There are seven versions of Fratres by Arvo Pärt, of which this string quartet rendition is chronologically the fifth. Originally, the composer scored the work for string quintet and wind quintet in 1977. Later versions included one for cello and piano (1980), one for eight cellos (1982), and one for solo violin (1992). All versions are similar, but hardly mere transcriptions of the original, some—like the cello/piano and solo violin rendition—sounding quite different from the others. Lengths of the versions vary from about eight to 12 minutes. Pärt, after an early tonal stage in the 1960s, began writing serial music. He soon abandoned it, however, after studying Gregorian chant and other medieval and Renaissance-era music, elements of which he used to forge a new style. The original Fratres (Brothers) was among his first successful works in this new mode.

In the string quartet version, the slow, mesmerizing theme—a mystical, medieval-sounding creation—is played softly, almost tentatively, as in the openings to the other renditions. String pizzicatos imitate percussive sonorities to punctuate ends of phrases here and a drone is heard throughout as the music gradually swells, conveying more passion and a greater sense of animation. But just when the music reaches its most voluminous levels, it begins to subside, imparting the effect of an approaching, then passing procession of singers or instrumentalists.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.