Hovhaness, Alan

Hovhaness, Alan (b. Chakmajian)

(1911–  ) composer; born in Somerville, Mass. Of Scottish as well as Armenian descent, he showed an early interest in both composing and mysticism. He studied at the New England Conservatory in the 1920s and added an awareness of the music of India to that of his Armenian heritage; later he would spend time in Asia and add yet another strand to his own often exotic compositions. Legendarily prolific, usually working with commissions or grants, he went through several periods or styles but most of his work has a religious element and is mellifluous if distinctive.

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.