Search - Arvo Part, Stephen Layton, Andrew Lucas :: Part: Magnificat / Magnificat Anitphonen / Berliner Mass / De Profundis

Engaging and Full-Blooded

silentio | 05/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overall, this music drew me into modern composition like no other. Disappointed in other modern composers I was shocked at the simplicity and profundity of Arvo Part's compositions. Those chord structures!! I would like to focus on two of the works in this CD: the Beatitudes and Annum per Annum.First, the Beatitudes song destroys me. Again! Part's chords are active, engaging, and full-blooded. This is humanity crying out for what is holy -- the words of Christ and the music answer.Secondly, Annum per Annum, for which I purchased this album, I heard performed at ASU by Christina Bausman, an up-and-coming organist studying there. Hearing this live is a must -- it left me in a sweat as the soundwaves smashed against the shores of my mind. The recording is good, but does not use an electric pipe organ, which was Part's intention. Thus all you hear in the introduction is the register decreasing -- not the same thing as cutting-off the organ's air intake. The body of the work draws the listener into contemplation and prayer. Nevertheless, Annum per Annum makes you stand up and wait for Christ's return -- when the trumpet blasts for the last time, the intro to Annum is what it may sound like!"