Fratres

Perhaps these aren't the great defining recordings of Part's works. They're certainly good enough. This CD served as my introduction to minimalist music - it was a lot easier to take a chance on a $5 Naxos CD than the $18 ECM recordings of Part's music that I love so very much.

Part is frequently dismissed by certain factions in the classical music community as "New Age Tripe". It is true that his music embodies some of the quiet and contemplative as well as non-traditional elements of some new age compositions, but Part's music is also imbued with an utter dedication to spirituality that is clearly evident in "Cantus in Memory of Bejamin Britten", the last track on the CD. Part has also been called a "Holy Minimalist", a composer whose music is deeply connected to his religious faith. Even one not familiar with the composer or his history will use words like "simple", "meditative", "reverent" and "serene" to describe his works.

Part's music is beguilingly simple. There are deliberate silences that are simply a joy to listen to. Complexity is simply not present in this music - each piece is stripped to the essence of it's musicality.

It's an inspiring thing to hear.

For listeners already familiar with Part's music, this disc offers welcome new interpretations of some of his more recorded works at a price that I, at least, would find difficult to pass up.

I cannot really find fault with this disc. For a new listener, there is a wonderful sampling of listenable music from a still-living classical composer. For those who have enjoyed other music by Part, this is perhaps one of the best "bargain" CDs I have ever found. ~ S. Laker.