Two films about Pärt premiere in Tallinn
Two dedicated documentaries about composer Arvo Pärt will see a premiere in the Estonian capital tonight – “The Lost Paradise” and “Adam's Passion.”
Both films are directed by international filmmakers, with the co-production by Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR), the European culture channel WDR/ARTE and Estonian Concert.
The first, “Adam's Passion,” shows the namesake theatrical production that premiered at the Tallinn's Noblessner Foundry in May. For “Adam's Passion,” Pärt and American theater visionary Robert Wilson came together to create a mesmerizing symbiosis, combining Pärt's music and Wilson's stage choreography with stunning visuals.
The film was directed by a renowned French director Andy Sommer, who is known for his documentaries and recordings of opera for which he has always used a very cinematic style. He has won numerous international prizes like Golden Prague, the Prix Italia and the Prix de la Sacem.
The musical core of the production consisted of three main works by Pärt, selected by the maestro himself: “Adam’s Lament”, “Tabula Rasa” and “Miserere”. “Sequentia”, a new work specially composed by Pärt, blended the monumental landscape into a powerful story of depths and splendor of the humankind. The music was performed by the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and The Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste.
Another documentary, “The Lost Paradise,” is framed by the stage production of “Adam's Passion,” but it also follows Pärt over a one-year period in his native Estonia, as well as to Japan, Germany, Italy and Vatican.
Tracing Pärt's creative process, the film offers rare and personal insights into his fascinating personality.
Apart from Pärt and Wilson, Tõnu Kaljuste, Toomas Siitan, Immo Mihkelson, Paul Hillier, Sofia Gubaidulina and Gidon Kremer were interviewed for the film.
The film was produced by German film company Accentus Music and directed by German film director Günter Atteln.
Estonian Television (ETV) will show both films on September 10 and 11. Apart from ETV, BBC (UK), NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland), TVP (Poland), LTV (Latvia), NHK (Japan) and ARTE will feature the documentaries on their programs.
The premiere coincides with Arvo Pärt's 80th birthday celebrations.
Editor: S. Tambur