Arvo Pärt at 90: Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor
Kadri Toomoja, organ

Arvo Pärt
Berliner Messe: Kyrie, Gloria
Summa
Berliner Messe: Veni sancte spiritus
Nunc dimittis
Berliner Messe: Sanctus
Dopo la vittoria
Berliner Messe: Agnus Dei
Kanon Pokajanen: Kontakion, Ikos
Magnificat
Veni creator
The Deer’s Cry
Drei Hirtenkinder aus Fátima
Littlemore Tractus
Kanon Pokajanen: Prayer After the Canon
Vater unser

Marking his 90th birthday, a celebration of one of the most hypnotic and compelling composers of modern times, Arvo Pärt.

The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tõnu Kaljuste are rightly regarded as among the finest interpreters of his ethereal, eternal-sounding, soul-searching music and have recorded many of his works for ECM.

Selections from the luminous Berliner Messe and mesmerising Kanon Pokajanen are interspersed with some of Pärt’s most beguiling and beautiful miniatures, including the gorgeous Magnificat, gentle Summa, sombre Nunc dimittis, and lively energy of Dopo la vittoria.

There is an Irish element, too, in Pärt’s meditative, spellbinding prayer for protection, The Deer’s Cry, a setting of St. Patrick’s Breastplate, its lyrics attributed to the patron saint.

Presented by NCH