Alan Hovhaness Sonata Mount Shasta, op 299 n 3 I

Nicola Giosmin - pianoforte
/ hovhaness-complete-son...
Sonata “Mt. Shasta”, op. 299 n. 3
This sonata opens with a typical Hovhaness slow movement (Adagio Misterioso) : long chords pedals supporting a flamboyant melodic line, calm parts alternating with more dramatic ones, and after the climax (a tremolo in the upper part) a small cadenza leading into an ending that unfolds the perfect natural modal ground of the entire piece. Then, a Minuetto follows. It is written in modern dorian mode and thus expresses Hovhaness’ neoclassical side. The exquisite composition in a “false” eighteenth century style is slowly modified during the Trio which introduces reminiscences of Prokofiev.The ending movement is the Hymn to Shasta (Adagio Maestoso). It is a majestic musical construction as can be heard in other hymns composed by Hovhaness (Hymn to Chocorua to name only one). The main theme is announced with solid chords, followed by a sort of mirror canon with faster arpeggios. The theme is heard again through a canon form interchanged with the arpeggios exploding into a triumphant conclusion. This is surely one of the most accomplished of Hovhaness’s works.