Description

Fratres (the original arrangement for violin and piano) was commissioned by the Salzburg Festival and had its premiere on August 17th, 1980, at that very location (violin: Gidon Kremer, piano: Elena Kremer).

Daniel Hope, a world-renowned violin soloist, commented on the edition: 'Fratres opened my ears in an entirely new manner. Recently, when I recorded it, I was very pleased with the edition from Universal Edition. A masterpiece requires an interpretation that accurately reflects the composer's intentions, as has been achieved with this work.'

Composed in Pärt's distinctive 'Tintinnabuli' style, this piece accommodates various interpretations as it is not restricted to a specific tonal color. 'For me, the highest virtue of music lies beyond its mere sound. The unique timbre of an instrument contributes to the music, but it is not the most crucial aspect. If it were, I would be yielding to the essence of the music. Music must exist independently – two, three notes – the essence must be present, regardless of the instruments.'

(Arvo Pärt)