Whether or not you enjoy the music of Arvo Paert is partially a matter of temperament. Paert is to music what contemplative spirituality is to prayer. To most of us, prayer involves talking to God; but to the contemplative, prayer means listening in receptive silence. Paert is deeply contemplative, and his music speaks from this inner stillness, suspended in time. If you long for this inner stillness and peace, you will love Paert; if not, his music will probably bore you. Silence plays an important part in his music. In the words of Arvo Paert, "The most important things that happen between people who are very close to each other are not stated, are not even possible to express. One doesn't need to and shouldn't say anything." When you listen to Paert, don't expect action, don't expect something to "happen." Just give yourself to the music and don't "do" anything - let God do it.


An excellent selection of Part's work   March 6, 2000
 26 out of 27 found this review helpful

This CD rates a permanent place in my CD changer.

Part is a very listenable composer given the reputation that seems to preceed modern classical music. His music evokes a since of time immemorial, of something sacred. Part uses an almost logical repetition of themes in instrumentation, but not in a way that becomes dull or silly.

This CD offers of an excellent sampling of Part's more popular works. Unlike the budget Naxos recording, it includes a trio of Part's wonderful, reverant choral pieces. This CD also extracts tracks from some of Part's longer works, a simple way to audition pieces that can only be found on very expensive discs. Of particular interest, and to my particular glee, is the last track, which I've been known to describe as "a musical conversation with musical silence".

For a curious first-time buyer of Part's music this CD represents a most excellent beginning. A more avid listener of Part's music might find this CD a worthwhile grouping of his shorter works.


Perfection, balance, beauty   March 20, 2000
 24 out of 27 found this review helpful

Sanctuary was my introduction to Arvo Part and it made me wonder how I could have lived so long without knowing of this composer. The music provides a beautiful balance between Part's choral and orchestral music. Each track is haunting. Listening to it, I felt as if I had been transported into a cavern filled with luminous music and that my mind was expanding to encompass the sound. If you are new to Part, don't hesitate to buy this CD. I played it at a dinner party and had my guests all asking to see the cover. If you're a Part fan, you'll find the pure, clear performances on this CD well worth adding to your collection.


Part's purity and beauty shine through again   June 30, 2000
 21 out of 22 found this review helpful

After purchasing "Arvo Part - Sanctuary", I was only sure that I would enjoy one track - the "Magnificat" which I had heard before. Upon listening to the disc, I found that I enjoyed every track on the CD because Arvo Part's truly sanctified and soothing style of composition has created some of the greatest masterpieces in music that I know of. It is definitely worth the money that I paid for it. When I die, I want this CD playing in the background.


Magnificat: Magnificent!   August 5, 2002
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

I realize the title of this review is pretty silly, but I had to think of something.
I have always enjoyed classical music, but not nearly as much as other genres... that is until a friend of mine gave me SANCTUARY. I listen to it all the time now. The genius of Arvo Part's music is that although it is quite somber, it is very beautiful. I think that if you don't like classical music now, you will once you listen to Arvo Part. My favourite piece is Magnificat, hence the title.