Für Jan van Eyck was written for mixed choir and organ. The initiative for creating this piece came from the Belgian choir Collegium Vocale Gent, and it was commissioned by the City of Ghent, who has dedicated the year 2020 to celebrating Jan van Eyck. Arvo Pärt was asked to compose a new work for the festive opening of the restored altarpiece, located in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent.
The centerpiece of the altar, painted by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck is The Adoration of a Mystic Lamb which is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art. The painting itself inspired Arvo Pärt to turn back to his earlier works where he has already treated this subject. Für Jan van Eyck is based on the music of Agnus Dei ('Lamb of G…
Für Jan van Eyck was written for mixed choir and organ. The initiative for creating this piece came from the Belgian choir Collegium Vocale Gent, and it was commissioned by the City of Ghent, who has dedicated the year 2020 to celebrating Jan van Eyck. Arvo Pärt was asked to compose a new work for the festive opening of the restored altarpiece, located in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent.
The centerpiece of the altar, painted by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck is The Adoration of a Mystic Lamb which is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art. The painting itself inspired Arvo Pärt to turn back to his earlier works where he has already treated this subject. Für Jan van Eyck is based on the music of Agnus Dei ('Lamb of God'), the last section of Berliner Messe (1990).
The world premiere took place on 22 September 2020 performed by Collegium Vocale Gent, under the baton of Philippe Herreweghe. The concert was part of the Flanders Festival Ghent “OMG! Van Eyck was here”. The choir, which was founded by the legendary conductor Philippe Herreweghe, also celebrated its 50th anniversary with this concert.