Triodion

Released in 2003, Triodion represents a mature peak in Arvo Pärt's choral output, featuring world-premiere recordings of several major works. Performed by the ensemble Polyphony under Stephen Layton, the album showcases Pärt's 'tintinnabuli' technique - a system inspired by the ringing of bells where a melodic voice moves stepwise around a central triad. This creates a unique harmonic stasis that critics, including those at BBC Music, have praised for its purity and emotional depth. The album is notable for its linguistic diversity, featuring texts in Latin, Italian, and English (including a setting of Robert Burns). 'My Heart’s in the Highlands' stands out as a rare secular inclusion, yet it is treated with the same sacred reverence as the liturgical 'Salve Regina'. The recording captures the natural reverb of the Temple Church in London, making the acoustic environment an essential instrument in the composition.