Shalimar (Suite for Piano) Op. 177 Cover Image

Shalimar (Suite for Piano) Op. 177: Piano (Solo)

$28.95 USD
$28.95 USD
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Shalimar (Suite for Piano) Op. 177 Cover Image
Shalimar (Suite for Piano) Op. 177: Piano (Solo)

Shalimar (Suite for Piano) Op. 177: Piano (Solo)

By Alan Hovhaness

Item: 98-EP6214
$28.95
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Additional Details
Series: Edition Peters
Publisher: Edition Peters
Page Count: 24
ISBN10: 0-30-071018-6
ISBN13: 979-0-3007-1018-1
SKU: 98-EP6214

More about this title

About the Composer: Alan Hovhaness

Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was an American composer of Armenian descent whose prolific output spanned nearly seven decades and encompassed over 500 works. His music draws deeply from Armenian folk traditions, Asian classical systems, and his study of non-Western musical scales and tuning systems. Hovhaness developed a distinctive harmonic language rooted in modal writing and repetitive structures that reflect his spiritual approach to composition.

His piano works range from accessible character pieces to substantial concert works, many evoking landscapes, spiritual themes, and cultural traditions. Hovhaness's writing for piano emphasizes sonority and contemplative expression over virtuosic display, making his pieces rewarding for both performers and listeners seeking music that balances technical accessibility with artistic depth.

Why we love this

Shalimar presents a complete suite scaled perfectly for intermediate to advanced pianists who want substantial repertoire beyond single-movement works. The op. 177 designation places this among Hovhaness's mature works, and the suite format allows performers to explore different facets of his harmonic language and modal approach within a single, coherent program.

What to expect

Shalimar evokes the layered beauty and sensory richness of the Mughal gardens for which it is named. The music unfolds through shifting modal harmonies and shimmering repetitive patterns that suggest light on water and ornamental complexity, with moments of quiet introspection alternating with passages of sustained, glowing resonance.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced piano students preparing recital repertoire, as well as pianists exploring 20th-century American composers with non-Western influences. The 24-page suite suits performers ready for works of substantial length and artistic sophistication.

How to get the most out of it

  • Attend to Hovhaness's use of ostinato and repetition as architectural elements rather than accompaniment figures; these patterns create hypnotic momentum when played with steady tone and subtle dynamic shaping.
  • Balance the modal harmonic language by listening for the gravitational pull toward tonal centers, even when traditional major-minor relationships are suspended.
  • Let the piece breathe at movement transitions; resist rushing between sections, as silence and space are integral to the contemplative character.
  • Explore the full range of the keyboard across movements, as Hovhaness often shifts between high, translucent textures and deep, resonant sonorities.

How to use it

Program this suite as a complete recital centerpiece or divide movements across different concert contexts, as the op. 177 designation suggests it was conceived as a substantial standalone work. Its harmonic language and tonal language also pair well with other 20th-century explorations of modal and non-Western musical systems.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and executing modal harmonic language and non-traditional tonal relationships
  • Shaping ostinato figures for musical interest and forward momentum
  • Balancing transparent textures with resonant, full-bodied sonorities
  • Sustaining contemplative musical expression over extended passages
  • Coordination of rhythmic patterns across register shifts

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