This program brings together a wide variety of Alan Hovhaness’ works including numerous world premiere recordings. These range from the earliest of his band compositions, the processional ‘Tapor No. 1,’ to more recent chamber pieces such as the gentle barcarole of ‘Vision on a Starry Night.’ ‘The Ruins of Ani’ returns us to the tragic location also explored in Hovhaness’ ‘Symphony No. 23 Ani’, while the ‘Three Improvisations on Folk Tunes’ evoke dances from the Indian subcontinent. Newly discovered works with percussion include the Japanese-influenced overture to Hovhaness’ opera ‘The Burning House’ alongside ‘October Mountain,’ now a classic in its genre.
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REVIEW:
The value of the Naxos label’s ongoing American Classics series has never been so aptly demonstrated as with the success of this release from the able but hardly well-known Central Washington University Wind Ensemble. A few pieces here have gained exposure: October Mountain is a fixture of percussion ensemble concerts in the U.S., at least, but several are world premieres. This is all to the good, and there’s not a dull moment to be had here. This is both a wide sampling of Hovhaness’ music and a valuable close focus on his music for winds.
