Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1964

Average_duration

:

14:19

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints, Op. 211 is a composition for orchestra by American composer Alan Hovhaness. It was composed in 1964 and premiered on January 28, 1965, by the Louisville Orchestra under the direction of Robert Whitney. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by a different Japanese woodprint. The first movement, "The Great Wave," is based on the famous print by Hokusai depicting a large wave about to crash onto the shore. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and swirling strings, evoking the power and movement of the wave. The second movement, "The Dance of the Seagull," is based on a print by Hiroshige depicting a seagull in flight. The music is light and airy, with fluttering woodwinds and delicate strings, capturing the grace and freedom of the bird in flight. The final movement, "The Cherry Tree," is based on a print by Hasui depicting a cherry tree in bloom. The music is slow and contemplative, with lush strings and gentle woodwinds, evoking the beauty and serenity of the cherry blossom. Overall, Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints is characterized by Hovhaness's signature blend of Eastern and Western musical elements. The use of pentatonic scales, modal harmonies, and percussion instruments such as the gong and tam-tam give the piece a distinctly Asian flavor, while the orchestration and formal structure are firmly rooted in the Western classical tradition. The result is a unique and evocative work that captures the essence of Japanese art and culture.

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