Alan Hovhaness
Achtamar, Op. 64
Works Info
Composer:Alan HovhanessGenre:KeyboardStyle:KeyboardCompose Date:1947Average_duration:3:09Movement_count:2Movement ....Achtamar, Op. 64 is a composition for orchestra by American composer Alan Hovhaness. It was composed in 1948 and premiered on January 22, 1949, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Serge Koussevitzky. The piece is inspired by the Armenian legend of the Princess Tamar and the monastery of Achtamar, located on an island in Lake Van in Eastern Turkey. The legend tells of a princess who falls in love with a commoner and is forced to flee to the island monastery to escape her father's wrath. The piece is divided into three movements, each representing a different aspect of the legend. The first movement, "The Princess of Achtamar," is a slow and mournful introduction that sets the stage for the story. The second movement, "The Fountains of Achtamar," is a lively and rhythmic dance that represents the joy and celebration of the island's inhabitants. The final movement, "The Ruins of Achtamar," is a somber and reflective piece that represents the eventual decline and abandonment of the monastery. Hovhaness's use of Armenian folk melodies and modal scales gives the piece a distinctly Eastern flavor. The orchestration is lush and colorful, with prominent use of percussion and brass. The piece is also notable for its use of unusual time signatures, such as 7/8 and 11/8, which add to the exotic and otherworldly atmosphere. Overall, Achtamar, Op. 64 is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Hovhaness's unique style and his deep connection to his Armenian heritage.More....