The program's "big" piece is yet another setting of Pärt's Berlin Mass, a 1997 revision for four voices and organ of the composer's 1990 original, but drawing from an intervening version for strings and chorus. It's a vocally formidable yet totally accessible and, in this version, liturgically functional work. Another remarkable piece is the program opener, Bogoróditse Djévo. Lasting barely more than one minute, this setting of the Ave Maria from the Orthodox Liturgy at first will surprise you because its lively, invigorating rhythmic movement is so unlike most of Pärt's typically more meditative writing. Here's a piece that, along with I Am the True Vine, should become standard repertoire for all first class choirs. And speaking of choirs, Paul Hillier's Pro Arte Singers are simply faultless in these works, demonstrating at every turn their mastery of the aspects of vocal technique, tone, expression, phrasing, blend, and ensemble unity and musicianship that determine choral supremacy. The sound, too, is ideal, benefiting both from masterful engineering and first-rate locations, including England's Ely Cathedral. Once again, Pärt has shown his listeners that simple tonal techniques and careful, caring attention to text still is the most effective way to convey meaning and emotion in choral music. You'll agree when you hear this; and hopefully so will those who dole out awards for best discs of the year.