I think it has been several months, if not longer, since I last wrote something about Arvo Part and Estonian classical composers. But I stumbled across a gem of a find tonight - a preview of Arvo Part's most recent piece "Cantique." I am listening to it right now, mesmerized by the polyphonic Tintinnabuli. What is tintinnabuli? In his own words:
I have discovered that it is enough when a single note is beautifully played. This one note, or a silent beat, or a moment of silence, comforts me. I work with very few elements —with one voice, two voices. I build with primitive materials —with the triad, with one specific tonality. The three notes of a triad are like bells and that is why I call it tintinnabulation."
Arvo Part, born in Paide, Estonia in 1935, established his musical voice behind the gates of the Soviet Union, exploring several opposing musical dialects. Ultimately, he became entranced with the origins of Western music and Gregorian-style chants and found his calling in tintinnabuli, most notably with the release of Fur Alina.
NPR has graciously uploaded his latest master work for your listening pleasure. You can grab an official copy in September when it will be released, coinciding with Arvo Part's 75th birthday.
Listen below to "Cantique" in its intirety.
Enjoy!
