On 11 September 2025, the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt celebrates his 90th birthday – a milestone for one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary classical music. Known for his spiritual, minimalist style and the tintinnabuli technique, Pärt’s music continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Paide, Estonia, on 11 September 1935, Pärt grew up under Soviet rule, where access to Western music was limited and artistic expression closely monitored. He studied composition at the Tallinn Conservatory, exploring both traditional classical techniques and the avant-garde approaches of the mid-20th century.
By the 1960s, Pärt was experimenting with serialism and other modernist methods. A period of creative uncertainty in the late 1960s led him to step away from composing entirely – a hiatus that would eventually shape his distinctive voice.
The Tintinnabuli Style
During this reflective period, Pärt developed his signature tintinnabuli style, inspired by Gregorian chant, early polyphony, and sacred music. Characterised by meditative harmonies and a profound sense of stillness, this music unfolds slowly, drawing listeners into moments of quiet contemplation.
Iconic works such as Fratres, Spiegel im Spiegel, and Tabula Rasa have become central to modern classical repertoire. Fratres, in particular, has featured in films including There Will Be Blood (2007) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2013), demonstrating its power to convey deep emotion with minimal means.
“It’s no wonder that music like Fratres or Spiegel im Spiegel or Tabula Rasa, are so beloved of documentary makers and film producers for moments of heightened emotion: the sudden atmosphere of stillness and meditation that Pärt’s music instantly communicates is one of its most appealing qualities.”
Fratres and the O/Modernt Concert
On Monday 22 September 2025, the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra, led by Hugo Ticciati with Evelyn Glennie on percussion, will perform Fratres at The Bridgewater Hall.
This piece forms the heart of a varied programme spanning centuries, from the medieval chant of Hildegard von Bingen’s Vos flores rosarum to contemporary works like Albert Schnelzer’s Apollonian Dances, Bryce Dessner’s Aheym, and inventive arrangements of Nirvana’s Lithium and Purcell’s The Cold Song. Fratres offers a moment of calm and reflection at the centre of this eclectic musical journey.
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A Lasting Legacy
Across decades, Pärt’s music has inspired audiences with its spiritual depth, emotional clarity, and timeless beauty. His 90th birthday is a moment to celebrate not only a remarkable composer but also the enduring power of music that invites listeners into reflection and contemplation.