Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This album features works that were first performed by Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer, with one of them "Tabula Rasa" from 1977 being written with him in mind. At the time Pärt was exploring what he calls his "tintinnabuli" style, rooted in medieval church music. Now, more than 30 years later, it is time for this music to be revisited. Viktoria Mullova joins forces with renowned conductor Paavo Järvi and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in a recording made in the presence of the composer who, judging by the sleeve art, enjoyed the occasion. Pärt completionists will want this recording while those who enjoyed the earlier Kremer recordings may see this new release as an unnecessary duplication and perhaps only time will tell who is right. For newcomers to the musical soundscape of Arvo Pärt, surely one of the most popular of contemporary composers, this is an excellent introduction including some of his most popular pieces in his tintinnabuli style, with the previously mentioned "Tabula Rasa" along with "Fratres" (1991) and the iconic "Spiegel im Spiegel" (1978), performed here with pianist Liam Dunachie. Perhaps I am over familiar with Pärt's work as, at first, I found myself drifting off into an ambient reverie - which may, of course, have been his intention - but then a phrase would grab my attention and I found myself following with greater care and finding myself drawn back into the music. If you have yet to hear Pärt in his glory this is a good place to start. I would describe it as like being in an empty church building late at night when the wind starts to move the bells making you remember that in Greek the word pneuma means both wind and Spirit. On this CD Arvo Pärt and his interpreters have given us an hour of wonderful music that, in turn, is an hour of awe and wonder.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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