Reviewed by John Irvine

John Rutter is a contemporary Anglican composer whose works are tuneful and extremely singable. In fact, most of his creative output has been associated with compilations of carols and anthems for use in Anglican services. From time to time, however, he is commissioned to write large-scale 'serious' works. 'The Falcon' (1969) was Rutter's first such choral work, with a text based on a medieval poem rich with symbols of the Holy Grail, and on the Psalms and book of Revelation. Words and music move from the mighty warrior Jehovah in the Old Testament to the vision of eternal peace in Revelation. The music is very much in the folk-influenced tradition of the very 'English' composers: Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Britten. Very easy on the ear and very enjoyable, if perhaps a little light. 'Magnificat' (1990) is a far more recent and mature piece and is probably Rutter's finest achievement to date. It owes as much to the music of Latin American festal processions in honour of the Virgin as to the 'English' influences noted above. The 'folk' influence finds full expression in the second movement "Of A Rose" which is quite exceptionally beautiful. Rutter writes with a view to entertaining his listeners, and he succeeds brilliantly.

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