Symphony No.49 "Christmas" for String Orchestra - Alan Hovhaness

Northwest Sinfonia conducted by Gerard Schwarz.

I - Celestial Prophecy: 0:00
II - The Angel: 6:34
III - Pastoral. Moderato: 9:04
IV - The Star: 12:08

Hovhaness' Symphony No.49 was composed in 1981, being premiered in December 6 of 1986, performed by the Vermilion Chamber Orchestra conducted by the own composer. As the subtitle implies, it is heavily inspired by the holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is divided in four movements, with subtitles referencing different aspects of Christmas.

The first movement is divided in three sections. The first one begins with a lyrical theme on the strings, supported by pizzicatos of the basses. It announces to us the arrival of Christmas. The second section opens with a second theme in form of an expressive chorale, offering some solemn contrast. The third section begins with the main theme reappering as the subject of a rhythmic fugue. A fade-out coda ends the movement

The second movement is very short and monothematic in form. It begins with a widely lyrical and delicate main theme, representing a childish vision of christmas. The music grows towards an expressive climax. This theme is briefly recapitulated before the movement suddenly ends without a real coda. The movement could also represent the innocence of the newborn Jesus.

The third movement is structured in binary form. Opens with a pizzicato ostinato from the basses. Higher strings present an oriental dance-like theme, presented in a rich manner. By the subtitle of the movement, it could represent how the shepherds travel to worship baby Jesus. The theme becomes the subject of a energetic fugue. A firm coda ends the movement

The fourth movement is written in ternary form. It begins with a solemn theme, based on the christmas song "Watchman Tell Us of the Night", alternating between solemn and rhythmic sections. This theme is developed through an extensive fugue. The theme is recapitulated in a delicate way. This theme slowly disolves into silence as it goes in an extensive pianissimo, as a final christmas blessing.

Picture: "Tsarevich Dimitry" (1899) by the Russian painter Mikhail Nesterov.

Musical analysis written mostly by myself. Source: https://bit.ly/3Csr55M