Arvo Pärt: Collected Works

Introduction

B-A-C-H Theme Collage for Strings, Oboe, Harpsichord, and Piano (1964) / 1. Toccata Preciso / 2. Sarabande Lento / 3. Ricercare Deciso: Seven Magnificat Antiphons for Solo Chorus (1988) / 4. No. 1: O Wisdom / 5. No. 2: O Adonai / 6. No. 3: O Scions of Isaiah / 7. No. 4: O Key of David / 8. No. 5: O Star of the Morning / 9. No. 6: O King of Nations / 10. No. 7: O Emmanuel 11. Cecilia, the Roman Maiden - for Chorus and Orchestra (2000) / 12. Tribute to Benjamin Britten - for String Orchestra and Bells (1977) / 13. Litani - for Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra (1994)

Recorded: February 18, 2005, Jesuitenkirche St.-Michael, Munchen...1-3 / December 3, 2005, Sankt-Josephs-Kirche, Munchen...4-10 / January 21, 2011, Herz-Jesu-Kirche, Munchen...11 / October 28, 2011, Herz-Jesu-Kirche, Munchen...12 / July 8, 2000, St.-Gabriels-Kirche, Munchen...13 /

A collection of works by the internationally popular Estonian composer Pärt. In his early years, Pärt composed works in a neoclassical style, such as "B-A-C-H Theme Collage." However, starting in the late 1970s, when he composed "Eulogy for Britten," he gradually shifted his style, incorporating more religious motifs and simplifying the musical tones, creating what he called the "tintinaburi" (bell-like style). This album features orchestral works and a series of choral pieces, including some rarely heard pieces. Dijkstra and Schirmer deliver dense performances of each piece. Also noteworthy is Viotti's tender conducting of "Litani," a work renowned for its vocal music. /

Media Reviews and More

A collection of works by the internationally acclaimed Estonian composer Pärt. In his early years, Pärt composed works in the neoclassical style, such as "B-A-C-H Collage of Themes." However, starting in the late 1970s, when he composed "Eulogy for Britten," he gradually shifted his style, incorporating more religious motifs and simplifying the musical tones, creating what he called the "tintinabli" (bell-like style). This album features orchestral works and a series of choral works, including some rarely heard pieces. Conducted by Peter Dijkstra and Ulf Schirmer, each piece is densely performed. Also noteworthy is Marcello Viotti's tender conducting of "Litani." Recorded in 2005, 2011, and 2000. (C)RS

About the Artist

Yong-hee Kwak (Oboe), Max Hanft (Harpsichord)...1-3 / Hilliard Ensemble...13 / David James (Countertenor)...13 / Roger Covay-Crump (Tenor), John Potter (Tenor)...13 / Gordon Jones (Bass)...13 / Robert King (Conductor)...1-3 / Peter Dijkstra (Conductor)...4-10 / Ulf Schirmer (Conductor)...11, 12 / Marcello Viotti (Conductor)...13 / Bavarian Radio Chorus / Munich Radio Orchestra