Dorian Recordings

DOR-93166
Hovhaness: Celestial Fantasy

Slovak Radio Orchestra
Kerry Stratton, Conductor

Hovhaness' music touches on the themes of spirituality, the mystery and grandeur of nature, and the power of faith. It is quiet, beautiful and inwardly intense, and often has a meditative or even chant-like quality. Hovhaness states "I was very touched when John Cage said my music was like inward singing." The selections on this disc range from the folk-dance themes of American Rhapsodies Nos 2 & 3 (1944) to the intensely moving work Psalm and Fugue (1941), which was frequently performed in America during the darkest hours of World War II.

[ 1] The Holy City, Op. 218 (1965)

Alleluia and Fugue, Op. 40b (1941)
[ 2] I. Alleluia. Andante
[ 3] II. Fugue. Moderato

[ 4] Armenian Rhapsody No. 3, Op. 189 (1944)

In Memory of an Artist, Op. 163 (1958)
[ 5] I. Fantasy on a Fourth
[ 6] II. Allegro Vivo
[ 7] III. Adagio Espressivo

Processional and Fugue, Op. 76, No. 5 (1967)
[ 8] I. Processional
[ 9] II. Fugue

[10] Celestial Fantasy, Op. 44 (1935; orch'd 1944)

[11] Armenian Rhapsody No. 2, Op. 51 (1944)

Psalm and Fugue, Op. 40a (1941)
[12] I. Andante
[13] II. Fugue. Allegretto

Dorian Recordings & Dorian Discovery
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