Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

17:29

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain, Op. 132 is a symphony composed by Alan Hovhaness in 1955. The symphony premiered on May 4, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Munch. The symphony consists of three movements. The first movement, Andante espressivo, begins with a slow and mysterious introduction, featuring a solo trumpet and a solo oboe. The main theme is then introduced by the strings, which is a simple and lyrical melody. The movement builds to a climax before ending quietly. The second movement, Double Fugue: Allegro vivo, is a lively and energetic fugue. The movement features two themes, which are introduced separately before being combined in the fugue. The fugue builds to a frenzied climax before ending abruptly. The third movement, Andante espressivo, is a slow and contemplative movement. The movement features a solo flute, which introduces a haunting melody. The melody is then passed around the orchestra, with each instrument adding its own unique color to the music. The movement ends quietly, with the solo flute playing the final notes. Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain is characterized by its use of modal scales and Armenian folk melodies. The symphony also features Hovhaness's signature use of lush orchestration and his interest in creating a sense of mysticism and spirituality in his music. Overall, Symphony No. 2 Mysterious Mountain is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Hovhaness's unique musical voice. Its premiere was well-received, and the symphony has since become one of Hovhaness's most popular works.

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