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This superb disc contains a balanced cross-section of John Rutter's sacred choral music, spanning over a quarter century and featuring several first recordings. Dedicated to the memory of his son, Christopher - tragically killed in a street accident in Cambridge earlier this year - it contains a selection of largely contemplative pieces framed by two 'heavyweight' works, with accompaniments for...
As demonstrated on Rutter-Gloria and other Sacred Music, John Rutter is what happens when you mix some Fauré, Walton, Britten and touch of Sondheim in a bowl and simmer gently. It's no recipe for credibility among the front ranks of contemporary music. But as often happens with composers who shop around for inspiration, the result turns out to be something oddly personal. Rutter writes with...
This ample anthology, poignantly dedicated to the memory of the composer's son, opens with a triumphantly exuberant performance of the Gloria, which deservedly remains one of John Rutter's most popular works. Polyphony not only perfectly complement the instrumental sparks of the outer movements, but give an extremely sensitive rendition of the reflective middle section. The Te Deum, which...
Performance: *****Sound: *****
John Rutter's output of sacred choral works is immense, and these vibrant performances amply demonstrate the qualities that give the repertoire its lasting and popular appeal. The pieces recorded here attest, in particular, to Rutter's success in the United States. However, it is the irresistible inevitability of these scores (representative of Rutter's style) and...
The Good Friday performance of Bach's St John Passion at St John's, Smith Square, was distinguished by the assured singing of the choral ensemble Polyphony, and was enhanced by the eloquent interpretation of the role of the Evangelist by the tenor James Gilchrist, and by some heartfelt voicing of the meditative arias, particularly from the countertenor Robin Blaze. The Orchestra of the Age of...
St John v St Matthew
The stern clarity of Bach's St John Passion makes it as compelling as any straight theatre. The subject matter may be inherently dramatic, but Bach's complete emotional and empathetic identification with the narrative raises it to new levels of intensity. Compact and sharply etched, oscillating from dark turbulence to radiant serenity, this 1723 setting of St John's Gospel...