Estonian-born Arvo Pärt is especially prized for the universal resonance of his haunting blend of Russian Orthodox Christian mysticism and modern harmonies. Even those with strong aversions to the Church’s long history of reactionary and punitive intervention in social and political affairs are often transported by the transcendental nature of the 74-year-old composer’s music. Multi–prize-winning producer Manfred Eicher, who launched the ECM New Series catalog with the 1984 release of Pärt’s Tabula rasa, continues to champion the composer with this recording of music either composed or revised between 2000 and 2007. The title work, In principio (2003), for mixed choir and orchestra (
listen here), is a major masterpiece in five movements. Dedicated to Tönu Kaljuste, the longtime Pärt proponent who here conducts the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, it uses text from the Gospel of John 1:1–14 to forge a major statement of faith.
You won’t need translations to experience the startling power of the opening passages, in which chorus, orchestra, and thundering percussion drive home the words “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God.” Pärt’s vision is hardly New Age sweetness and light; the pounding timpani and ominous chords in the fourth movement seem to declare, with frightening profundity, “Watch out, creatures of the universe, man knoweth not the light of God that is within him.”
La Sindone, inspired by the Shroud of Turin, is an almost 16-minute work for orchestra. After a gong solemnizes the occasion, percussion rumble, trumpets blare, and a snare drum sounds the call, Pärt introduces the shroud with great mystery and reverence. As if approaching the cloth that purportedly covered Jesus’ lifeless body, the music progresses from spare, hushed strings to a massive outpouring of fear, awe, and grief. The work was premiered in Turin in 2006, where it was played alongside the two works that follow it on the CD, described below.
Cecilia, vergine romana (2000, rev. 2002), for mixed choir and orchestra, listen here, tells the tale of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. A Roman noblewoman who was martyred for her Christian beliefs, Cecilia continued to sing the praises of God even as the Roman prefect attempted to burn her alive, around A.D. 230. As it begins, the single sound of a chime, the pure sounds of a harp, and the initially gentle and consoling voices of the choir stress the virgin’s innocence and purity. Pärt, as might be expected, builds from there.
Da pacem Domine (2004), a five-minute work commissioned by Jordi Savall, is performed yearly in Spain to commemorate victims of the Madrid terrorist bombings of March 11, 2004. Pärt remains subdued throughout, overwhelmed by grief. Two other gripping works, Mein Weg (rev. 2000) for 14 strings and percussion, and Für Lennart in memoriam (2006) for string orchestra, complete a program that is as beautiful as it is profound.
