Experience the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival," a captivating collection of beloved Christmas carols and festive songs curated by the renowned composer and conductor John Rutter. Released on November 19, 2013, this two-hour and fourteen-minute album features the Cambridge Singers, known for their exquisite vocal harmonies, and showcases a diverse range of traditional and contemporary Christmas music.
The album boasts an impressive tracklist of 42 songs, including timeless classics like "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World," as well as lesser-known gems such as "El Noi de la Mare" and "Esta noche." John Rutter's signature arrangements and compositions, such as "Born on a New Day" and "I Wish You Christmas," add a touch of modernity and innovation to the festive repertoire. The album also features arrangements by other notable figures like David Willcocks and John Rutter himself, ensuring a rich and varied listening experience.
"Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" is a testament to John Rutter's mastery of choral music and his deep understanding of the Christmas tradition. The album's meticulous production and the Cambridge Singers' impeccable performances make it an essential addition to any holiday music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of John Rutter's work or a newcomer to his enchanting compositions, this album promises to delight and inspire during the festive season and beyond.
2013 Collegium2013 Collegium
Tracks
Adeste fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful) (arr. D. Willcocks)Sir David Willcocks, John Francis Wade, The Cambridge Singers, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Piae Cantiones: GaudateAnonymous, John Rutter, Michael Neaum, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Shepherd's CarolBob Chilcott, The Cambridge Singers
Nos Galan (New Year's Eve)John Rutter, Traditional, Elin Manahan Thomas, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I wonder as I wanderJohn Rutter, Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Andrew Williams, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ave MariaJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tomorrow shall be my dancing dayJohn Rutter, Traditional, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Rejoice and Be MerryJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
El Noi de la Mare (The Son of the Virgin)John Rutter, Traditional, Clara Sanabras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
A Christmas OvertureNigel Hess, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Born on a New Day (arr. P. Knight)Peter Knight, John David, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Magical KingdomJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child (arr. J. Rutter)Jester Hairston, John Rutter, Melanie Marshall, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Esta noche (This Night)John Rutter, Traditional, Clara Sanabras, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
3 Small Tone Poems: No. 2. Winter Night (Sleigh Ride)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby BoyJohn Rutter, Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
New YearJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I Wish You ChristmasJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Festgesang, MWV D4, "Gutenberg-Kantate": No. 2. (adap. W.H. Cummings as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) (arr. D. Willcocks)Sir David Willcocks, Felix Mendelssohn, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (arr. J. Rutter)Hugh Martin, John Rutter, Melanie Marshall, John Anderson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Good Christian men, rejoiceJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
I Wonder as I Wander (arr. J. Rutter): I wonder as I wanderJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Clara Sanabras
All My Heart this Night Rejoices: All my heart this night rejoicesJohann Georg Ebeling, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lo how a rose e'er blooming (Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen): Lo, how a Rose e'er bloomingMichael Praetorius, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ding dong! merrily on highCharles Wood, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
We Three Kings of Orient Are (arr. J. Rutter): Three kings of OrientJohn Henry Hopkins, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
How great our joyJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Angels We Have Heard on HighJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
Joy to the worldJohn Rutter, Lowell Mason, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Away in a mangerJames Ramsey Murray, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Un flambeau, Jeannette, IsabelleJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
God rest you merry, gentlemenJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
What child is this?John Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
'Twas in the moon of winter timeJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
O Little One Sweet (after J.S. Bach's O Jesulein suss, o Jesulein mild, BWV 493): O little one sweetTraditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Go, tell it on the mountainJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Away in a mangerWilliam J. Kirkpatrick, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
Rise up shepherd, and followJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers
The Christmas SongRobert Wells, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
We Wish You a Merry ChristmasJohn Rutter, Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra
Adeste fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful): O come, all ye faithfulJohn Francis Wade, Peter Breiner, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
Sir John Rutter, a revered figure in the world of choral music, is an English composer, conductor, and arranger whose works have captivated audiences globally. Born in London in 1945, Rutter's musical journey began at a young age, leading him to study at Clare College, Cambridge, where he honed his skills and first gained recognition as a composer. Known for his distinctive melodic gift and captivating harmonic style, Rutter's compositions span a wide range of genres, from epic choral works like the "Gloria" and "Requiem" to beloved Christmas carols and orchestral pieces.
Rutter founded the renowned Cambridge Singers in 1983, a professional chamber choir that has performed his music to critical acclaim and reached a broad international audience. His prolific career includes over 60 non-Christmas pieces and numerous hymn settings, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of choral music. Rutter's influence extends beyond composition, as he has also made significant contributions as an editor, arranger, and record producer, ensuring his music is accessible and performed to the highest standards.
In addition to his musical achievements, Rutter has been honored with a knighthood, reflecting his enduring impact on the music world. His works continue to inspire and delight, making him one of the most performed living composers today. Whether conducting, composing, or sharing his musical insights, John Rutter's passion and dedication to choral music are evident in every note he creates.
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John Rutter
