Hovhaness: Concerto No. 2 / Works for Violin and Piano (

The music of Alan Hovhaness, one of America's most prolific composers, enchants with his signature synthesis of East and West. Influenced by his Armenian heritage and a fascination with nature and spirituality Hovhaness sought to create music 'for all people, music which is beautiful and healing.' This collection of works featuring the violin includes several premiere recordings. Concerto no.2, one of a series of ten concertos for various instruments, requires the soloist and ensemble to play using distinctive effects including tone clusters, melisma, and playing without strict measure. Evocations of Armenian liturgy contrasted with dizzying Scottish jigs can be heard in the Violin Sonata.

This release joins an already substantial and highly popular discography of Alan Hovhaness's works in the Naxos catalogue, including symphonies and innumerable orchestral works from this most prolific of composers. The Concerto no.2 for Violin and Strings, op.89a, joins works such as the 'very attractive' (ClassicsToday.com) Guitar Concerto on Naxos 8559336, and the early Cello Concerto, op.17 (8559158), regarded as revealing 'an inspired melodist and contrapuntalist' by the Los Angeles Times.

The mother-daughter team of violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg has previously appeared on our American Classics series with the music of William Grant Still (8559867), which has become a real hit amongst collectors and critics. The New York Times considered it 'an enjoyable program that ought to spark more curiosity in this composer.'