Search - Arvo Pärt, Franz Welser-Möst, Richard Studt :: Sanctuary

If you only buy one Pärt CD, buy this one

Martha Ainsworth | New York City | 02/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This exquisite recording is an "Arvo Pärt Sampler" that provides a great introduction to this wonderful composer. I bought it because it contains his two best-known short choral works, the Beatitudes and the Magnificat. The performances by the choir of King's College Cambridge are transcendent, as usual; it is very difficult to achieve the serenity of sound needed to communicate Pärt's music, but King's is perfect for it. The instrumental works are samples of Pärt's greatest hits including an especially heart-rending performance of the Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten.Whether or not you enjoy the music of Arvo Pärt is partially a matter of temperament. Pärt is to music what contemplative spirituality is to prayer. To most of us, prayer involves talking to God; but to the contemplative, prayer means listening in receptive silence. Pärt is deeply contemplative, and his music speaks from this inner stillness, suspended in time. If you long for this inner stillness and peace, you will love Pärt; if not, his music will probably bore you. Silence plays an important part in his music. In the words of Arvo Pärt, "The most important things that happen between people who are very close to each other are not stated, are not even possible to express. One doesn't need to and shouldn't say anything." When you listen to Pärt, don't expect action, don't expect something to "happen." Just give yourself to the music and don't "do" anything - let God do it."

An excellent selection of Part's work

S. Laker | 03/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD rates a permanent place in my CD changer.Part is a very listenable composer given the reputation that seems to preceed modern classical music. His music evokes a since of time immemorial, of something sacred. Part uses an almost logical repetition of themes in instrumentation, but not in a way that becomes dull or silly.This CD offers of an excellent sampling of Part's more popular works. Unlike the budget Naxos recording, it includes a trio of Part's wonderful, reverant choral pieces. This CD also extracts tracks from some of Part's longer works, a simple way to audition pieces that can only be found on very expensive discs. Of particular interest, and to my particular glee, is the last track, which I've been known to describe as "a musical conversation with musical silence".For a curious first-time buyer of Part's music this CD represents a most excellent beginning. A more avid listener of Part's music might find this CD a worthwhile grouping of his shorter works."

Perfection, balance, beauty

Rose Vines | 03/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sanctuary was my introduction to Arvo Part and it made me wonder how I could have lived so long without knowing of this composer. The music provides a beautiful balance between Part's choral and orchestral music. Each track is haunting. Listening to it, I felt as if I had been transported into a cavern filled with luminous music and that my mind was expanding to encompass the sound. If you are new to Part, don't hesitate to buy this CD. I played it at a dinner party and had my guests all asking to see the cover. If you're a Part fan, you'll find the pure, clear performances on this CD well worth adding to your collection."