Miserere

In the years since this recording's release, Part has become well-known for his unique compositional style, in which, with the simplest of tools, he creates an impression of music suspended in time, where sound, melody, and harmony mingle in such a way that we sense both movement and stasis. With its opening chant-like melody, minor triad harmony, solo voice, and clarinet, "Miserere" quietly unfolds as if from an eternal existence--until suddenly, the mood is shattered as a chorus and larger instrumental contingent deliver a harrowing rendition of the "Dies irae." In the calm that follows, quietness holds as much meaning as musical sound. And so Pärt leads us on an unforgettable journey--a musical miracle, faithfully and reverently proclaimed by the masters of this repertoire, the Hilliard Ensemble. --David Vernier