"Fur Alina"

Fortunately, I did have a bit of down time this afternoon. A CD set of Arvo Part's music arrived in the mail. He is a classical composer from eastern Europe, and one of the suggested writers on Bob Brookmeyer's "must hear" list. Bob says, "Listen to all of it!"

That doesn't surprise me; I've heard some of Part's astonishing music on recordings by the Hilliard Ensemble. It is consistently haunting and deeply moving. Baptized a Lutheran, Part moved into the mysteries of the Orthodox church. His Christian piety infuses his music, and he has never needed words in order to preach.

My immediate favorite is "Fur Alina" (see snippet above). This quiet piano piece affects me. It's brief -- only about two minutes long -- but it's a complete experience. It reminds me of a fine and satisfying dinner that makes you hungy for more. I recommend it without hesitation.