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John Rutter (b.1945)
Gloria and other Sacred Music
Label: Hyperion, CDA 67259
Year: 2001
Performers:
Andrew Lumsden - organ
City of London Sinfonia
The Wallace Collection
Polyphony
Stephen Layton - conductor
This ample anthology, poignantly dedicated to the memory of the composer's son, opens with a triumphantly exuberant performance of the Gloria, which deservedly remains one of John Rutter's most popular works. Polyphony not only perfectly complement the instrumental sparks of the outer movements, but give an extremely sensitive rendition of the reflective middle section. The Te Deum, which inhabits a similar sound-world, is given an equally impressive performance. Come down, O Love divine, a lyrical, ardent work which at times suggests Britten, is a very impressive achievement indeed, beautifully written and sublimely sung. Also decidedly effective is I my Best-Beloved's am, which gains its distinctive character from its plainsong inflexions. I cannot be so enthusiastic about Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace, whose use of stylistic cliche (Sondheim and Mahler, as the composer has affirmed) imparts a soupy sentimentality to St Francis of Assisi's text, and I have similar reservations about To everything there is a season. This is the kind of writing for which Rutter is famous, of course, but there's no getting around the fact that you either love it or loathe it. Appropriately enough for an American commission, there is something of a Copland-like sense of space about I will life up mine eyes, but once again its lyrical qualities, its technical competence (and impressive orchestral introduction) do not quite compensate for its predictable inoffensiveness. For those who admire Rutter's work, this disc, performed as it is in such an exemplary fashion, will be a festival. For those who, like myself, have reservations, it will nevertheless offer excellent performances of two of his best ceremonial pieces and, in Come down, O Love divine and I my Best-Beloved's am, introduce aspects of the composer's work that are less familiar and reveal, in greater measure, his very great gifts.
After the huge success of their recording of Rutter's Requiem (featured in last year's Top 20), Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton, turn their attention to another popular work of John Rutter - Gloria. Also included on the disc are some first-recordings including the delightful unaccompanied works A Clare Benediction (written for Clare College, Cambridge) and Come down, O Love Divine - a double-choir piece premiered by the combined choirs of Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral in Westminster Abbey in 1998.
The City of London Sinfonia (involved in numerous recordings of Rutter's work) are joined by the fine brass ensemble, The Wallace Collection.
GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE
GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE
'Delicious performances of Rutter’s wonderfully approachable and finely crafted vocal writing. The sound, too, is outstanding' (Gramophone)
'Roof-raising performances of a representative programme [of] Rutter’s sacred choral music. The artistry of the 25 full-bodied voices of Polyphony is beyond reproach. Greatly enjoyed and strongly recommended' (Gramophone)
'A triumphantly exuberant performance of the Gloria, which deservedly remains one of John Rutter’s most popular works. ‘Come down, O Love divine’, a lyrical, ardent work ... beautifully written and sublimely sung ... For those who admire Rutter’s work, this disc, performed as it is in such exemplary fashion, will be a festival' (International Record Review)
'These vibrant performances amply demonstrate the qualities that give the repertoire its lasting and popular appeal ... a concert that will bring widespread comfort and joy' (BBC Music Magazine)
Tracklist:
01. Gloria - Movement 1: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Allegro vivace [4:24]
02. Gloria - Movement 2: Domine Deus, rex caelestis. Andante [7:46]
03. Gloria - Movement 3: Quoniam tu solus sanctus. Vivace e ritmico [5:18]
04. Come down, O Love divine [6:40]
05. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace [3:04]
06. To everything there is a season [6:56]
07. I my Best-Beloved's am [6:36]
08. Praise the Lord, O my soul [4:03]
09. I will lift up mine eyes [7:01]
10. As the bridegroom to his chosen [3:27]
11. A Clare Benediction [1:31]
12. The Lord is my light and my salvation [7:02]
13. Go forth into the world [2:23]
14. Thy perfect love [2:58]
15. Te Deum [7:10]
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