Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

4:58

Arvo Pärt's "Summa" for string orchestra is a minimalist composition that was composed in 1977. The piece was premiered in Tallinn, Estonia, on December 14, 1977, by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Neeme Järvi. "Summa" is a short work that consists of a single movement and is approximately six minutes in length. The piece is based on the Credo section of the Latin Mass, and Pärt's intention was to create a work that was both simple and profound. The piece begins with a simple, repetitive melody played by the violins, which is then joined by the rest of the string orchestra. The melody is then repeated and developed throughout the piece, with each repetition becoming more complex and layered. One of the defining characteristics of "Summa" is its use of the tintinnabuli style, which is a compositional technique that Pärt developed in the 1970s. The tintinnabuli style is characterized by the use of simple, diatonic melodies that are accompanied by a second voice that moves in a stepwise motion. The result is a sound that is both meditative and hypnotic. Another characteristic of "Summa" is its use of silence. Pärt uses silence as a compositional tool, allowing the music to breathe and creating a sense of space and stillness. Overall, "Summa" is a beautiful and contemplative work that showcases Pärt's unique compositional style. Its simplicity and use of silence make it a powerful and moving piece that has become a staple of the contemporary classical repertoire.

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