A study of the three violin works by Arvo Pärt: An analysis and performance guide

Abstract

Arvo Pärt (b. 1935) is an Estonian composer who has created his own compositional technique called tintinnabuli. This research focuses on the application of tintinnabuli in three of Pärt’s works for violin and piano: Fratres (1977, 1980), Spiegel im Spiegel (1978), and Passacaglia (2003). I will provide both an analysis of these three works and a performance guide for violinists choosing to play these works. Each will focus on Pärt’s unique compositional technique. For today’s violinists who are more familiar with playing virtuosic pieces rather than quiet or meditative works, the performance guide will illustrate specific ways of interpreting the three works, and a particular focus will be made on the use of ideal fingerings and bowing techniques. This thesis will be helpful for understanding the construction of minimalist music and will allow violinists to more effectively practice minimalist music.