Pärt/Bach

Arvo Pärt consistently holds the title of the world’s most performed living composer. But his monumental Kanon Pokajanen (1997) for four-part choir was rarely performed – until Daniel Reuss and Cappella Amsterdam turned their attention to the masterpiece a few years ago. Now parts of this deeply religious work can be enjoyed alongside motets by Bach.

Bach wrote his motets for special occasions and often for a one-off performance. Consequently, they weren’t always thoroughly archived and it’s likely that some motets have been lost. Daniel Reuss: ‘I like to refer to them as the bible of music. I’ve been living with these motets for about forty years, and I can practically dream them. There are no pieces I have studied more, or feel more connected to. I am thrilled that I can conduct the works again after all these years.’