Arvo Pärt – Silentium (Clear vinyl)

Silentium is a 2025 compilation on Mississippi Records presenting four interpretations of works by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The selections include Vater Unser arranged for trombone and string ensemble, Variationen zur Gesundung von Arinuschka for solo piano, Fratres for Strings and Percussion, and a slowed-down version of Silentium, the second movement of Tabula Rasa, performed by Boston ensemble A Far Cry. The extended pacing of the final piece allows silence and stillness to shape the music, deepening its meditative qualities.

The album highlights Pärt’s distinctive “tintinnabuli” style, where melodic and triadic voices intertwine to create luminous simplicity. These recordings evoke a spiritual and contemplative atmosphere, making space for quiet as much as for sound. The result is an intimate, resonant presentation of Pärt’s music that underlines his reputation as one of the most profound minimalist composers of the modern era.

Reviews

“Arvo Pärt’s ‘Silentium’ gives voice to silence within sound … the album presents a compelling primer into the transformative power of Pärt’s work.” — PopMatters

“On Graded on a Curve … Silentium is poised to join the list of essential Pärt recordings.” — The Vinyl District