..." 1984, the essential record of Tabula Rasa was released on ECM records. The recording features not only the title composition performed by the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra featuring Gidon Kramer on Violin (for whom Pärt wrote the exquisitely contemplative and hypnotic title work) and Alfred Schnittke on prepared piano, but the equally beautiful composition "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" and two versions of "Fratres"; a star performance from Keith Jarrett, and Gideon Kremer and its most sublime version for 12 cellos performed by the 12 Cellist of The Berlin Philharmonic.
The compositions are sparse, but the space between the sounds are as full of music as the notes themselves. The title cut the allows an inner fullness to resonate through the most fragile, ethereal wisps of tone against the mysterious clanging of prepared piano. The lament of the tubular bells in "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" is emotionally haunting and seems to descend from the heavens above. "Fratres" is a simple tune. On one hand it sounds like something from the 15th century, yet it clearly is something from the present day." .... ( Stylus Magazine )
The compositions are sparse, but the space between the sounds are as full of music as the notes themselves. The title cut the allows an inner fullness to resonate through the most fragile, ethereal wisps of tone against the mysterious clanging of prepared piano. The lament of the tubular bells in "Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten" is emotionally haunting and seems to descend from the heavens above. "Fratres" is a simple tune. On one hand it sounds like something from the 15th century, yet it clearly is something from the present day." .... ( Stylus Magazine )
