Concert recording: Pärt's «Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten»

Arvo Pärt created one of his most famous works with string instruments and a bell.

Paavo Järvi has a special relationship with his Estonian compatriot Arvo Pärt and his works: Pärt often visited the Järvis, "for me he was always Uncle Arvo," says our Music Director. The two often spend hours talking before performances; as simple as Pärt's music may seem, its interpretation is just as demanding. "Pärt tries to show how complex simplicity is," says Paavo Järvi. In "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" from 1977, one of his most famous works, he succeeded particularly well: Chimes run through the piece, the strings develop a gentle undertow, the sound grows from a fourfold pianissimo to a fourfold fortissimo - and yet remains quiet in its very own way.

Translated with DeepL.com

Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich
Paavo Järvi Music Director

Arvo Pärt «Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten» for string orchestra and bells

Recording from 26 – 28 October 2022, Tonhalle Zurich

Concert supported by the Hans Imholz-Stiftung

Concert recordings

Here you will find further concert recordings of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich.

published: 22.11.2023