Since the mid-1990s, when Arvo Pärt's music started to reach massive popularity in the West, we have seen (or rather heard) his music being used more and more as background for a great number of television programmes, especially arts documentaries, or any other sort of programmes that aim at creating an atmosphere of relaxation and contemplation. If you live in the UK and tune in often to the BBC or Channel 4, you will definitely be familiar with this, since they have a special predilection for Arvo Pärt ... and who can blame them! The film industry has been quick to pick up this trend, as it were, and incorporated a great variety of Arvo Pärt's compositions as part of the film scores. Below is a small, obviously incomplete list of films with references to the pieces contained in them.
THERE WILL BE BLOOD2007 | Paul Thomas AndersonBeautifully scored film, which includes Arvo Pärt's Fratres for cello and piano, performed by I Fiamminghi, conducted by Rudolf Werthen. |
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TIMES AND WINDS2006 | Reha ErdemMagnificent original score by Arvo Pärt |
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DEAD MAN'S SHOES2004 | Shane MeadowsThis film includes Arvo Pärt's De Profundis, performed by the Polyphony Ensemble, conducted by Stephen Layton. |
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GERRY2003 | Gus Van SantThis very minimalistic film by Van Sant features the entire track from the Alina CD. |
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SINCE OTAR LEFT2003 | Julie BertucelliFeatures Arvo Pärt's Für Alina and Spiegel im Spiegel. |
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24 PRELUDES FOR A FUGUE2002 | Dorian SupinThe most complete documentary on Arvo Pärt's life and music so far. Highly recommended. |
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HEAVEN2002 | Tom TwykerThis film features Für Alina and Spiegel im Spiegel. |
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WAR PHOTOGRAPHER2001 | Christian FreiThis amazing documentary features Silouans Song from "Te Deum" and Psalom from "Litany". |
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WIT2001 | Mike NicholsBased on a play winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this film features Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel. |
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Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK |
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THE INSIDER1999 | Michael MannLitany is played during one scene of this film. |
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Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK |
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WINTER SLEEPERS1997 | Tom TykwerThree different versions of Fratres, and Cantus in Memory Bejamin Britten are performed in this film. |
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Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK |
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LITTLE ODESSA1996 | James GrayThis film features the Sanctus from the Berlin Mass and Silouans Song. |
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LESSONS OF DARKNESS1991 | Werner HerzogThis film features Stabat Mater, which is also used for the Special Features section of the DVD. |
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Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK |
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THE LOVERS ON THE BRIDGE1991 | Leos CaraxThis film includes Cantus in Memory Benjamin Britten, a favourite piece in films that feature Arvo Pärt's music. |
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Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK |
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