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Hyperion have done John Rutter proud with this disc, and he them. The Requiem, for all its acknowledged influences, works as a coherent whole. Amid its well-judged alternation of dark and light textures, an optimism prevails, but one that is never glutinous. This is a Requiem free of 'Dies Irae'; soft tympani sound a warning in the 'Agnus', and the Burial Service text 'Man that is born' its note...
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...
John Rutter's written introduction to this disc includes a curiously petulant defence of his craft. He complains that some critics malign his music for its popularity. Hardly. Its populism, maybe. Its magpie tendencies, certainly. Howells, Fauré, Duruflé, Canteloube, Sibelius and Lloyd Webber flit across a typically well-crafted score which has many moments of eloquence and a few of mere...
'Sensitive, beautifully blended singing and playing. First class'
The music of the contemporary English composer John Rutter has gained a measure of popularity, and this disc amply illustrated why. Many listeners instinctively shy away from 20th century music, although the work of the trendy minimalists (Pärt, Gorécki et al) has built an audience for new music, and Rutter's work can be added to the list of 'safe ground' for wary collectors. It's tuneful and...
Rutter Requiems
King's College Choir, Cambridge / CleoburyCambridge Singers / RutterPolyphony / Layton
Though the Requiem will no doubt be its main selling-point, the King's disc's principal recommendation lies in the other works included, especially the three written for the choir who now record them. The Cantus, which has the single word "Alleluia" as its text, is performed with brass ensemble...