Album

A satisfying survey of Arvo Pärt's mature style, this 2004 release from Naxos presents several key works from 1977 to 1992, which helped establish the composer's reputation as a modern master of sacred choral music. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Pärt's tonal works is his "tintinnabular" technique, where triadic harmonies are reiterated in tolling, bell-like changes and heightened by dissonant passing notes. This chiming style is anticipated in the joyous, layered chanting of Cantate Domino Canticum Novum, the waves of modal harmony in Summa, and the fairly static cycling around a minor chord in De profundis. But it comes to fruition and is employed with great subtlety in the Beatitudes and the Magnificat, both deeply expressive and haunting in their peaceful simplicity. The featured work, Berliner Messe, is more ambitious in its length, elaborate textures, and complex counterpoint; the accompaniment of a string orchestra gives depth to the choir's plangent harmonies and a glorious aural halo in brighter passages. The Elora Festival Singers, directed by Noel Edison, sing with clarity and a pure tone, but their smoothly blended voices also convey warmth and expressive richness. Naxos provides clear and resonant recording, commensurate with the fine qualities of the choir and orchestra.

© Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

CD 1
Arvo Pärt Composer Cantate Domino, for chorus and organ Work Jurgen Petrenko Organ, Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir
1	Cantate Domino, for chorus and organ	3:27			$0.99
Arvo Pärt Composer Berliner Messe, for chorus and organ Work 22:56 Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir, Elora Festival Orchestra Orchestra
2	1.Kyrie	2:46			$0.99
3	2.Gloria	3:57			$0.99
4	3.Alleluia Verse 1; 4.Alleluia Verse 2	2:00			$0.99
5	5.Veni Sancte Spiritus	5:06			$0.99
6	6.Credo	4:15			$0.99
7	7.Sanctus	2:51			$0.99
8	8.Agnus dei	2:01			$0.99
Arvo Pärt Composer De profundis, for male chorus, percussion, and organ Work Jurgen Petrenko Organ, Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir, Elora Festival Orchestra Orchestra
9	De profundis, for male chorus, percussion, and organ	5:56			$0.99
Arvo Pärt Composer Summa Work Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir
10	Summa	4:40			$0.99
Arvo Pärt Composer The Beatitudes, for chorus and organ Work Jurgen Petrenko Organ, Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir
11	The Beatitudes, for chorus and organ	7:51			$1.49
Arvo Pärt Composer Magnificat Work Noel Edison Conductor, Elora Festival Singers Chorus/Choir
12	Magnificat	7:22			$1.49