VIFF Review: Arvo Part: 24 Preludes for a Fugue

Arvo Part is one of the most well known living composers in the classical music world today. Using the musical analogy of 24 preludes for a fugue this film paints an impressionistic portrait of Part's life and work in 24 named scenes.

With his bald pate, and salt and pepper beard, Part has a grandfatherly look about him. His soft spoken, scholarly demeanor, and unassuming presence are reflected in his music. His music is austere, reverent, elegiac, haunting, and contemplative.

Part contemplates his youth and shares several stories of his childhood. He speaks fondly of his music teacher from his Estonian hometown. He tells us of the broken down piano he practiced on. It was missing hammers so he had to constantly rearrange the remaining ones to fit the keys he played. We get a glimpse of the boy inside the man in one scene where Part pauses to listen to the sounds of a lush green courtyard.

Inspiration does not seem to come instantly to Part. His neatly written scores are just a starting point. He is constantly writing, listening, and revising. It's interesting to see that many of the improvements come about by deleting and simplifying passages. Much of his music develops in collaboration with the musicians performing his work. Even with an old piece there are changes to be made to fit with a new group.

Throughout the film his wife Eleonora is close by--out of frame but within earshot. She seems to be the practical one in the relationship and takes care of the details of living while Part composes. She is his closest confidant and critic. The film ends with them together on a picnic in the woods, walking down the path with arms wrapped around each other.