Camerata Silesia / Arvo Pärt - NOSPR

Bach’s passions were undoubtedly trailblazers for further generations reaching for the genre. They are a heritage everyone needs to face. In the 20th century, composers rediscovered their potential, which resulted in amazing works that have already become canonical, including those by Krzysztof Penderecki or Arvo Pärt. In his Passion, using the description of the Lord’s Passion from John’s Gospel, the Estonian composer invites listeners to a world of pure contemplation. For the Passion “happens” in a sonic non-space and non-time, these forming an attempt at achieving a mystical communion with God. After one of Pärt’s concerts, I heard that melomaniacs felt “embraced” by his music deep within their souls. A limitation of harmonic devices, the use of his own tintinnabuli technique, the use of a small performing ensemble and reaching for the traditions of early music resulted in a most unusual work. It is a work that leaves a permanent mark on the soul, and one that, thanks to a moderate expression and toned-down narration, can be experienced intimately to the core.

[Agnieszka Nowok-Zych, translated by Mikołaj Witkowski]

Duration of the concert: approx. 70 minutes