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This charming carol, composed in 1975 by Barbara Bell, was discovered by John Rutter, who enlisted the help of John Suchet and Classic FM to track down the composer. Haunting in character, but with a delightful French waltz feel and a sweeping piano part, La Berceuse has been recorded by Voces8 on the Decca label.
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Feel the Spirit
Feel the Spirit is a cycle of seven familiar spirituals expertly arranged by John Rutter for mezzo-soprano solo, mixed choir, and orchestra or chamber ensemble. Equally suitable for concert, school, or church use, the vivid and expressive arrangements can be performed individually, or as a complete cycle that showcases the rich heritage of the spiritual. The work brings new life to such well-loved titles as Steal away, I got a robe, and When the saints go marching in and has two accompaniment options: full orchestra or chamber ensemble.
Orchestral material is available to hire at the OUP link below.
Depart in Peace
Rutter composed this elegant setting of the Evensong canticle Nunc Dimittis in homage to and in the style of composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, whose own Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis settings are staples of the English sacred choral repertoire.
An accompanying setting of the Magnificat (‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’) is also available from Oxford University Press.
My soul doth magnify the Lord (Magnificat)
Rutter composed this elegant setting of the Magnificat in homage to and in the style of composer Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, whose own Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis settings are staples of the English sacred choral repertoire.
An accompanying setting of the Nunc Dimittis (‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart In peace’) is also available from Oxford University Press.
Creation’s Alleluia
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.
The Music’s Always There With You
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.
Orchestral material is available to hire at the OUP link below.
Orchestration: 2 hn, pno, hp, str
Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle/Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella
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.
Parts for the orchestral accompaniment are available on sale and to hire/rent at the OUP link below.
Orchestration: 2fl, 2ob, 2bsn, perc, opt. str
Still, still, still
This festive arrangement of a traditional German carol features an English text, translated and adapted by John Rutter himself. The first two verses are sung by soloists (or alternatively by a semi-chorus over a background of choral hums) before all singers come together in the final verse and then fade into solemn stillness.
Eternal God
This original hymn is touching and lyrical, with unison first and second verses blossoming into four-part writing in the third verse. It may be performed as either a congregational hymn (a congregation part is included), or as a choir anthem.
The full score and set of parts are available to purchase here.
Lo! he comes with clouds descending
In this version of the popular English hymn, Rutter adorns the well-known melody with an opening fanfare and soaring descant line over the final verse. It is intended that the congregation join in the singing.
Scores and sets of parts for the brass ensemble accompaniment are available to hire at the OUP link below.
Orchestration: 4 tpt in C, 2 tenor tbn, 1 bass tbn, tuba, 3 timps, perc (snare, susp cymbals, crash cymbals), organ