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Orient & Occident
Part, Swrc, Osr
Orient & Occident
Genre: Classical
 
This disc of works by Arvo Pärt fascinates from start to finish, and it is the recording debut of all three compositions. The first, "Pilgrim's Song," composed by Pärt for a recently deceased friend, is a mov...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Part, Swrc, Osr, Kaljuste
Title: Orient & Occident
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: ECM Records
Release Date: 9/24/2002
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 028947208020

Synopsis

Amazon.com
This disc of works by Arvo Pärt fascinates from start to finish, and it is the recording debut of all three compositions. The first, "Pilgrim's Song," composed by Pärt for a recently deceased friend, is a movingly sad setting of Psalm 121--"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills..."--consisting alternately of strings accompanying a men's choir intoning the same note for most of the piece, and sections for strings alone, which are far more wandering and searching. The second piece, for string orchestra alone, is similar: a melodic line ambles through the piece, while on top of it are somewhat more jagged interjections by higher strings with an oriental flavor. The effect is of never-ending melody. The last and longest work, scored for full orchestra, women's choir, and solo soprano, are translations into Spanish of two more psalms. This is a troubled work depicting the soul suffering, praying, and questioning God until it comes to terms. The large orchestra allows Pärt to color the text brilliantly, with occasional ferocious dissonances, and the chorus and soloist have some very difficult, high-flying music to sing. The performances are all first-rate. This is a disc to return to over and over again, with new discoveries and new subtleties awaiting at every turn. --Robert Levine

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CD Reviews

This is not the Pärt of "Tabula Rasa"
S. Laker | 10/12/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"While this music is stylistically enjoyable, some of the tracks are in a very different vein from the more contemplative "tinitannabuli" compositions Pärt has become known for. The title track, in particular, seems to be far removed from his normal modes; it is dissonant and amelodic. Much closer to some of Pärt's earlier work, I think, than I would've expected from a composition written in 2000.The last four tracks comprise a piece called "Como Cierva Sedienta", a longish choral work very similar to others Pärt has written e.g "Sarah was ninety years old". I found this to be the most enjoyable piece on the CD. Someone looking for "more of the same" after hearing Pärt's "Fratres" or "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" would be very surprised by these works. I'd suggest that such a person look instead at a disc like "Beatus", "Arbos" or one of the long choral pieces for a better idea of the styles exhibited by this composer. This is challenging music, alternating between ethereal and dramatic, but ultimately it is music to be appreciated. I certainly do."
Continuosly gorgeous
Joshua F. Monroe | 12/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"While there is a difference between the "Tabula Rasa" type harmonies and the harmonies in these works, there is still a tintinnabuli structure at work. I find these works to be closer stylistically and harmonically to his more recent works than those of his earlier period (certainly there's a lack of twelve tone rows and rubber squeak toys). Arvo Pärt seems to be slightly expanding his harmonic range, but I feel those who enjoyed "Fratres" or any of his larger choral works will enjoy these works well before enjoying his first two symphonies or "Perpetuum Mobile".
These are very gorgeous works, you should not hesitate to add this c.d. to your Pärt collection. All three works share the strengths of their predecessors while expanding some of Pärt's current harmonic boundaries. Arvo Pärt continues to produce strong and powerful work for his Lord."
Great music...just too much money for soo little
Zachary Wilder | Rochester, NY | 06/24/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great disc, with a great choir and orchestra, and the music is really cool...but there's only 45 minutes of it...and Pärt's usual choral writing isnt as up to par. In fact its all in unison...But if you are a Pärt fanatic, its a good addition. If you are new to Pärt, I'd get either the "Te Deum," "I Am the True Vine (an especially good one)," "St Matthew's Passion," or anything with the "Missa Syllibica" in it"