Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

In 1963 a young chorister by the name of John Rutter took part in the recording of Britten’s 'War Requiem' under the baton of the composer. Did the schoolboy imagine that one day he would be producing his own Requiem? Here it is, in the first release of its chamber arrangement, with Rutter’s old college choir singing and very fine it sounds too. This Requiem does not follow the conventional format but is rather a personal selection of appropriate texts, including Psalm 23 with a beautiful oboe solo from Christopher Hooker. The other pieces collected here should not be considered as mere filler for they are also well worth hearing. There are three anthems, this reviewer's favourite being a rousing “Arise, shine”, two blessings for choir and organ and two organ pieces, one being a duo played by Nicholas Rimmer and Nicholas Collon. Those who enjoy Rutter’s Christmas arrangements will certainly appreciate all the delights contained in his budget issue.