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
12
Thank you!
© Arvo Pärt Centre
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