Cantique des degrés

Princess Caroline of Monaco commissioned a composition for choir and orchestra from Arvo Pärt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the rule of her father, Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1999.

Cantique des degrés is based on Psalm 121 Levabo oculos meos in montes (I lift my eyes to the hills) from the Old Testament. It is one of the fifteen prayer songs, which were sung during the pilgrimage to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The title comes from the French version of the songs, cantique des degrés (Latin, canticum graduum). This indicates singing while climbing the steps to the Temple of Solomon, which symbolises a gradual and self-preparatory path to Divine Jerusalem. Pärt has also used the same text in 1984 for the composition

Princess Caroline of Monaco commissioned a composition for choir and orchestra from Arvo Pärt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the rule of her father, Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1999.

Cantique des degrés is based on Psalm 121 Levabo oculos meos in montes (I lift my eyes to the hills) from the Old Testament. It is one of the fifteen prayer songs, which were sung during the pilgrimage to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The title comes from the French version of the songs, cantique des degrés (Latin, canticum graduum). This indicates singing while climbing the steps to the Temple of Solomon, which symbolises a gradual and self-preparatory path to Divine Jerusalem. Pärt has also used the same text in 1984 for the composition Ein Wallfahrtslied for male voice and string quartet.

With its lyrical and festive mood, Cantique is composed of eight verses and ends with a hymn-like instrumental coda. The key changes within each verse throughout the composition, rising gradually and reflecting the title of the piece. 

Cantique des degrés was premiered by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic and Opera Choir conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste in the Cathedral of Monte Carlo during the Thanksgiving service attended by the royal family on 19 November 1999. The composer revised the work in 2002.