Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Alan Hovhaness with "Complete Sonatas and Sonatinas Vol.2," a mesmerizing collection of minimalist piano works released on December 5, 2011, under the Taukay label. This album is a testament to Hovhaness's unique compositional style, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative.
Spanning a concise yet impactful 48 minutes, the album features a series of sonatas, each offering a distinct emotional and musical journey. The "Sonata Bardo, Op. 192" opens the album with a meditative "Largo" and builds momentum with a lively "Presto," culminating in the serene "Hymn to Amida." The "Sonata Mt. Ossipee, Op. 299 No. 2" showcases Hovhaness's ability to evoke natural landscapes through music, with movements ranging from the mournful "Adagio lamentando" to the triumphant "Allegro giusto."
The "Sonata Journey to Arcturus, Op. 354" is a standout piece, taking listeners on a celestial voyage with its "Lullaby," "Fugue," and "Nocturne," and culminating in the exhilarating "Jhala for Star Journey" and "Jhala for Arcturus." The album concludes with the "Sonata Mt. Ossipee, Op. 299 No. 1," a dynamic exploration of contrasting moods and tempos.
Alan Hovhaness, an American-Armenian composer, is renowned for his ability to fuse diverse musical influences into a cohesive and deeply expressive style. His works have been praised for their lyrical beauty, rhythmic vitality, and spiritual depth. This album is a perfect introduction to Hovhaness's piano sonatas, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the composer's unique genius.
Vinylscout