The most popular living classic Arvo Pärt celebrated 80 years. Anniversary concert in the Dome Cathedral Automatic translate

RIGA. 09/26/2015 GrammyAdam’s Lament Concert dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt was held at the Dome Cathedral.

September 11, 2015 celebrated the 80th anniversary of Arvo Pärt - the most popular living classic. A year ago, the famous Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste received the Grammy Award for the choral performance of his opus “Adam’s Lament”. The performance of this work within the framework of the Autumn Festival of Chamber Music has allowed to pay tribute to the talent of an outstanding Estonian composer. The concert was attended by performers working on the recording of the award-winning disc: Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Riga, conductor Tõnu Kaliuste.

And in the spring of this year, Pärt and theater avant-garde artist Robert Wilson proposed the production of “Adam’s Passion” to the court of Tallinn. Remaining at 80 is not just the most popular living classic, but also willingly go on resonant experiments - in the spirit of the great Estonian. Like his firm position in life. Hence the dedication of performed works to the victims of political repression and those who died for their beliefs. Hence the appearance of his music in films such as “Repentance” by Tengiz Abuladze about spiritual slavery and greatness, about the murder of the dictatorship and its origins.

The philosophical depth, meditation and ascetic expression of Pärt’s music, his constant experiments, including in the field of the avant-garde, did not find understanding in Soviet times. In this, he was not alone, finding himself in decent company with Edison Denisov, Sofia Gubaidulina and Alfred Schnittke.

The style that the composer came to in the late 70s - tintinnabuli (small church bells) - reflects a humble and reverent attitude towards music and his spiritual quest. He calls to listen to the silence and breath of each musical phrase, passing through the inner purgatory. The harmony of Pyart’s “new simplicity” and minimalism, its apparent monotony and prayer, reminiscent of Gregorian singing, connect the soul of a person with eternity.

The hero of the day neglects the usual rituals, avoids the hype and countless interviews. He still works hard. He writes music, releases disks, participates in interesting projects. And remains the most popular living classic.

Elena Tanakova © Gallerix.ru