This collection of essays and interviews is an ideal guide to the work and thought of one of the world's greatest and most original living composers. In Enzo Restagno's extensive interview, Pärt gives an intimate description of his work and life in Soviet Estonia, his emigration, his artistic odyssey, and his worldview. Then, Arvo Pärt's compositional technique is the focus of a musicological essay by Leopold Brauneiss. Finally, Saale Kareda explores the spiritual aspects of the composer's approach to his works. Two acceptance speeches, delivered by Pärt on receiving major European prizes, complete this fascinating and illuminating portrait [Publisher description]