Archiving a LivingComposer: BuildingArvo Pärt’s PersonalArchive

The First Estonian-FinnishMusic Library Seminar 26–27 May 2016

Anneli Kivisiv, archivistKai Kutman, musicologist

Arvo Pärt Centre

• Oldest document1899

• No skeches andoriginal scores1960–70

• Musical diariessince 1974

• Most of thedocumentssince 1980

The classification system

1. Biography2. Works3. Composer's comments andquotations4. Creation of the works and recordingmaterials5. Perfomance materials6. Correspondence7. Writings about Arvo Pärt’s life andwork8. Photos9. Audio and video materials10. Honorary degrees and awards11. Other items of archival valueNora’s files

Calendars, scores,musical diaries,sketches, musicaldedications, concertprogrammes, posters,interviews, researchpapers and books, fanletters, greeting cardsand invitations,correspondence, films,radio and TV showsabout the composer,ballet performances,feature films,documentaries,commercial releases,personal library,furniture, awards, gifts...

Juta Kurman’scollection.130 articles fromexpatriate Estonianand Americannewspapers from theyears 1980–2006,four of these writtenby Kurman herself.

The photo collectionfrom Erich Marinisch6,924 items of videoand photographyfrom 1997 until now.

The most valuable items: handwritten scores, sketches/outlines and musical diaries

Digitalisation of the entire archive

APIS – the Arvo Pärt Information System

10

• Description of the creativeprocess of the works

© Arvo Pärt Centre

Archive work in cooperationwith the composer

• Comments to musicaldiaries

• Preparation of the exhibition

11

Publications

© Arvo Pärt Centre

Public activities

In principio Songs from Childhood Playing Pärt

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Thank you!

© Arvo Pärt Centre