A Birthday For John Rutter, Master Composer For Choirs World-Wide

 

John Rutter at Clare College, Cambridge, England

John Rutter, the renowned British composer, conductor and arranger, turns 78 today. He is best known and loved for his choral music, the Cambridge Singers choir, and their recording label, Collegium Records. Doing an Internet search for Rutter doesn't bring up much more than the same brief biography. Though far from reclusive, the composer enjoys his privacy, but he does have a fairly active Facebook page. In addition, there is the occasional article here, and here that gives readers some insight into the man behind the music. My take on this relative dearth of information is simply that one should get to know the man through his music. Here is an anthem he wrote for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011:

Some in the classical music world, mostly in Great Britain, find Rutter's compositions to be a bit simple, repetitive, and stylistically confused. Others place him at the top among contemporary composers. I have to side with the latter appraisals. The melodies are generally simple, the harmonies beautiful, and the style affords a perfect balance of music and message. Furthermore, choirs of all sizes and skill levels perform his work to appreciative audiences everywhere. If popularity is any indicator, John Rutter's music will be enjoyed for a long, long time.

Here is the finale of Rutter's 2016 composition, Visions, a four-part work based on the theme of Jerusalem:

Here is perhaps Rutter's most recognized and popular work, his choral work based on Cecil Frances Alexander's hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Splendid sounds indeed.







Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
Clare College Alumni

Text:

johnrutter.com