Symphony No. 2, Mysterious Mountain
Alan Hovhaness
Work background
Researched classical background
Mysterious Mountain unfolds in three movements, with a double fugue at its centre. Hovhaness balances sustained, hymn-like orchestral writing with flowing contrapuntal activity. The mountain in the title is a symbol rather than a named summit: the composer associated mountains with the meeting of earthly and spiritual experience. The work therefore combines a clear formal plan with an open image.
Inspiration and creative background
Hovhaness described mountains as a meeting place between the material and spiritual worlds.
Wise Music Classical: Hovhaness Mysterious Mountain
1955 composition, Op.132, three movements and composer explanation of the mountain symbol | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the contrasting subjects combining in the central double fugue.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1955
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Mysterious Mountain
Wise Music Classical: Hovhaness Mysterious Mountain
1955 composition, Op.132, three movements and composer explanation of the mountain symbol | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Wise Music Classical: Hovhaness Mysterious Mountain
1955 composition, Op.132, three movements and composer explanation of the mountain symbol | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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