Arvo Part, Neeme Jarvi, Philharmonia Orchestra - Collage

Sunday 1st August 1993
Arvo Part, Neeme Jarvi, Philharmonia Orchestra - Collage

STYLE: Classical
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21768-
LABEL: Chandos 9134
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by John Irvine

This is a rather uneven collection spanning Part's musical searchings and uncertainties of the 1960s, down to the mature compositions of the 1980s. Most of the 1960 works one assumes Part would rather forget! For example, the Second Symphony of 1966 was clearly experimental; Part rated his Third Symphony of 1971 as being of far greater importance, but, sadly, it is the Second rather than the Third which is recorded here. By contrast 'Credo' (1968) is quite outstanding and a major work which should not be forgotten, despite attempts by Soviet authorities to ban it because of its text: "I believe in Jesus Christ." The compilation also includes four of Part's more modern pieces, which have been recorded elsewhere - and with greater success. The collection will be of interest to Part devotees, but will not serve as a particularly good introduction for the uninitiated to his work. Try recordings by the Hilliard Ensemble instead!

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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