ECM New Series 1592
Playing time: 41'43
Litany recorded September 1995, Niguliste Church, Tallinn
Psalom, Trisagion recorded September 1995, Mozart-Saal / Liederhalle, Stuttgart
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The Hilliard Ensemble / Tallinn Chamber Orchestra / Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
| 1. | Litany (1994) (To Helmuth Rilling and the Oregon Bach Festival) | [22:45] |
| 2. | Psalom (1985/95) (To Alfred Schlee on his birthday) | [6:45] |
| 3. | Trisagion (1992/95) (Dedicated to the parish of Prophet Elias in Ilomantsi on the occasion of its 500th anniversary) | [11:53] |
Litany:
David James, countertenor
Rogers Covey-Crump, tenor
John Potter, tenor
Gordon Jones, bass
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tõnu Kaljuste, conductor
Psalom & Trisagion:
Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra
Saulius Sondeckis, conductor
With Litany, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt created one of his most stirring works: a nearly 23-minute-long composition for orchestra and vocal ensemble based on the 24 prayers of St. John Chrysostom (one for each hour of the day). Commissioned for the 25th Oregon Bach Festival, the composition is both memorable and timeless. It finds influences in everything from chant to the repetition of modern minimalism. Play it loudly and the striking vocals of the Hilliard Ensemble simply soar against the strings of the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The orchestral Trisagion harkens toward Litany's mood swings and impact, but--sans voice--lacks the mysticism. One of Pärt's best, and as sacred as modern compositions come. --Jason Verlinde