Arvo Pärt
Harmonia
Calm descends the moment the first track starts, welcoming us into the unique sound world of Arvo Pärt, where much is crammed into a few notes, and precision is vital in word and tone. Hillier and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir are at home in these sacred pieces, written across 30 years, and their briefish running times may help those wary of Pärt’s longer work. Try Da pacem Domine for size: a miracle of deceptive simplicity.
GEOFF BROWN