Pärt: Fratres

List Price: $17.98
Our Price: $11.94
You Save: $6.04 (34%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $4.96 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details

CD Details

Music reviews of Pärt: Fratres

Music Review: Amazingly subtle variety
Rating: 4 Stars

In addition to "Fratres" six times, we are treated to three other pieces as well. (I will comment more on them later.)

"Fratres" the obvious centerpiece of this album is a piece that roughly runs about 10 minutes and is incredibly rich in material as to score it for a plethora of different instruments is refreshing instead of frustrating. The various combinations offered here are for: 1. strings & percussion; 2. violin, strings & percussion; 3. wind octet & percussion; 4. eight cellos; 5. string quartet; 6. cello and piano.

I like the producers choice to put versions one and two next to each other (with the only difference being the "solo" violinist.) You can tell how much that one instrument's line really changes up the piece. Additionally that soloist uses a lot of pizzacato and it reinvigorates the piece. The version for wind octet is probably the most bizarre of all. It sounds like it uses strings and an organ. A testament both to Part's writing and the performers skills. The version for eight cellos is quite rich, showing once agains Part's compositional prowess, but also showing the great range of the cello (its my favorite instrument in the western orchestra.) The version for string quartet is the least compelling of bunch in my opinion. Not because Part can't write for quartet, but this piece just calls for more. The version for cello and piano is a nice way to close out the record, its probably my favorite version of all.

In addition to "Fratres" we are treated to "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" which is beautiful...a fitting tribute to a brilliant composer (I'm told Part was quite fond of his music.) If this doesn't bring tears to your eyes...I don't know what will. This piece (more than "Fratres") is what people expect more from Part, the somber, yet joyous and ethereal tones with bells pealing. Its what the Eastern Orthodox describe as "joyful sadness."

"Summa" is just gorgeous, that's the best I can give you ;)

"Festina Lente" is a dramatic piece with swells of contrasting emotion that some movie maker will eventually steal turning Arvo Part onto millions of unsuspecting people.

Although this album is geared towards "Fratres," Part's "Silouan's Song" would have been a nice inclusion here as well.

I wouldn't recommend this as the starting spot for Part's music, but its still a fine listen. (To start with Part, I would recommend "Litany" "Miserere" or "Symphony no. 3")

Description of Pärt: Fratres

Classical CDs

• Music > Styles