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Dedicated to the life and works of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt

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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 BLOOD 2007 | Paul Thomas Anderson Beautifully scored film, which includes Arvo Pärt's Fratres for cello and piano, performed by I Fiamminghi, conducted by Rudolf Werthen.

TIMES AND WINDS 2006 | Reha Erdem Magnificent original score by Arvo Pärt

DEAD MAN'S SHOES 2004 | Shane Meadows This film includes Arvo Pärt's De Profundis, performed by the Polyphony Ensemble, conducted by Stephen Layton.

FARENHEIT 9/11 2004 | Michael Moore Michael Moore's much acclaimed documentary film includes Arvo Pärt's Cantus in memory Benjamin Britten, performed by the Staatsorchester Stuttgart and Dennis Russell Davies.

GERRY 2003 | Gus Van Sant This very minimalistic film by Van Sant features the entire track from the Alina CD.

SINCE OTAR LEFT 2003 | Julie Bertucelli Features Arvo Pärt's Für Alina and Spiegel im Spiegel.

24 PRELUDES FOR A FUGUE 2002 | Dorian Supin The most complete documentary on Arvo Pärt's life and music so far. Highly recommended.

HEAVEN 2002 | Tom Twyker This film features Für Alina and Spiegel im Spiegel.

WAR PHOTOGRAPHER 2001 | Christian Frei This amazing documentary features Silouans Song from "Te Deum" and Psalom from "Litany".

WIT 2001 | Mike Nichols Based on a play winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this film features Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

THE INSIDER 1999 | Michael Mann Litany is played during one scene of this film.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

WINTER SLEEPERS 1997 | Tom Tykwer Three different versions of Fratres, and Cantus in Memory Bejamin Britten are performed in this film.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

LITTLE ODESSA 1996 | James Gray This film features the Sanctus from the Berlin Mass and Silouans Song.

MOTHER NIGHT 1996 | Keith Gordon Cantus in Memory Benjamin Britten is performed by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta; Fratres and Spiegel im Spiegel, performed by Tasmin Little and Martin Roscoe; and Tabula Rasa, performed by Gidon Kremer.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

LESSONS OF DARKNESS 1991 | Werner Herzog This film features Stabat Mater, which is also used for the Special Features section of the DVD.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

THE LOVERS ON THE BRIDGE 1991 | Leos Carax This film includes Cantus in Memory Benjamin Britten, a favourite piece in films that feature Arvo Pärt's music.		Not available from AMAZON.CO.UK

ST. JOHN PASSION 1988 | Arthaus Musik This account of Jesus Christ's death is recounted by Arvo Pärt in a very minimalistic light. His Passio is performed here by The Hilliard Ensemble and recorded in Durham Cathedral.