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The world’s greatest composer of contemporary classical music is an Estonian. According to Bachtrack, the Britain-based world leading classical music events database, Arvo Pärt continues – for third year running – as most performed living composer of the world. A big miracle of a small nation.
These days, Mr Pärt’s music is sounding on the grand US platforms of New York and Washington, DC – including the legendary Carnegie Hall – as performed by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. Plus the discussions, and the receptions. These are nights and moments not to be forgotten. Goes without saying that the Estonian state does its share – supporting the event by €85,000.
Classical works are no pop hits, known by everyone. Even so, Mr Pärt’s global audience is vast. With his works, he has done a special service to Estonian music and culture, and thereby to our little land. Opinions and interviews in large publications as Wall Street Journal, Washington Post or New York Times grant attention hard to gain by ads or PR-money, be it ever so abundant.
On world scene, works by Mr Pärt have been highly appreciated. For Tõnu Kaljuste, his Grammy came for the rendering of «Adam’s Lament» by the very Mr Pärt. Also, Mr Pärt’s activities have served to introduce Estonian classical music and its performers around the world, while drawing attention to the genre at home. Having the weightiest living composer, why would classical music not be popular? For two seasons, ETV has aired the young musician competition Classical Stars (Klassikatähed), gaining popularity and momentum. At concert hall ticket sales, the usual is people asking for the stars to come.
For any musician in the world, performing Pärt is an honour and a challenge. We, however, who being the audience able to relax and enjoy, ought to deeper delve in the messages preached by the composer. These being much stronger and far more eternal than some sounding but soulless calls for peace of politicians. Mr Pärt, who has said he’s trying to reflect values that would touch everyone, has poured in lots of faith, hope, love, and... silence.
Lots of things that, in the nervous everydayness of ours, we never notice or lose in the noise; meanwhile, deep inside, us humans we long for these – even when words fail us to express what we feel.
As we grasp the values passed on to us by Mr Pärt, no doubt they make us better people – and the world a better place to be. People, pay heed to Pärt!