Meaning: The quote you provided is from the American composer Alan Hovhaness, and it reflects on his mother's Scottish heritage. Hovhaness was known for incorporating elements of various musical traditions into his compositions, and it's evident that his mother's background had a profound influence on his life and work.

Hovhaness's statement offers a glimpse into the cultural and ancestral roots that shaped his upbringing. By mentioning his mother's Scottish background and her family's ties to both upper New York State and Scotland, he highlights the interconnectedness of his own identity with a rich tapestry of traditions. This interplay between personal heritage and artistic expression is a recurring theme in Hovhaness's music, where he often drew inspiration from diverse sources, including Armenian folk melodies, Indian classical music, and Western classical traditions.

The mention of his mother's old Scottish family points to a sense of deep history and tradition, which may have instilled in Hovhaness an appreciation for the enduring values and customs of his maternal lineage. This sense of rootedness in a long-standing cultural heritage likely contributed to his artistic sensibilities and his exploration of timeless themes in his compositions.

The reference to some of his mother's relatives living in upper New York State suggests a geographical dimension to the family's history. This connection to a specific region may have imbued Hovhaness with a sense of place and belonging, influencing his creative output and contributing to his understanding of the intersection between personal narratives and broader cultural landscapes.

Furthermore, the mention of family members who had emigrated from Scotland to the United States underscores the theme of migration and the transnational flow of people and ideas. This narrative of movement and adaptation may have resonated with Hovhaness, who himself embodied a multicultural identity and drew inspiration from a wide array of musical traditions.

In his music, Hovhaness often sought to evoke a sense of timelessness and universality, drawing on diverse influences to create compositions that transcended cultural boundaries. His mother's Scottish heritage likely played a role in shaping his receptivity to different musical idioms and his commitment to celebrating the interconnectedness of human experience through his art.

In conclusion, the quote from Alan Hovhaness offers a poignant reflection on the significance of his mother's Scottish background and its impact on his life and work as a composer. By acknowledging the cultural and geographical dimensions of his maternal lineage, Hovhaness provides a window into the complex interplay of personal heritage, artistic inspiration, and the universal themes that permeate his music. This quote serves as a testament to the enduring influence of ancestral roots on the creative endeavors of individuals and the profound ways in which diverse traditions can converge in the realm of artistic expression.