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John Rutter’s setting of this well-known medieval Pentecost poem is characterised by metrical fluidity, imaginative harmonic language, contrasting homophonic and imitative passages, and a supportive organ part.
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A Gaelic Blessing
An arrangement of this classic anthem for upper voices. Also suitable for youth/children’s choirs able to sing in three parts. Enjoyable for performers and audience alike.
This piece is also available in versions for SATB, unison, and for solo organ
A Gaelic Blessing
Often known as ‘Deep Peace’, this has again become a hit due to the release of Aled Jones solo recording. Due to the gentle nature of both words and melody this has become a firm favourite at christenings, weddings and funerals.
Also available in versions for SATB and upper voices (SSA)
A Gaelic Blessing
John Rutter has arranged A Gaelic Blessing, one of his most popular anthems, for organ solo.
This piece is also available in choral versions for SATB, upper voices and unison
A Ukrainian Prayer
John writes:
‘How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? By writing music is the most obvious thing. Like everybody, I’ve been shocked and dismayed by the events of recent days, and the first thing I wanted to do was write some music that would respond in my own way.’
The score is available for free by submitting this form. You are welcome to duplicate the score for the sole use of your own choir. You may like to make a donation to a Ukrainian relief charity, perhaps equivalent to the approximate cost of the copies had you purchased them. If you wish, you are free to make an audio or video recording of the piece without a special licence to do so.
Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen
John Rutter creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere in this new arrangement of the traditional German carol, Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen. The piece opens with a lyrical melody from the solo oboe, over a wash of gentle, hummed vocal harmonies. Rutter continues the carol by underpinning the vocal melodies with ‘ah’s and hummed parts, and keeping the dynamics soft, to retain its tranquility.
Three Shakespeare Songs
The shades of Finzi and Vaughan Williams are strongly present in these three delightful madrigals for unaccompanied choir, and yet the style and execution are wholly Rutter’s own. O mistress mine is a jaunty jazz waltz, playing 5/8 bars off against 3/8, Be not afeard casts a dreamy spell with dusky sonorities and magical harmonies, and Sigh no more, ladies brings the set to a cheerfully melodious and high-spirited conclusion.
Blake’s Lullaby
This appealing motet for SATB choir and organ accompaniment was written in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Although the prevailing mood of the gently flowing music is lyrical, with an atmosphere of loving peacefulness, William Blake’s Lullaby is not without its darker undertones, and they too are explored, with one or two bold harmonic touches.
The full score and parts for Blake’s Lullaby are available to buy from OUP
Was I the lamb?
Setting original words by the artist Marc Bratcher, this tender and evocative carol for unaccompanied SATB choir is suitable for performance at Christmas or Epiphany. The work opens with a gently flowing soprano solo, displaying Rutter’s characteristic gift for melody, before the thematic material is developed by the full choir, with some divisi.
Celebration
Celebration is an exciting work for solo organ. Exuberant rhythms prevail in the outer sections (including a playful reference to Walton’s Crown Imperial), framing more pensive music at the centre of the piece.
Celebration (and John’s Latin mass setting for choir and organ – Missa Brevis) were written at the invitation of the Chapter of York in memory of Richard Shephard, a composer, former educator, and retired Director of Development and Chamberlain of York Minster.