Noel’s Reviews > Between Two Sounds: Arvo Pärt’s Journey to His Musical Language > Status Update

"Arvo once said something very interesting: 'I know a great secret, but I know it only in music, and only in music can I express it. I’d sure like to put my finger on it!'"

"It’s crucial that one forgets everything before beginning a new piece. Words are a relatively poor manner of self-expression, overall. If you start from nothing, then something can emerge. I believe there exists within us a language with which we conduct those finer and very important matters."

“It is a need to concentrate on each sound. Just like on every blade of grass. So that every blade of grass becomes as important as a flower.”

“The human voice is one of the most perfect musical instruments on earth! And that instrument must be tuned. Man’s soul is what must be tuned!”

Sister at the convent: “Why do you look so sad?”
Arvo: “I’m a composer and I’m trying to write music but it just won’t work!”
Sister at the convent: “Have you thanked God for it not working?”

"I must reach religion’s core through my own essence, not my intellect."

"You must take a leap of faith from the edge of the abyss ... And hope that at the very last moment, God will hold out his hand."

"To be born to peace, you must die to disquiet. I dreamed that just as the saints’ prayers move from the lips to the heart over time and the heart enters a state of perpetual independent prayer, the same can happen to a composer with his music. In the end, the heart lives perpetually in music, just as in prayer."

"Sometimes you’ll feel like your prayer is hitting a brick wall. If you are prepared to accept everything—good and bad, sweet and sour—then there are no more problems! You are prepared for and capable of handling everything. Then, all will be given to you—great gifts. But above all, peace."

"A whole range of physical and spiritual afflictions, agitation and dissatisfaction are the result of insufficient and superficial prayer. If you wish to start a new life, start praying anew, like from the very beginning. Prayer is building blocks; prayer is creation. At every moment, make your relationship to God absolutely clear. Believe me, you will not regret it."