, but less known as personalities now (although their music will undoubtedly sound very familiar to the listener with any exposure to Western music). The CD also includes a few pieces from modern composers such as the French Charles Gounod, the British Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the American Alan Hovhaness.

Organist Michael Murray and trumpeter Rolf Smedvig make a dynamic duo in this celebratory music. Murray plays the symphonic organ from the First United Methodist Church of Cleveland (I've been in that church for a concert, and it is grand indeed). Smedvig is a Grammy nominee for his work with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, serving on the faculty of Boston University and Tanglewood. Murray has had a worldwide career of recitals, being a frequent guest of orchestras, and often sought to inaugurate grand organs upon their installation.

This is a grand disc, a ceremony in sound, and a wonderful piece to have in one's collection.

inspiring.......2000-06-21

This disc contains a nice selection of music appropriate for weddings and other liturgical occasions. Smedvig and Murray achieve a fine balance with a rich, full sound that is clear and warm, never harsh. Smedvig's trumpet playing demonstrates a wide range of timbres and styles: bright and energetic in the Mouret "Rondeau," glorious and majestic in Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary," expressive and lyrical in the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria," subdued and reverent in Hovhaness's "Prayer to St. Gregory." (He also has astounding breath control and trills that are to die for.) The only less-than-successful cut, I think, is the Mendelssohn "Wedding March," played at a plodding tempo, with the trumpet in such a low range that its brightness is muffled. Overall the disc is awe-inspiring and uplifting; I learn something every time I listen to it!

A good wedding planner, but..........2000-06-11

This album has its positive and negative aspects. The idea of an album containing some of the most oft-used music in weddings and other such ceremonies is a great idea and no doubt will be helpful to those planning their weddings. Mr. Murray's playing is outstanding. Mr. Smedvig is also an excellent player, but his interpretations have their drawbacks. Smedvig adds too many ornaments (extra notes) to the main melody lines. It reminds me of trumpet players I knew in high school who would add so many ornaments to music of this sort that the main melody line would become lost. That happens here - the large number of ornaments are detrimental to hearing what are of themselves beautiful musical lines. Moreover, it causes tempo discrepancies. The Mouret speeds up and slows down several times. The finest recording of the Mouret still has to belong to Gerard Schwarz, and it's a true shame that Schwarz didn't do more recording. If you want an album with a great deal of traditional wedding fare to help select music for a wedding trumpeter, this is a practical CD. For the music itself, better can be obtained.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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