Arvo Part: Tribute

Arvo Part: Tribute

Those who aren't familiar with the music of Arvo Pärt are, to put it mildly, missing out on great beauty in their lives. His choral music is particularly moving. The pieces use what he refers to as a "tintinnabuli" style, a bell-like series of triads seemingly always in motion. This CD, a tribute to him on his 70th birthday, is comprised of some of his finest and most popular works: The Berliner Messes, Magnificat, "Which Was the Son of..." and others. It also presents a world-premiere recording of "Dopo la vittoria" (Following the Victory), which concerns St Ambrose's Te Deum Laudamus, written after a victory against the Arians. It's stunning, filled with changing textures and telling a good story. The performances, by the finest exponents of Pärt's music in the world, are ideal, and the sound is glorious. Pärt's music is a spiritual experience as well, but even putting that aspect aside, this CD is a feast for the ears. <I>--Robert Levine</I>