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. - New
20 November 2004
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