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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Its a shame that, his ongoing series of choral works having made him famous, Arvo Pärt shows no sign of adding to the variable but always fascinating line of orchestral works in which he "found himself" as a composer. There's nothing here from the experimental years of the 1960s, and in the Third Symphony (1971), the archaic yet timeless world of Pärt as we know it today is largely in place. Only the obvious rhetoric--massive outbursts, thunderous pauses etc, readily emphasised by Neeme Järvi's expansive and hard-hitting account--stands in the way, and by the time of Tabula Rasa (1977), that's gone too. This two-part meditation, featuring the subtle timbres of a prepared piano alongside two violins and strings, is a modern classic: the faraway past filtered through the mindset of the "cold war" present. Atmospheric, often sheerly beautiful, and played here with real insight by Shaham and Anthony. An effective transcription of the endlessly rearranged Fratres (1977) makes for a suitable opening: spiritual music that anyone can enter the spirit of. --Richard Whitehouse
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'm making a real confession here - until we purchased this on Saturday September 8 2001 I had barely registered in my consciousness the name of Arvo Part, let alone these works.
I'm converted.
Wandering in a record store in Nottingham my partner picked this CD up and I asked him what it was. "I've not heard any of his stuff but...". I looked at the cover - it struck me as intriguing. I read some of the notes inside. Some mutterings about driving through the American mid-west and hearing "Tabula Rasa" on the radio.
"Lets go into the listening room..." I suggested.
We listened to part of "Tabula Rasa" first. Within a couple of bars I could feel the chill down my spine - then a glow of utter contentment.
When we got home we played it three times - the whole CD and "Tabula Rasa" a couple more than that.
The orchestration and performances captured on this CD are amongst the most heart-felt I have heard in a long time. Gil Shaham's violin playing reaches new heights of excellence here. As a whole the experience of the CD is one of sublime delight.
Listennig to "Tabula Rasa" especially I could totally relate to the remarks on the CD cover. Close your eyes and imagine yourself, at night, driving through the Arizona desert - you know the scene, the mountain rock formations either side of the road. Nothing but stars and moon to light your journey. Keep your eyes closed - that sense of drifting. And listen, really listen, to the tender, simple structures that Part has written. Its a magical feeling, an almost spiritual one.
As I rushed around to find out more about Part, he clicked into place with other 20th century composers such Gorecki. For those who believe that classical music stops well before the 1950s, this might just change their minds in the way that Gorecki has so many others. Part's style is almost mystical in flavour - and certainly in effect on the listener.
If you want to feel moved - truly moved - by music in a way that you thought was no longer possible, buy this CD. Sit in a darkened room and give in to its sublime and awesome beauty.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When playing is dedicated and commitment total, music can be revealed completely for what it is. The bare magnificent elemental climaxes of the 3rd Symphony,the brass choruses,the tension in quiet combat between orchestral sections, and the development of subjects from first movement to last, are brought out from Neeme Jarvi's personal knowledge of Arvo Part and also from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra giving 100%. I love the solo passages from percussionists,wind players and brass. The music seems to hark back to the symphony in the early part of the 20th century eg. Sibelius and Nielsen. This is a great symphony.
And then on this CD the sheer contrast with the repose, ultimate calm and eventual silence of the double concerto - 'Tabula rasa' (Clean slate). I can not speak too highly of the playing of Adele Anthony (1st violin)and Gil Shaham (2nd violin) and Erik Risberg on prepared piano. Then there is the work of the lower strings of the orchestra bringing the work to an effective conclusion in silence. Fratres is the work on the first track of this CD in a version for violin(Gil Shaham), string orchestra and percussion(Roger Carlsson). Passionate performance encourages my listening.
And then on this CD the sheer contrast with the repose, ultimate calm and eventual silence of the double concerto - 'Tabula rasa' (Clean slate). I can not speak too highly of the playing of Adele Anthony (1st violin)and Gil Shaham (2nd violin) and Erik Risberg on prepared piano. Then there is the work of the lower strings of the orchestra bringing the work to an effective conclusion in silence. Fratres is the work on the first track of this CD in a version for violin(Gil Shaham), string orchestra and percussion(Roger Carlsson). Passionate performance encourages my listening.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
15 reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Stunning... and better with every replay
7 Sep 2005
Format:Audio CD
I agree that there is a significant difference between Kremer and Shaham in interpreting the Tabula Rasa- and I'm not going to argue that one is better or worse, although I will definitely stipulate that the dedicatee of the work (Kremer) probably has a better handle on Part's original intentions through direct contact with him. As some people have previously mentioned, Kremer's reading (on ECM) is drier, with an emphasis on the bleakness and austerity that is so much a... well, part of Part.
However, I certainly can see where Shaham feels strong emotions in these pieces- his interpretation is more akin to floating. Yes, they are romanticized- they are strongly romantic pieces in their lonely sound. Don't make the mistake of discounting this performance based on reviews saying that Shaham's interpretation is "emotional". Kremer's interpretation is excellent, but I believe Shaham's is also excellent- albeit in a totally different way... and both are to be enjoyed for their strong points equally.
Jarvi's leadership in the 3rd symphony is very powerful and completes this wonderful disc. In short this is great listening- I find myself coming back to this disc again and again... and it gets better with every replay.
However, I certainly can see where Shaham feels strong emotions in these pieces- his interpretation is more akin to floating. Yes, they are romanticized- they are strongly romantic pieces in their lonely sound. Don't make the mistake of discounting this performance based on reviews saying that Shaham's interpretation is "emotional". Kremer's interpretation is excellent, but I believe Shaham's is also excellent- albeit in a totally different way... and both are to be enjoyed for their strong points equally.
Jarvi's leadership in the 3rd symphony is very powerful and completes this wonderful disc. In short this is great listening- I find myself coming back to this disc again and again... and it gets better with every replay.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Trascendental music
21 Nov 2003
Format:Audio CD
I bought this Cd right before a driving trip I had to take alone. This was music I had never heard before, got it after a recommendation I had read online on an audiophile related webpage. Listening to this was almost a religious experience for me. Even though I was listening to it in my car while driving, not the best listening environment. This music, particularly the second part of Tabula Rasa (3rd track), is able to sort of grab and hypnotize your mind and soul in a very profound way. Later on I listened to it at home in my system, and fidelity just enhanced the magic of this most special music. I describe it as if a painter was able to paint in front of you peace and calm, balance and perfection, not using colors but just sound. Music from heaven.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Entrance to another Realm
5 Jan 2000
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Exquisite sound , utterly and simply exquisite. I felt transported to another landscape. An inner land of the mind. Fratres moves you to anticipation for each new note. Tabula Rasa is profound sympathy for our earthly passions. Haunting and beautiful.
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