John Sheppard - Cantate Mass: The Sixteen
Two discs and only 4 of 20 tracks are the Cantate mass - there's also a good range of motets including many of Sheppard's best known pieces, such as the Christmas motet Verbum caro factus est and the beautiful Libera nos. If you need convincing of Sheppard's genius, just listen to the Amen of Jesu salvator saeculi, redemptis - taken individually some of the lines sound positively 20th century in their modernity, and in combination it takes your breath away - it's hard not to say 'he can't do that!' - but he does. Perhaps the only criticism is that the Sixteen underplay the clashes so they aren't quite as shocking as they could be. Even so, probably the best introduction to Sheppard now on the market.
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.
