This piece by Arvo Pärt only consists of the melody of the solo instrument (cello) and the 3-note piano accompaniment. In many ways, its seemingly simple and minimalistic character reflects the composer's philosophy in life that everything redundant must be left aside.
This composition's title in German can mean either "mirror in the mirror" or "mirrors in the mirror" referring to an infinity of mirrors and images, just like the circular and repetitive character of this piece.
The piece develops slowly as pitches are added one at a time in a slow motion, increasing our expectation every time. It also gives us the sense that time flows with music, just like our life progresses. As Richard Curtis, the British screenwriter said "this piece is like the delicacy and simplicity of life simply progressing minute after minute".