Homage to Hovhaness

Commissioned and premiered by pianist François Mardirossian, Homage to Hovhaness (2021) is Michel Lysight’s personal tribute to the American composer Alan Hovhaness (1911–2000), a figure whose deeply spiritual and often contrapuntal language has long been a source of admiration for Lysight. Rather than a stylistic pastiche, the work stands as a reflection on affinity, evoking Hovhaness’s aesthetic through structural and expressive resonances.

The piece opens with a meditative prelude, creating a timeless, contemplative atmosphere. This leads into a lyrical melody, initially supported by regular chordal accompaniment, which gradually gives way to a more polyphonic texture. A contrasting central section follows, marked by a sudden increase in tempo and technical intensity. Cast in an ABA′ form, this section features a three-part fugato at its core (section B), a direct yet non-literal nod to Hovhaness’s frequent use of fugal writing. The return of A′ is slightly expanded, providing both contrast and continuity.

In the final section, Lysight mirrors the work’s opening structure: the polyphonic writing reappears first, followed by the return of the initial melody with its chordal punctuation. The piece closes with a reprise of the prelude, restoring the introspective calm of the beginning and reinforcing the cyclical, meditative nature of the work.

The world premiere was given by François Mardirossian during the 2021 edition of the Festival Superspectives (France), a performance that underscored the intimate and reverent spirit of this tribute.