Arvo Pärt
Tabula Rasa
Collage über Bach
Symphony no.
3
Leslie Hatfield,
Rebecca Hirsch (violins)
Ulster Orchestra
Takuo Yuasa
Naxos 8.554591
(78
minutes)
Crotchet
The Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is one of the most interesting figures
on the contemporary music scene. Now in his mid-60s, he has re-invented himself
several times, from the stylistic point of view, and in that sense this disc
is an excellent introduction to his compelling and highly approachable art.
Pärt is one of that large band of composers to have paid homage to Bach,
and this particular piece, the Collage über Bach, is an example
of the highly intellectual, serialist style which he pursued in the early
1960s. But the music is not wanting in personality, especially when it is
sympathetically played and directed as it is here, with an ambient recording
too.
However, the double violin concerto known as Tabula Rasa (1977) makes
a more direct impression. Its first movement reflects particularly that
quasi-minimalist approach which has endeared Pärt to a new generation
of listeners, and rhythmically the music is extraordinarily vital. But equally
important is the resonance of the richly scored harmonies, which Hirsch,
Hatfield, Yuasa and the excellent Ulster Orchestra deliver to compelling
effect. Thanks to Naxos's well judged recorded balances, and this is without
doubt one of the best discs the company has produced, the music is conveyed
with great conviction. So too the slow, introspective second movement, whose
unequivocal title, Silentium, gives indication of its intentions of hushed
concentration.
The Symphony no. 3 (1971) occupies middle ground between the other
pieces recorded here. But it is a compelling work on its own account. Again
the recording does Pärt justice, proving that his music has the strength
of sounding well on its own terms. But the musical argument is strong and
individual too, for this is surely one of the composer's best pieces, captured
here in a performance of real conviction.
Terry Barfoot
