Composer

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Alan Hovhaness

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1933 - 1966

Average_duration

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5:49

Alan Hovhaness' 'Ghazals (2), Op. 36' is a composition for voice and piano, composed in 1946. The piece premiered on May 5, 1946, at the New School for Social Research in New York City. The composition consists of two movements, each of which is a setting of a Persian poem. The first movement, titled "The Moonlight Night," is a setting of a poem by Hafez. The music is characterized by a slow, meditative tempo and a haunting melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with simple chords that provide a gentle, flowing backdrop for the voice. The vocal line is ornamented with melismatic passages that add to the mystical quality of the music. The second movement, titled "The Beloved," is a setting of a poem by Rumi. The music is more lively and rhythmic than the first movement, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano accompaniment. The vocal line is more declamatory, with a greater emphasis on the text. The music is characterized by a sense of urgency and passion, reflecting the intensity of the poem. Overall, 'Ghazals (2), Op. 36' is a beautiful and evocative composition that showcases Hovhaness' skill as a composer. The music is characterized by a sense of mysticism and spirituality, reflecting the influence of Eastern music and philosophy on Hovhaness' work. The piece is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people across time and space.

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