John Rutter, a renowned composer of choral music, presents a profound and uplifting collection with "Rutter: Requiem - Anthems." Released on April 1, 2003, under the Naxos label, this album spans a rich tapestry of sacred choral works that blend the solemnity of a requiem with the joyous celebration of anthems. The album's duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes offers a comprehensive journey through Rutter's masterful compositions, showcasing his ability to evoke deep emotion and spiritual resonance.
The album opens with the moving "Requiem aeternam" and includes other poignant pieces such as "Out of the Deep" and "Pie Jesu," which are staples in the choral repertoire. The "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" further highlight Rutter's skill in creating music that is both deeply reverent and beautifully melodic. The album also features the serene "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and the luminous "Lux aeterna," which add to the overall sense of tranquility and hope.
In addition to the requiem, the album includes a variety of anthems that showcase Rutter's versatility. "Advent Anthem for choir and organ: Arise, shine" and "Anthem for double choir: Come down, O Love divine" are particularly noteworthy for their dynamic and expressive qualities. The "Anthem for choir and flute: Musica Dei donum" adds a delicate and ethereal touch, while "A Clare Benediction" and "Go Forth into the World in Peace" bring the collection to a peaceful and uplifting close.
The album concludes with the vibrant "Toccata in 7" and the "Variations on an Easter theme," which inject a sense of celebration and renewal into the final moments of the listening experience. Throughout the album, Rutter's compositions are performed with precision and passion, making "Rutter: Requiem - Anthems" a timeless addition to any choral music enthusiast's collection.
2003 Naxos2003 (P) Naxos
Tracks
Requiem aeternamJohn Rutter, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Out of the deepJohn Rutter, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Pie JesuJohn Rutter, Nicholas Rimmer, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Tim Brown
SanctusJohn Rutter, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Agnus DeiJohn Rutter, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
The Lord Is My ShepherdJohn Rutter, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Lux aeternaJohn Rutter, Elin Manahan Thomas, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Advent Anthem for choir and organ: Arise, shineJohn Rutter, Nicholas Rimmer, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Anthem for double choir: Come down, O Love divineJohn Rutter, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
Anthem for choir and flute: Musica Dei donumJohn Rutter, Karen Jones, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Timothy Brown
A Clare BenedictionJohn Rutter, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Rimmer, Timothy Brown
Go Forth into the World in PeaceJohn Rutter, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Rimmer, Timothy Brown
Toccata in 7John Rutter, Nicholas Collon, Nicholas Rimmer
Variations on an Easter themeJohn Rutter, Nicholas Collon, Nicholas Rimmer