Meaning: This quote reflects the early experiences of the renowned American composer Alan Hovhaness, offering insight into the impact of his formative years on his life and work. Hovhaness, known for his distinctive fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, was born in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1911. However, his family relocated to nearby Arlington when he was just five years old, and it was in this new environment that the composer's childhood unfolded.

The quote hints at a sense of detachment from Somerville, as Hovhaness admits to not remembering much about his birthplace due to the family's early departure. This lack of recollection could suggest a certain disconnect from the physical location of his birth, pointing to the transient nature of his early years and the limited impact Somerville had on his upbringing. Instead, it is Arlington that emerges as the focal point of his childhood memories and experiences, indicating the significant role this town played in shaping his formative years and ultimately influencing his creative output.

Arlington, situated in close proximity to Somerville, provided the backdrop for the composer's most impressionable years. It was here that Hovhaness likely first encountered the sounds and sensations that would later weave their way into his compositions. The town's atmosphere, its people, and the cultural milieu of the time would have all left indelible imprints on the young Hovhaness, contributing to the unique blend of musical influences that would come to define his work.

The move from Somerville to Arlington at such a young age may have also imbued Hovhaness with a sense of adaptability and openness to new experiences. Relocation during childhood can foster resilience and an ability to embrace change, qualities that may have served the composer well as he navigated the diverse musical landscapes that would inform his artistic vision.

In delving into Hovhaness's early years, the quote sheds light on the intricate interplay between personal history and artistic expression. It invites us to consider how the places we inhabit during our formative years can shape our creative inclinations and provide a rich tapestry of experiences from which to draw inspiration.

Furthermore, the quote offers a glimpse into the composer's reflective nature, as he pauses to ponder the impact of his early surroundings on his later life. This introspective quality is mirrored in his musical compositions, which often exhibit a contemplative and meditative character, suggestive of a deep connection to the inner self and the world around him.

In conclusion, this quote from Alan Hovhaness provides a poignant window into the composer's early life, highlighting the formative influence of his childhood surroundings on his development as an artist. It prompts a consideration of the ways in which our early environments shape our creative sensibilities and underscores the enduring connection between personal history and artistic expression. Hovhaness's journey from Somerville to Arlington serves as a testament to the enduring impact of time and place on the human spirit, a theme that resonates throughout his evocative musical oeuvre.