The Sonata No. 1 for guitar by Alan Hovhaness aims, like much of this composer's output, more towards creating a musical atmosphere than towards the traditional ideas of thematic development. It is a somber work, without much relief; even the faster movements sound somehow resigned. The first movement, an Adagio, opens with a spare, winding chromatic melody, which becomes the subject of variations. The variations are basic, however; they confine themselves to ornamentation and slight changes in the supporting harmonies. The melody's basic structure remains easily recognizable, and it has a kind of hypnotic power when played quietly and with poise. An Allegro second movement, in ABA form, picks up the pace a bit. The A section's melody seems to conjure the atmosphere of a Renaissance dance, while the B section explores the tension created by repeating one note. A brief third movement sounds like a variation on the A section of the second movement. It is followed by an Andante fourth movement. Here, the music becomes slow and chromatic again, but the mood is even darker; there is nothing easily recognizable as a melody, only broken gestures towards one. The music sounds almost spent, and ends on a note of uncertainty. Hovhaness' impressive ability to create mood is effectively displayed here.



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