Shalimar is the world premier recording of Alan Hovhaness performing his own compositions for piano. It offers authoritative and lasting renditions of the work of this legendary composer. Alan Hovhaness' musical output is tremendous having written numerous pieces for the solo piano. The selections chosen for this release are those which best exemplify the beautiful and sublime nature that is the essence of his unique and personal style. Hovhaness' music is built on clear tonal centers and repetitive patterns. Contrary to the sheer rhythmic drive of minimalism, his music is also divinely melodic. Integrating exotic scales, rhythms and instrumental figurations of the Orient with modal harmony and structures of Western classical music, Hovhaness has created a highly evolved and universal approach to art. From Shalimar, his tribute to Kashmir, to the gentle Love Song Vanishing Into Sounds of Crickets Op. 327, given as a valentine to his wife, the compositions here are delicate, sophisticated and exceptionally lovely.