"My mother's background was Scottish. She came from an old family, some of whom lived in upper New York State and some of whom had come over from Scotland"

In this quote, author Alan Hovhaness assesses his maternal family tree, highlighting the cultural and geographical influences that formed his family background. The declaration is a compact expedition of heritage, identity, and migration patterns, providing insights into how personal and ancestral histories intertwine.

Firstly, Hovhaness discusses that his mom's background was Scottish. This detail suggests that Scottish cultural aspects were most likely important to his upbringing, influencing his identity and maybe even his creative sensibilities. Scotland, with its abundant custom of music, literature, and folklore, may have impacted Hovhaness's creative outlook. Scottish heritage frequently emphasizes the worth of history and custom, which might have played a role in shaping his gratitude for cultural and musical traditions.

The referral to an "old family" implies a sense of longstanding family tree and, possibly, a household history rooted in specific traditions or worths gave through generations. This might recommend that Hovhaness's household positioned value on heritage, which might have affected the values and perfects he was exposed to while maturing.

Hovhaness also keeps in mind that some of his mother's family members resided in upper New York State while others immigrated from Scotland, highlighting a story of migration. The motion from Scotland to the United States shows a wider narrative of transatlantic migration typical in the 19th and early 20th centuries, frequently driven by economic opportunities, political stress, or individual ambitions. Upper New York State, with its historical communities of Scottish immigrants, might have been a place where Scottish traditions were at first maintained and then combined with American cultural influences, creating a special cultural environment.

In summarizing, this quote encapsulates the complexity and depth of familial and ancestral identities. It highlights a heritage that covers continents, mixing unique cultural elements while preserving a connective thread through history. This diverse background may have influenced Hovhaness's global and eclectic method to music structure, where varied impacts converged to form a distinct artistic voice.