Arvo Pärt: The Symphonies

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s four symphonies tell the story of his musical life. It’s a tale bookended by the skittish and uncompromising Symphony No. 1, written while he was a student in 1963, and the Fourth from 2008—a beautifully sculpted masterpiece in his own “tintinnabuli” style in which textures rise, fall and repeat like pealing bells. Much more than fine recordings of fascinating works, these are ideal performances directed by one of Pärt’s most trusted conductors, compatriot Tõnu Kaljuste. Listen out for the beautiful oases amid the noise in the final movement of Symphony No. 2 and the chant-infused Symphony No. 3, containing moments of pure beauty.