Rutter: Requiem

Produced by the composer himself, this is the first recording of the original ensemble version of John Rutter’s radiant Requiem. Written in 1985, the work is not a conventional setting of the Requiem Mass but comprises a personal selection of texts from the Catholic liturgy and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. John Rutter maintains intimate ties with Clare College and many of his anthems are left as a musical legacy to the college. Among these are two simple, tender Blessings: Go forth into the world in peace, dedicated to the choir on the eve of its first tour to America; and A Clare Benediction, written as a gift to Rutter’s alma mater. This recording is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Rutter. Album Description

Simply the best copy of Rutter's Requiem!

In my opinion, this copy of Rutter's Requiem is the best one available. The orchestra does not overpower the chorus. The soprano soloist, Elin Manahan Thomas, is sublime. June 27, 2007

Requiem

This CD has some of the most beautiful sacred music I have ever heard. Though a requiem is focused on a person's death, Rutter's Requiem leads you to consider the living Christ. "Requiem aeternam" and "Sanctus" are both uplifting and worshipful, and "Toccata in seven" is pure fun. July 7, 2006

Absolutely Beautiful

Beautiful is one of those words that I don't use often and I don't use lightly, but this recording of John Rutter's Requiem and other choral works is worthy of description with the full weight of the word. All seven movements of his magnificent requiem are flowing with rich, delicate beauty. Rutter uses the full palate that the orchestra and the chorus has to offer such as the light sustained oboe throughout "The Lord is My Shepherd" and the bellowing low cello in "Out of the Deep." It's cool to hear a mix of Latin and English texts throughout the work. The soprano solo on "Pie Jesu" is breathtaking and the work closes with the sonorous, harmonicaly rich "Lux aeterna." The "Sanctus" is triumphant and the incredibly haunting "Agnus Dei" sends chills up the spine. The main theme introduced in the first movement is just beautiful. I am sure that if I heard Rutter's Requiem performed live and well, it would certainly bring tears to my eyes. It is a simply beautiful piece of music and is very well interpreted on this album. There is an excellent attention to the text and the shape of the phrases. A truly wonderful recording.

As for the other works on this album, they are just as impressive. The bombastic, sonorous "Arise, Shine" has enough G-force to plaster you to the back of your seat. It is wonderful to listen to the dialog between the chorus and the flute in "Musica Dei donum." "A Clare Benediction" is absolutely beautiful, as is "Go Forth into the World With Peace." The chords in "Come Down O Lord Divine" are incredible.

As for the organ pieces, the "Toccata in Seven" is bright and exciting, though a little heavy in some sections. The epic "Variations on an Easter Theme" is just astounding. Rutter takes us through a labyrinth of harmonic and rhythmic variation on a simple theme with wild obligados, fierce runs, dynamic shifts, tense harmonies, argumentative counterpoint and lyrical melodies. This is an amazingly exciting piece with two organists using all eight of the appendages between the two of them to make some amazing music.

This is quite a great collection of great sacred music from one of the best composers around today. Not to mention, you cannot beat Naxos' value. For under 10 bucks, this CD is a must. June 9, 2006

A glorious piece

--Music--
Rutter's Requiem was written in 1985. In Catholic liturgy, a requiem is a Mass for the Dead, and as such involves strong tones both of mourning and loss as well as elements of hope and eternal life as reflected in Christian belief. Rutter states that, like Brahms and Faure, there are elements that depart from the traditional lines of a Catholic requiem. Rutter takes some of the texts from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Both the first and second movements, Requiem aeternam and 'Out of the Deep', set very dark, low, sombre tones. The use of strings at the beginning of 'Out of the Deep' is very effective, together with funeral-dirge like vocals. This contrasts greatly with the Pie Jesu, light and spiritual. The Sanctus is almost playful in aspect, and the Agnus Dei and Lux aeterna draw the listener higher and higher into the fullness of expectation of God's presence.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

This recording is produced by Rutter, but is performed by the London Sinfonia, a group that he has worked with but is not the usual Cambridge Singers. This performance compares favourably with Rutter's own group, with areas in which there is greater subtlety and depth. December 16, 2005

Rutter brought me into the 20th century with this recording.

Prefering Classical, Baroque, & Romantic Music and particulary Requiems, I only gave this recording a chance because I could not find another requiem at the time, shortly after my parents had died. Having sung a few of Rutter's compositions in university I knew of his quality and flavor. To my surprise and complete amazement this piece and this particular recording was an incredible salve on the deepedst of open wounds. To this day, 10 years later, this is one of my top ten favorite albums. I have heard other renditions of Rutter's Requiem, however, none have had the intensity that this one has had, conducted by John Rutter, himself.

I feel this is the greatest of Rutters compositions and as of now , this is the best production of his Requiem I have heard yet. IMHO October 1, 2005

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