Arvo Part

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 25 January 2002

I have had this composer recommended by a friend who knows I have Phillip Glass and John Tavener in my CD collection.

Can anyone tell me where I might start with his recordings? It is not practicable to borrow CD's from the guy at the moment.

Bruce

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Former member

Arvo Part is a composer of two halves. Up to the mid-70's he was a serialist and I wouldn't give it house-room (i.e. IMO steer clear of his 1st and 2nd Symphonies).

In the mid 70's he re-emerged with his current style, and to be honest you can't go much wrong.

He has had a very close relationship with the ECM label Gidon Kremer and the Hilliard Ensmble, so whilst other recordings may be fine, those with the above will tend to be closer to the artists wishes.

As a starter, I'd go for the ECM disc of smaller pieces: Tabula Rasa, Fratres, Cantus in memory of Benjamin Britten (ECM 1275), and one of the religious pieces - either Passio (ECM 1370) or Miserere (ECM 1430).

IMO if you don't like any of those then you don't like Part, which, after all you may not! BUt if you do, then just collect the rest!

Hope this helps.

Nick

P.S. Outside bet if you see it around: one of my ultimate chill-out discs that's never been near Ibiza is his Alina disc. A couple of very very gentle, quiet, repetitive (yet not dull) pieces for solo piano, plus cello, violin. Very tranquill, quite hypnotic.

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Former member

quote:
Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
... Can anyone tell me where I might start with his recordings? ...
Bruce

You've already had an excellent post so I can't add much. For the later period that was recommended to you, think minimalist mediæval and you will get the right impression.

I always used to think he in this period reminded me of very early harmony like Perotin(us), Guillaume de Machout, Hildegard of Bingen, etc. Now I found that Kronos Quartet have released an album 'Early Music' in which Pärt, Cage, Lamb etc are placed against early music from the above and others, so if you think you don't want a huge dose at once, but instead would like an interesting context, try it.

http://cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=51471424/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/ArtistID=KRONOS+QUARTET/ITEMID=440400.

SteveC

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Bruce Woodhouse

Thanks both for the info. It is great when a new artist can open a door to another area of music to explore, the Kronos disc looks very interesting as a taster to all sorts.

Bruce

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Colin Lorenson

The abolutley essential Part purchase is

Te Deum - ECM New Series.

Utterly moving and spiritual and guaranteed to send shivers up and down the spine at the various crescendo's in the piece.

I have the rest of the Part pieces mentioned above but Te Deum is THE essential purchase for anybody IMHO. IT'S THE DADDY!!

Colin Lorenson

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Keith Mattox

Te Deum (ECM)
Fratres (Telarc)
De Profundis - with Paul Hillier and the Theatre of Voices (Harmonia Mundi)

I haven't heard it but "Alina" has also received recommendations in the past.

Cheers

Keith.

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by stephenjohn

I'd begin with Fratres, Cantus in Memory of Bejamin Britten etc on NAXOS. It is a budget priced way to introduce yourself to the music and the CD is excellent.

Posted on: 25 January 2002 by Phil Barry

I second the Naxos. He scored Fratres for various combos; it's interesting to listen to all of them.