The Splendid Sounds Of John Rutter

The British choral composer, John Rutter, celebrates his 76th birthday today. He is deeply appreciated in the U.S. and Britain for his many choral and other compositions, his work as a conductor and arranger. and as the founder of The Cambridge Singers and their recording company, Collegium Records. 

Some classical music critics, mostly in Great Britain, find his compositions to be a bit simple, repetitive, and stylistically confused. Others place him at the top among 20th century composers and more than a few journalists and critics have no issue claiming he owns the music of Christmas. 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 are two brief videos of Rutter discussing his work. The first one focuses on music for royal occasions, specifically his anthem, This is the Day, written for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The second introduces a compact disc released in 2014 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Cambridge Singers.

In conclusion here are two of my favorite Rutter compositions. 

Splendid sounds indeed.

John Rutter: Owning The Music Of Christmas

The British composer, John Rutter, celebrates his 73rd birthday today.  He is deeply appreciated in the U.S. and Britain for his many choral and other compositions, for his work as a conductor and arranger. and as the founder of The Cambridge Singers. Some classical music critics, mostly in Great Britain, find his compositions to be a bit simple, repetitive, and stylistically confused. Others place him at the top among 20th century 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.

Rutter at Clare College, Cambridge, England

Last December The New York Times published a fine article describing the him appropriately as the composer who own Christmas.  The list of compositions at his Wikipedia entry provides plenty of evidence for this attribute. 

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:

Clare College Alumni

John Rutter: New Visions In Music

John Rutter at Clare College, Cambridge, England

John Rutter, the notable British composer, conductor and arranger, turns 72 today. He is best known and loved for his choral music; his professional choral group, The Cambridge Singers; 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 20th century 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:

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:

Clare College Alumn

Second Sunday of Advent 2016

In lighting the second candle of the Advent wreath today, we acknowledge the messengers sent to prepare the way for Christ. John prepared people for Christ's first coming. Today's messengers prepare people for Christ's return. God wants us to view these messengers as evidence of his love. He wants us to listen to their message, through which God himself makes us ready.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord by preaching repentance. 

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar--when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God's salvation.’” 

Thanksgiving 2016

Due to scheduling issues our Thanksgiving celebration occurred over two days this year.We had a wonderful dinner each day for a total of fourteen people. Old traditions held strong including the preparation of more than enough food and trimmings to last through the weekend for us and any guests interested in a sweet and savory leftovers. There was one omission this year: Maryland Skipjack oyster dressing. I survived without it but do look forward to sharing it with friends and family at Christmas. 

As this day for thanks comes to an end and the faces in the fireplace like the flames settle quietly to ash we trust that your day was enjoyable, fulfilling, and reaffirming. Here are some words and music for the close of the day:

a prayer for thanksgiving by Martin Luther...

God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, You looked upon all that You created and declared it good. Grant that we, this day, might regard Your creation with the same esteem and appreciation, seeing You at work in every daily operation. Help us to give thanks as we recognize Your loving work in all abundant blessings. Most of all, let us see not only Your creation, but also its redemption, through Jesus Christ. Amen

...and a song of thanksgiving arranged by the renowned British composer, John Rutter:

We trust your experience today exceeded all or your expectations.

John Rutter's Musical Look At The World

The British choral composer, John Rutter, celebrates his 69th birthday today. He is deeply appreciated in the U.S. and Britain for his many choral and other compositions, for his work as a conductor and arranger. and as the founder of The Cambridge Singers. Some classical music critics, mostly in Great Britain, find his compositions to be a bit simple, repetitive, and stylistically confused. Others place him at the top among 20th century 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 are two brief videos of Rutter discussing his work. The first one focuses on music for royal occasions, specifically his anthem, This is the Day, written for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The second introduces his latest compact disc released in celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Cambridge Singers.

Finally, here is a personal favorite of mine, A Gaelic Blessing, written in 1978.

Splendid work

John Rutter's Birthday - This Is The Day

John Rutter at Clare College, Cambridge, England

John Rutter, the notable British composer, conductor and arranger, turns 68 today. He is best known and loved for his choral music; his professional choral group, The Cambridge Singers; 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:

Rutter is well known for his carols. This 1980 composition, Candlelight Carol, is rapidly becoming a Christmas standard around the world:

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 20th century 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. 

Photo: Clare College Alumni

Music For Advent - The Second Week

2012 Advent banner at Martin Luther College,  New Ulm, Minnesota

Advent surprised our household this year so we're a bit behind with some seasonal music.  Here is a beautiful but seldom heard Advent carol arranged by the magnificent British composer, John Rutter.

Music For Christmas 2011 - The Ninth Day

British composer John Rutter wrote this peaceful carol in 1984.  He is deeply appreciated in the U.S. and Britain for his many choral and other compositions, for his work as a conductor and arranger. and as the founder of The Cambridge Singers.

Music For Christmas 2011

The distinguished British composer conductor, John Rutter (b. 1945), is especially loved in the United States for his melodic purity and simple yet beautiful instrumentation. Here is one of his best loved compositions for the season:

Thanksgiving 2011

From the good aromas in the kitchen to the savory feast on the table, the OTR household wishes you and yours a most happy Thanksgiving.

John Rutter: No Sweeter Music

I'm a day late, but still wanted readers to know that John Rutter, the notable British composer, conductor and arranger, turned 65 yesterday. He is best known and loved for his choral music, his professional choral group, The Cambridge Singers, and their recording label, Collegium Records. Doing an Internet search for Rutter doesn't bring up much more than the same brief biography. The composer is likely quite pleased with that, but he does have a fairly active Facebook page, and 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 Rutter's arrangement of an ancient Gaelic blessing--lyrical, beautiful, from the heart:



I have posted this before, but who could object to such a peace this music brings upon hearing it each and every time.

Music For A Christmas Morning