Search - Arvo Part :: Kanon Pokajanen

Extended moments of peace and spiritual resonance

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 08/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arvo Pärt seems to have a direct connection with the spiritual world, so mystic is his output, and nowhere as mystic as this KANON POKAJANEN, Apparently the texts for this work are taken from the Russian Orthodox 'canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ', a work which Pärt describes as follows: 'Many years ago, when I first became involved in the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, I came across a text that made a profound impression on me although I cannot have understood it at the time. It was the Canon of Repentance. Since then I have often returned these verses, slowly and arduously seeking to unfold their meaning. Two choral compositions (Nun eile ich...., 1990 and Memento, 1994) were the first attempts to approach the canon. I then decided to set it to music in its entirety-from beginning to end. This allowed me to stay with it, to devote myself to it; and, at the very least, its hold on me did not abate until I had finished the score. I had a similar experience while working on Passio. It took over two years to compose the Kanon pokajanen, and the time "we spent together" was extremely enriching. That may explain why this music means so much to me.'



The work is for a cappella chorus and soloists and while most of the composition is meditative choral music of a somber range, there are sudden expansions of emotion that heighten the overall mood of the work. Somehow the purity with which Pärt realizes, develops, and resolves lines of melody finds resonance with everyone no matter their religious background. This music is universal, pure beauty, and emotionally involving. Tõnu Kaljuste, to whom (both choir and conductor) this piece was dedicated deliver a performance that likely will remain the gold standard for this work. Grady Harp, August 10"