ARVO PÄRT’S MUSIC: FACETS OF THE TINTINNABULI TECHNIQUE

Abstract

This article comprises an analysis of two of the religious works signed by the Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt, both written in the tintinnabuli technique, 9 years apart - De profundis and Miserere. After an overview of the tintinnabuli concept and after indicating their technical features, I have observed how the minimalist compositional method, specific to Pärt, has acquired elasticity, as years went by. Nonetheless, the hermeneutical principles which the composer intended to soundly integrate in his composition style are preserved, regardless of how the tintinnabuli technique arises (strict or elastic). In both musical works analyzed, the tintinnabuli technique (technique used in composition since 1976) does not refer to serialization of sound parameters, but addresses the algorithmizing process of the musical material, which originates from formal and philosophical thinking.

Keywords

• tintinnabuli, minimalism, holy minimalism, Arvo Pärt.