Be thou my vision

“All my favourites are present and correct. I hope yours are too” Cross Rhythms

“If you’re a Rutter fan and you want this interesting mix of very popular and somewhat rare anthems on one disc, I need offer no further encouragement; if you want to know why Rutter is one of today’s most popular and beloved composers, begin with track 4, A Gaelic Blessing, and you’ll understand.” Classics Today

“John Rutter has selected some of his favorite church anthems from previous releases of his music to put together the collection Be Thou My Vision. Most of these have full orchestral accompaniment, as Rutter prefers these versions over those with just organ, but there are also a few a cappella anthems thrown in as well, which sound just as lush and graceful as the orchestral ones… This recording features his own Cambridge Singers, with the City of London Sinfonia, all under his baton and sounding highly polished…
The compilation contains many of his more popular anthems, such as A Gaelic Blessing, All things bright and beautiful, and I will lift up mine eyes from his Requiem. It’s a fine sampling of his non-Christmas church music.” AllMusic

“John Rutter has made his phenomenally successful career primarily through his church music–unfailingly accessible, eminently singable, memorably melodic, with familiar, often pop-flavored harmonies in settings that always respect and honor the texts and promise listeners a satisfying experience. His legacy has been sealed not only by the countless choirs that have sung and recorded his works, but especially through his recordings with his own hand-picked choir, The Cambridge Singers… This release from Collegium actually is a compilation of 21 of Rutter’s”church anthems” collected from previous recordings, a logical conceptual package designed both for those who already have these pieces, scattered throughout several CDs, and for newcomers to Rutter’s work…” Classics Today

“This collection, bringing together on one disc some of the most popular pieces from earlier releases, contains many anthems which are now part of the staple musical diet of many Christian churches and will be familiar to many readers.  In those situations the accompaniment is usually provided by an organ but on this CD, Rutter indulges his preference for orchestral support and provides ample evidence that he is not only a wonderful melodist but also a musician whose orchestrations invariably enhance the beauty of each song.  The work of the Cambridge Singers is as to be expected, of the highest standard.” Libretto