John Rutter: Creation’s Alleluia

25
jul

Setting words by the medieval monk Notker Balbulus in a translation by J.M. Neale, Rutter creates an uplifting song of praise. Gentle organ arpeggios are set skilfully against carefully wrought choral lines, leading to a dramatic finale. Creation’s Alleluia is suitable for any worship service.

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John Rutter: The Music’s Always There With You (SATB)

25
jul

Rutter’s charming piece sets a secular text by the composer that emphasises the significance of music and harmony in an ephemeral world. A simple accompaniment figure in the piano provides the backdrop to alternating unison and polyphonic verses that manage to capture both nostalgia for what was and optimism for what is to come.

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John Rutter: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Vocal Score)

25
jul

for SATB (with divisions) and piano7L This charming French carol (with E.C. Nunn’s English translation) tells of the milkmaids Jeanette and Isabella, who run to tell the shepherds to come and see the baby Jesus in the stable. The 3/8 time signature and interplay between the vocal lines give it a lilting and engaging character.

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Charles Villiers Stanford: Quick! We have but a second

25
jul

This joyful setting of an old Irish air, arranged by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and edited by John Rutter, features a text by Thomas Moore on life’s fleeting pleasures. It alternates between cheerful louder sections and mischievous quieter passages, before a charmingly hushed ending.

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