The compositional processes of Arvo pärt: a survey and comparison of two musical styles

Abstract

Arvo Pärt's output can be divided into two categories: serial (pre-1970) and what is termed tintinnabuli (post-1970), the term used in this thesis for his own way of using tonality. This is explained in the thesis. The thesis examines three serial works, a work that is described as a 'halfway house' the third symphony, which uses tonality but not yet the tintinnabuli style, and four tintinnabuli works. Despite the great differences in terms of sound between the serial and tintinnabuli works, this thesis concludes that there is common ground between them, in terms of systems, instrumentation and timbre amongst other aspects. The influence of early music on Pärt is considered, as is the similarity in style of two contemporary composers, Gorecki and Tavener.