ARVO PAART: In principio; La Sindone; Cecilia vergine romana; Da pacem Domine; Mein Weg; Fur Lennart in Memoriam — Tonu Kaljuste, conductor/ Estonian National Symphony Orchetsra/ Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir; Tallinn Chamber Orchestra — ECM B0012599, 62:10 *****:
This is a superbly constructed recital of some of the most recent music of Estonian composer Arvo Part. Part continues to lead the league in music that is both profound and honestly religious in sentiment; there is never a moment in Part where one detects indiscreet affectation or phony pietism; his music is redolent with sincerity and communicative ability. In principio takes its texts from the Gospel of John (mixed choir and orchestra) and is a firmly and profoundly moving piece. La Sindone (orchestra alone) takes its program from the Shroud of Turin in Italy (Santa Sindone), music that portrays the relic and all of its mysteries while still probing the uncertain status of its origins.
Cecelia vergine romana is the story of the patroness of music and early Christian martyr as found in a Latin breviary. The work is almost a short opera using the breviary as a libretto. The prayer of peace Da pacem Domine was commissioned and set two days after the 2004 Madrid bombings, and is based on ninth-century Gregorian melodies. Mein Weg (“My path”) (14 strings and percussion) uses a poem where the images of all the difficulties and trials of live are presented to the varied instrumental groups. Lastly, Lennart Meri, the president of the Republic of Estonia, asked for this moving In memoriam for use at his burial service. This is a lament for string orchestra that uses the stresses and syllables of the Slavonic church texts as a means of rhythmic guidance. This is a terrific album that is sure to please Part fans and will delight anyone just coming to this unique composer’s music.
— Steven Ritter
