John Rutter's "Rutter: Requiem - Anthems," released on April 1, 2003, under the Naxos label, is a captivating choral album that seamlessly blends sacred and seasonal themes. This collection, spanning a little over an hour, showcases Rutter's mastery of choral composition, offering a diverse range of pieces from the profound "Requiem Aeternam" to the uplifting "Toccata in 7."
The album opens with the solemn "Requiem Aeternam" and "Out of the Deep," setting a reflective tone before transitioning into the hauntingly beautiful "Pie Jesu." Rutter's signature style shines through in pieces like "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei," where his intricate harmonies and lyrical melodies create a deeply moving listening experience. The album also includes the serene "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and the radiant "Lux Aeterna," demonstrating Rutter's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his choral writing.
In addition to the requiem pieces, the album features a selection of anthems, including the festive "Advent Anthem for choir and organ: Arise, shine" and the tender "Anthem for double choir: Come down, O Love divine." The delicate "Anthem for choir and flute: Musica Dei donum" adds a unique texture to the collection, showcasing Rutter's versatility as a composer.
The album concludes with the spirited "Toccata in 7" and the playful "Variations on an Easter theme," leaving the listener with a sense of joy and celebration. Throughout the album, Rutter's deep understanding of choral writing and his ability to create evocative and engaging music are evident, making "Rutter: Requiem - Anthems" a standout collection in his extensive discography.
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
Vinylscout