028947669906

Arvo Part: In Principio

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir & Tonu Kaljuste

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Format: CD

Cat No: 4766990

Release Date:  09 March 2009

Label:  ECM New Series

Packaging Type:  Jewel Case

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  028947669906

Genres:  Classical  

  • Description

    Impressive overview of Arvo Pärt's recent stylistic development features six touching choral and orchestral compositions - in turns powerful, tender, elemental and lively, all premiere recordings or first recordings of new versions. In recent years Arvo Pärt has written some significant works for larger forces mostly commissioned by major institutions for celebratory occasions. Most impressive is the dramatic 25-minute In Principio (2003) for mixed choir and symphony orchestra which sets to music the famous opening of St John's gospel. In its five movements, "tintinnabuli" diatonicism is contrasted with sophisticated harmonic procedures, massive brass chords are juxtaposed with almost stoic calm in the choir. The purely orchestral La Sindone (The holy shroud), a highly expressive piece which mirrors the shroud's symbolic shine-through effects in delicate string textures, Caecilia, vergine romana is for mixed choir and orchestra. Da pacem Domine, one of Pärt's most serenely beautiful pieces, responded in a very subtle way to the 2004 terror attacks in Madrid's Atocha station. Heard a cappella on ECM's Lamentate, it appears now in an even more beautiful version for choir and strings. Two instrumental compositions complete the CD: the rhythmically energetic Mein Weg and Für Lennart in memoriam, a still piece in homage to late Estonian president Lennart Georg Meri. The outstanding performances are by some of Pärt's long-standing musical partners: noted conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. This major addition to ECM's series of "authentic" premiere recordings made with the composer's assistance coincides with the 25-year jubilee of ECM's New Series that launched with Arvo Pärt's Tabula Rasa - the disc which put the composer on the map internationally - in 1984. Personnel: Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Tonu Kaljuste (conductor)

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. In principio
      • 2. La Sindone
      • 3. Cecilia, vergine romana
      • 4. Da Pacem Domine
      • 5. Mein Weg
      • 6. Für Lennart in memoriam