Arvo Part, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian National Symphony Orche - In Principio

Published Friday 3rd April 2009
Arvo Part, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian National Symphony Orche - In Principio
Arvo Part, Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian National Symphony Orche - In Principio

STYLE: Classical
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 79908-
LABEL: ECM 4766990
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Andy Whitehead

25 years ago the Estonian composer Arvo Part wiped clean his musical slate with 'Tabula Rasa' and headed out on his own to redefine spiritual music. This new CD continues this quest and those familiar with Part's work will recognise some familiar themes and yet he also surprises us at several points with his fresh colours. "In Principio", "La Sindone", "Cecilia, Vergine Romana", and "Fur Lennart In Memoriam" are world premiere recordings and the old friends "Da Pacem Domine" and "Mein Weg" have both been revised. "In Principio Erat Verbum". In the beginning was the Word. Here Part sets the opening 14 verses of the fourth Gospel for choir and orchestra. The words dominate with the music almost becoming irrelevant to the text, as is proper in this case. It is a bold opening to the album. "La Sindone" is an orchestral meditation on the enigmatic shroud now kept in Turin where this composition was premiered in 2006. "Cecilia, Vergine Romana" was written in 2000 and revised two years later and tells the tale of the early martyr who kept singing God's praises even as she was killed and who thus became adopted as the patron saint of musicians. "Da Pacem Domine" was written as a response to the Madrid train bombings of March 2004 and first heard as an a cappella piece on 'Lamente'. Now it has been reset as for mixed choir and orchestra. Personally I prefer the Hilliard Ensemble's unaccompanied version but it is still good to hear it again. "Mein Weg" started as an organ solo in 1989 and was recorded on 'Trivium' the following year. In 1994 the composer arranged it for strings and percussion and, to these ears at least, it is greatly improved reminding me somewhat of Barber's Adagio. The programme concludes with "Fur Lennart In Memoriam" a quiet reflection for the late Estonian President Lennart Georg Meri. It is a serenely beautiful conclusion. Tonu Kaljuste and his musicians and singers have done a first-rate job and this CD is an essential purchase for all with an interest in Estonia's most famous composer. For those who have yet to experience Part's unique approach to music this collection is an accessible introduction and is highly recommended.

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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