18 June 2023 : ARVO PÄRT : Sarah was ninety years old

Charlie preached on Genesis 18.1-15, the narrative where Three Visitors appear to Abraham, and he and his wife Sarah invite them to stay and have a meal - typical expected hospitality of the ancient world. It's an annunciation of sorts - Sarah is told by these visitors, despite her old age, she will bear a son.

Only an extract of this 25-minute work was used - a short section of vocalise (singing without text). It's music about waiting and turning over the few things that are in your mind - the piece is constructed of different sections, each use patterns made by permutations of 4 notes. In many ways, what the patterns produce are completely predictable, logical and pre-determined - but there is something about the experience of listening to them which is both uncomfortable and reassuring, savouring and also disinterested. It's a quality you find in all Pärt's music from this point, and this work was an important gateway in the formation of his tintinnabuli style.

More information about this piece can be read here: https://www.arvopart.ee/en/arvo-part/work/567/