KPFA-FM Music Dept. ➔ Morning Concert: An Interview with Alan Hovhaness (February 1989)
Analog Audio
Event Type
InterviewsOrigin
KPFAIdentifier
AM.1989.02.21Program Series
Morning ConcertProgram Length
14 minDates
1989-02-21 | broadcast| 1989-02-17 | created
Description
Born in Somerville, MA in 1911, to a Scottish mother and Armenian father, composer Alan Hovhaness is the William Saroyan of American composers, an Armenian-American humanist whose expression is never just reserved for the musical elite, but rather speaks directly and deeply to the larger public. In August 1987 at the age of 76, Hovhaness visited San Francisco’s Different Fur Studios to record “Shalimar,” a stunning album of his music for solo piano. Speaking to Charles Amirkhanian over the phone in February of 1989, Hovhaness shares some memories about that recording session as well as discussing his interest in Noh opera and the joys and tribulations of being a conductor. The two men also discuss Hovhaness’ interest in world music, and the perceived differences between West Coast and East Coast composers. Hovhaness even suggests that immigrant communities in the United States might be best situated to preserve their culture’s traditional music, as many of the composers that remained in their home countries have become influenced by Western music. Given Hovhaness’ growing stature as an influential American composer, this brief yet informative interview provides an important historical perspective as we celebrate the centennial of his birth, and beyond.Genres
20th century classicalWorld music
Subjects
20th century classicalWorld music
Acknowledgment
Funding for the preservation of this program made possible through a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.Related places
Berkeley (Calif.) (was recorded at)Berkeley (Calif.) (was broadcast at)
Related Entities
Amirkhanian, CharlesHovhaness, Alan, 1911-2000