tintinnabuli voice

Latin composer

Definition

In Pärt's tintinnabuli style, the T-voice is the accompanying voice restricted exclusively to the notes of the tonic triad. It shadows the M-voice by always sounding the nearest triad tone below (or above, depending on the work).

Interpretive Guidance

The T-voice should never dominate. Balance it slightly softer than the M-voice so the tonal pillar is felt rather than heard. Its bell-like resonance should seem to emerge from the instrument's overtones.

Context

Scope Used by Arvo Part
Language Latin

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