Based on Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century by Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness
Alan Hovhaness may not be a household name like Beethoven or Copland, but his work as a composer is nothing short of extraordinary. His music spans cultures, centuries, and spiritual traditions—an awe-inspiring body of work that is only now being fully appreciated by a broader audience.
In her moving and meticulously detailed book, Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century, author and wife Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness reveals not only the depth of his compositions but the profound personality behind them. Here are ten surprising and illuminating facts about the composer that readers will discover in this deeply personal biography.
- He Composed Over 500 Works—Many Still Unheard
Alan Hovhaness was astoundingly prolific. With more than 500 surviving works, his output includes symphonies, operas, chamber pieces, and solo instrumental works. Many of these are still waiting to be performed or recorded, making his legacy a treasure trove for future musicians and researchers.
- He Burned Early Manuscripts—Hundreds of Them
In one of the more astonishing revelations, Hinako details how Hovhaness destroyed much of his early work in a dramatic self-editing purge. He once burned stacks of manuscripts in a fireplace, convinced that they no longer represented his artistic vision. This decision, while devastating to historians, marked a rebirth in his approach to composition.
- He Was a Pioneer of Cross-Cultural Music
Decades before “world music” became a trend, Hovhaness was incorporating Armenian chants, Indian ragas, and Japanese musical elements into his work. As Hinako shares, this was not cultural borrowing but genuine reverence. His travels and studies informed an authentic, integrative style that transcended boundaries.
- His Music Was Inspired by Nature and Spirituality
Hovhaness believed that music should elevate the soul. He drew deep inspiration from mountains, forests, stars, and spiritual texts. According to Hinako, he often composed after meditative walks or moments of silent contemplation—creating pieces that feel as vast and serene as the natural world itself.
- He Rejected Musical Trends of His Time
When his peers pursued atonality and complex serialism, Hovhaness turned in the opposite direction. He sought simplicity, clarity, and melody—believing that music should be accessible and transformative. This alienated some critics, but as Hinako’s book explains, it was a deliberate, philosophical stance.
- He Had a Deep Connection to Armenia—But Was Born in the U.S.
Though born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Hovhaness identified strongly with his Armenian roots. His early works often reflected Armenian folk music and spirituality. His visits to Armenia later in life were pivotal, deepening his connection to a heritage that shaped much of his musical identity.
- He Embraced the Shakuhachi and Japanese Musical Traditions
Hinako, being Japanese, offers rare insight into Hovhaness’s genuine fascination with Japanese culture. He composed works that included traditional instruments like the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and drew upon Japanese aesthetics and philosophies. Their shared cultural interests were part of the couple’s deep artistic bond.
- He Practiced Spiritual Rituals Before Composing
This biography reveals that Hovhaness often prepared for composition through spiritual rituals—whether reading ancient texts, practicing meditation, or lighting incense. For him, composition was not a craft alone, but a sacred calling.
- He Was a Private but Deeply Emotional Person
Through Hinako’s eyes, readers see a Hovhaness who was deeply sensitive, emotionally profound, and committed to a quiet, purpose-driven life. Despite his spiritual detachment from fame, his music carries a visceral passion—one that reflects the emotional intensity of his inner world.
- He Left Behind a Legacy That Is Just Beginning to Be Understood
Perhaps the most profound realization in this biography is that Hovhaness’s influence is still unfolding. His works are increasingly performed, his ideas resonate with modern values, and Hinako’s book is reigniting interest in his life’s work.
More Than Just Facts—A Journey of Discovery
Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century is more than a biography; it’s an act of preservation, love, and invitation. Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness brings readers into a world where music is a sacred language and creativity is a form of devotion. These ten facts are only the beginning of what the book offers—a deeper understanding of a man whose music still speaks across time, place, and spirit.
To learn more about the book and the music of Alan Hovhaness, visit: https://alanhovhanessmusic.com/
