Composer(s): Hovhaness, Alan
Conductor(s): Schwarz, Gerard
Artist(s): Banaszak, Greg
Label: Naxos
Series: American Classics
Genre: Concerto; Orchestral
Period: 20th Century
Catalogue No: 8.559755
Barcode: 636943975527
Release Date: 02/2015

HOVHANESS, A.: Symphony No. 48 / Prelude and Quadruple Fugue / Soprano Saxophone Concerto (Banaszak, Eastern Music Festival Orchestra, G. Schwarz)

Alan Hovhaness’s remarkable legacy of 67 symphonies and hundreds of other works stands as a testimony to one of the most individual musical voices of the 20th century. Written when Hovhaness was 25, the Prelude and Quadruple Fugue represents not only his mastery of counterpoint but in its sweeping climactic form is also one of his most exciting works. The Soprano Saxophone Concerto is like a melodic tone poem or aria, and considered the most Romantic concerto Hovhaness ever wrote. “Inspired by the wonders and mysteries of astronomy” and appearing here in its première recording, the Symphony No. 48 ‘Vision of Andromeda’ expresses the vastness of this galaxy through giant melodies, shimmering orchestral colors and a transcendent apotheosis.

Tracklist

Hovhaness, Alan
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
1Prelude and Quadruple Fugue, Op. 12806:59
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
Banaszak, Greg (saxophone)
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
2I. Andante - Allegretto espressivo - Fuga07:21
Banaszak, Greg (saxophone)
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
3II. Adagio espressivo - Allegro assai05:03
Banaszak, Greg (saxophone)
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
4III. Andante - Allegretto con molto espressione06:35
Banaszak, Greg (saxophone)
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
5I. Andante10:06
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
6II. Fugue: Allegro03:11
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
7III. Andante - Allegro moderato04:05
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)
8IV. Largo solenne - Allegro maestoso - Andante maestoso espressivo12:28
Eastern Music Festival Orchestra (Orchestra)
Schwarz, Gerard (Conductor)

Total Playing Time: 55:48