Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

John Rutter (born 1945) is both popular and prolific meaning that he has an extensive discography that includes a fair amount of re-issues, compilations and re-recordings. Although there are two previously un-released tracks on this CD the bulk of it has been previously issued between 1986 and 2005, so if you have more than one or two Rutter releases you will need to check the titles to see how much duplication there is on this "new" one although, of course, you may be happy to have lots of old favourites on one convenient disc. The earliest piece, "The Falcon", dates from the composer's time with the Cambridge University Musical Society in 1969. It is based on a medieval allegorical poem on the theme of the Passion of the Christ, framed by a psalm of rejoicing and a visionary prayer for peace. There are three other psalm settings on the album, reminding us of Rutter's abiding love of them. The title track was written for Westminster College Choir, Princeton, in 1980; "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes" was composed at the same time as Rutter's 'Gloria' in 1974, and the short and sweet "Choral Fanfare" was written for a Carnegie Hall concert in 1989. The 1988 "Te Deum" received its premiere in Canterbury Cathedral in a celebration of the centenary of the Guild of Church Musicians. Like the cathedral it is grand and awe-inspiring and a similar feeling of pomp and circumstance underlies two of the hymn settings included here: "All Creatures Of Our God And King" and "Now Thank We All Our God". While I am sure that many church choirs could sing these I am less certain as to whether they will be able to find a brass section as bright and beautiful as that provided by the City of London Sinfonia. By contrast we get four gentle and reflective pieces in "Go Forth Into The World In Peace" (1988) and "The Peace Of God" (1991), together with two hymns arranged with harp accompaniment (here played by Thelma Owen): "The King Of Love My Shepherd Is" and "Amazing Grace" (both from 2000). The Cambridge Singers are in excellent voice throughout and any listener who enjoys the work of John Rutter will appreciate this collection although, as we said earlier, you will need to check to see whether you already have any of the recordings on earlier releases.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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