Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

4:54

Arvo Pärt's "Summa" is a minimalist composition for four string instruments, consisting of a violin, two violas, and a cello. The piece was composed in 1977 and premiered the same year in Tallinn, Estonia. "Summa" is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a distinct mood and texture. The first movement is marked by a slow, meditative pace, with the instruments playing in unison to create a sense of unity and harmony. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the violas and cello playing a syncopated pattern while the violin weaves in and out with a series of melodic fragments. The final movement returns to the contemplative mood of the first, with the instruments once again playing in unison to create a sense of resolution and closure. One of the defining characteristics of "Summa" is its use of the tintinnabuli style, a compositional technique developed by Pärt in the 1970s. This style is characterized by the use of simple, diatonic melodies and harmonies, often based on the overtone series, and the use of a "tintinnabular" voice that moves in parallel with the melody. The result is a sound that is both simple and profound, with a sense of timelessness and spirituality that has made Pärt one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. Overall, "Summa" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Pärt's unique compositional style and his ability to create music that is both simple and profound. Its use of the tintinnabuli style and its meditative, contemplative mood make it a perfect piece for reflection and introspection, and it remains one of Pärt's most beloved works to this day.

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