About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Paul Hillier has had a long association with the reclusive Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The English-born singer and conductor was one of the first musicians to present Pärt's work to Western audiences, and he wrote the first book about the composer. Hillier's deep devotion to Pärt's piously austere style is evident throughout this exquisitely recorded album. "I Am the True Vine," the title track, is one of three English language settings that are receiving their world premiere recordings on this disc. All three pieces are notable for their simple textures and emotional reserve -- quite unlike the dark, Slavic fervor of Ode IX from "Kanon Pokajanen," which the Pro Arte Singers sing so powerfully here. Pärt's Berlin Mass, which closes the program, is performed by Theatre of Voices in a new revision of the version for organ and four solo singers. It's an extraordinary interpretation, at once intimate and vast, and so atmospheric that one can almost smell the incense. If you find this album intoxicating, don't miss Theatre of Voices previous Pärt recording, DE PROFUNDIS, which gives an even broader overview of this composer's sacred art. Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

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