Gibbons: Choral and Organ Music
Gibbons is often better represented in the hymn book than in the serious music of a service - and this CD helps demonstrate why that's a shame. With a mix of verse and full anthems, plus both sets of Mag and Nunc, and a smattering of organ music it gives a good picture of Gibbons' church output. If you like the sound of madrigals, you'll like some of the church music, but there are also works in here to rival more heavy duty compositions - Out of the deep, for example. Both evening services are fun - the contemplative verse settings of the second service and the livelier short service.
CDs by John Rutter
1945 -
Probably the most popular twentieth century church composer and still going strong, Rutter likes simple lines and pleasant tunes. Probably best known for his Christmas carols, varying from lively and bouncy to reflective, he has also produced a wide range of anthems, including the very popular Gaelic Blessing, and his rather more meaty Requiem. Not to everyone's taste, but no where near as saccharine as some suggest, it's hard to fault Rutter on a combination of professionalism and popular appeal.
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Rutter and Christmas go together like... well, Rutter and Christmas. His carols are now solid favourites in the Christmas repertoire, and often rightly so. This album contains 23 tracks, most Rutter originals, but some Rutter arrangements of traditional tunes. The performance by the Cambridge Singers, Rutter's pet choir, is fine - they're bigger than a typical cathedral or church choir, so can seem a little heavy handed with some music, but not here. You'll find the obvious numbers like Shepherd's Pipe Carol alongside everything from Candelight Carol to What Sweeter Music, both reflectively pleasant. Go on, admit it, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of Rutter.
