PERFORMERS
- Josefina Urraca, piano
- Keir GoGwilt, violin
- Mary Taylor Hennings, dancer
- Yi Qun Xu, cello
ABOUT THE CONCERT
Spiegel im Spiegel ("mirror in the mirror") is a meditative work by the Estonian composer Arvo Part, written in 1978, shortly before he emigrated from the Soviet Union. It is one of the purest examples of his tintinnabuli style: a slowly rising and falling melodic voice unfolds over serene, bell-like arpeggiations of a single tonic triad, following so strict a formula that no note is left to chance. The title evokes an infinite regress of reflections, mirrors facing mirrors. Originally for violin and piano, it has been recast for many instruments and is heard here in a version for violin and piano. Part remains among the most performed living composers, celebrated for music of luminous stillness and spiritual depth.