Arvo Pärt is one of my favorite composers, a lot because my mother told me about him, as it was one of her favourites. Fratres especially. Since my mother passed away a few years ago, I have had a hard time listening to AP as there are still too many memories associated with her. I will get over it in due time and start playing AP again.
Pärt is a composer whom I deeply respect. And Britten was, without a doubt, the most profoundly English composer of the 20th century. As a conductor, I also admire his Bach works with the English Chamber Orchestra. So this recording seduces me deeply. Thanks, Jeff
A well of grief as the bell tolls while the strings descend from their highest point to their lowest. A meltingly beautiful outpouring of pure music that seems so simple yet so very heart felt. It almost becomes unbearable in its utter reflection of the loss of a truly great composer. At its best Music goes beyond words and simply stops us and makes us truly listen.
My profoundly talented and deeply loved brother-in-law, classically trained on the cello and the viola de gamba, passionate lover of medieval music, passed a few weeks ago after a horrific year long battle with cancer. While we and his wife and children held our final vigil before his cremation, we played some of his favorite music. As chance would have it, one of the pieces was this. It was not planned and probably should not have been selected. It was brutal, absolutely brutal as we were escorted through the grinding of the soul in the twin vices of the cello and the bass, wretched inexorability into the void, ultimate finality. It was completely overwhelming. It is an absolutely astonishing piece of music but I truly hope that you have never have to experience it head on.
Wonderful Jeff! Beautiful music can be found in a vast landscape. Your subscribers may have found you because of your Nightwish reactions, like me. But before Nightwish I was into Arvo Pärt and that is a long time love. I remember a concert in Utrecht Netherlands in the 80s where Arvo joyfully climbed the stage in the end, being so happy with the premiere of one of his works. I got the shivers from the live versions of Pari Intervallo and most definitely from De Profundis. That last one talks about human existence, our vulnerability and the cry for (devine) support. You don't need to be religious to be moved by this mighty music!
I began to respond to your comment ..."Erik, my man..." but hit the wrong key on my laptop and lost it and couldn't find my way back! Anyway - what I wanted to write - is that I only write like that for the fun and amusement of those alive on earth whom I know can and will appreciate it. Wait till my novel - Bonanza in the Bronx - about Erik and his "boys" comes out if you want to see what I can really do - when given a canvas bigger than the Ponderosa to paint upon. No brag - just fact - I am to writing what Leonid is to music. And the same quality of family, love, courage and fidelity that made Bonanza the iconic powerhouse it was - will be evidenced in my novels. And my "sons I never had" from hither and yon, from the backs of beyond who found their ways to America so that they could be, become "all they can be" will be among the most amazing young men you have ever read about - or come to know. Why? How? Because. Because, Jeff, I am possibly the best mentor of young men alive today. And the books will reflect and tacitly teach the lessons that all young men of courage and character long to be taught and, when they happen to run into a funny older fellow, like your friend Erik? Recognize how lucky they are!
I’m not religious I can’t and won’t believe in a supernatural entity that for so long as brought suffering to all but when I listen to to avro part I can believe in humanities heaven
Jeff, I want to thank-you for opening my eyes to music I otherwise never would have heard, including your own. I recently listened to Fever and Put Your Live On Me. Absolutely fantastic. I originally found your channel because of Leonid and Friends, but it has become much more. Thanks again.
I saw an interview you did with Todd Ledbetter. I was curious and checked you out on SoundCloud. Like I said, it was great, and I’ll definitely be listening to more.
