Rutter: Requiem (CD Review - The Inverness Courier, 1997)

The highland audience was introduced to the music of Britain’s foremost contemporary composer of choral music when Rutter’s exuberant Latin American flavoured "Mass" was performed by Inverness Choral Society a couple of years ago. In scale and mood, his "Requiem" resembles that by Fauré with a nod to Back in its use of instrumental solos. Full of beautiful tunes and harmonies, the score – which includes a setting of the 23rd Psalm  – treads a fine line between spirituality and sentiment and is radiantly sung by Stephen Layton’s 17-strong choir and guest soloist Rosa Mannion.
The fillers include Rutter's lovely setting of "A Gaelic Blessing" and two madrigals whose contemporary phrasing offers a hint to the identity of the dedicatee - jazz pianist George Shearing – and provides a pleasant secular contrast in an otherwise sacred programme.