A native of Estonia, Arvo Pärt at first wrote in a style perceptibly influenced by Russian composers. Having then explored the 12-note system through the 1960s, he developed his own tonal technique which he calls ‘tintinnabuli’ (after the bell-like impression of notes in a triad). This technique has been employed in many works since, which are often coloured by the influence of early musical traditions and Pärt’s deep religious feeling.

Orchestral Music

In 1976 Pärt wrote a moving tribute to Benjamin Britten, Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, for string orchestra and bell. His cello concerto Pro et contra and three symphonies reflect the course his music has taken. Tabula Rasa is in the form of a double vio...