Arvo Pärt: Most Popular Living Composer
In the “classical” vein, I mean. For several years, he has been the most widely-performed living such composer, but that is just the beginning. Thom Yorke, PJ Harvey, Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, and Keith Jarrett all claim him as a major influence. Lupe Fiasco, heavy metal bands, and Berlin DJs frequently sample his works. His music lurks behind scenes in “There Will Be Blood,” “Fahrenheit 9/11,” and “Gravity,” just to name a few of his film credits. Part has become so popular that even such media outlets as Vice put the spotlight on him.
