The Cambridge Singers
John Rutter was born in London in 1945 and received his first musical training as a chorister at Highgate School. He went on to study music at Clare College, Cambridge, where he wrote his first published compositions and conducted his first recording while still an undergraduate. His compositional career has embraced both large and small scale choral works, various orchestra and instrumental pieces, a piano concerto, two children's operas, music for television, and specialist writing for such groups as the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble and the King's Singers. His most recent larger choral works, Requiem (1985) and Magnificat (1990), have been performed many times in Britain, the USA, and a growing number of other countries. From 1975 to 1979 he was Director of Music at Clare College, whose choir he directed in a number of broadcasts and recordings.
After giving up the Clare post to allow more time for composition, he formed the Cambridge Singers as a professional chamber choir primarily dedicated to recording, and he now divides his time between composition and conducting. He has guest-conducted or lectured at many concert halls, universities, churches, music festivals, and conferences in Europe, Scandinavia, and North America. In 1980 he was made an honorary Fellow of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, and in 1988 a Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians.
 |
In Pace - Sheppard Libera Nos, Salva Nos - Sheppard Justorum Animae - Lassus Pastor Noster - Handl` O Lord, The Maker Of All Thing - Mundy Visita, Quaesumus Domine - Byrd Abendlied - Rheinberger O Christ Who Art The Light And Day - Byrd O Gladsome Light - Bourgeois Te Lucis Ante Terminum - Tallis Alma Redemptoris Mater - Victoria Ave Regina Caelorum - Victoria Regina Caeli Laetare - Victoria Ave Maria - Guerrero Bogoroditsye Dyevo - Rachmaninov In Manus Tuas - Byrd In Manus Tuas - Sheppard |
The service of Compline is the last of the seven daily services observed in monastic communities, taking place immediately before bedtime. This CD gathers together 18 of the many lovely a cappella choral motets, mainly from the Renaissance period, which were written to adorn the evening worship of the church. Composers featured include William Byrd, Orlando de Lassus, John Sheppard and others. In some traditions it became the custom to include a Motet of the Virgin Mary within Compline. Here we have four examples by de Victoria and a beautiful Ave Maria by Rachmaninov. The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, sing as well as ever and the clear and cool acoustic of the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral make it the perfect setting for Compline. In addition there is a 22 minute bonus disc in which the Office of Compline, sung in English with its traditional chants, is given in its entirety with John Harte as Reader and Simon Wall as Precentor.
Listen to "O Gladsome Light" in RealAudio.
| 8399 2CDs $15.95 |
 |
The Isle Is Full of Noises The Bermudas The Waves Come Rolling Full Fathom Five A Farewell To Arms A Good-Night Verses Kyrie Gloria Sanctus Agnus Dei There Is No Rose Out of Your Sleep That Younge Child Sweet Was the Song Susanni Lullay Mine Liking What Sweeter Music Puer Nobis |
Choral fans will be very excited about the meeting of two of the most versatile musical minds of their generation, Rutter and Bennett in a CD that is Gramophone Magazine's Editor's Choice for May 2005 and on many lists for Choral disc of the year. The title work, "Sea Change," set to texts by Shakespeare, Andrew Marvell and Edmund Spenser, is 4 pieces, sometimes Britten-esque, dramatic, swirling, agitated, emotional, dissonant and always interesting. "A Farewell to Arms," written for the ensemble VocalEssence for a cappella choir and solo cello, are poignant poems of an old soldier's recollection of war. "A Good-Night " is a lovely motet written in memory of Linda McCartney. The last 8 tracks feature some of Bennett's most accessible works, which happen to be Christmas songs. "There is no rose," "Out of your sleep," "That younge child," "Sweet was the song," "Susanni," "Lullay mine liking" and "What sweeter music" are simply beautiful. The Cambridge Singers, directed by Rutter, are perfect, handling this difficult material with ease. "Sea Change" is a rare, very special recording!
Listen to "There Is No Rose" in RealAudio.
| 7507 CD $15.98 |
 |
The Bold Grenadier The Keel Row The Willow Tree The Sprig Of Thyme Down By The Sally Gardens The Cuckoo I Know Where I'm Going Willow Song O Can You Sew Cushions The Miller Of Dee Afton Water The Girl I Left Behind Me O Waly, Waly The British Grenadiers Golden Slumbers Dashing Away With The Smoothing The Lark In The Clear Air She's Like The Swallow Searching For The Lambs The Dark Eyed Sailor The Spring Time Of The Year Just As The Tide Was Flowing The Lover' Ghost Wassail Song She Moved Through The Fair |
"For children growing up in postwar England as I did, traditional songs still form a common musical currency. These songs brought me delight and pleasure then, and they still do now, though pleasure has become tinged with nostalgia because, for the most part, they are forgotten and gone from our lives, perhaps forever. This album is an affectionate tribute to their composers and poets; a few were renowned, most were obscure or unknown, but the songs they created were famous, and I remember them fondly." - John Rutter
Listen to " The British Grenadiers" in RealAudio.
| 7972 CD $11.98 |
 |
Be thou my vision Open thou mine eyes I will sing with the spirit A Gaelic Blessing Wings of the morning O be joyful in the Lord All things bright and beautiful I will lift up mine eyes As the bridegroom to his chosen A Prayer of Saint Patrick Loving Shepherd of thy sheep Look at the world O clap your hands The Lord is my light and my salvation Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace I believe in springtime God Be in My Head A Clare Benediction For the beauty of the earth Thy perfect love The Lord bless you and keep you |
21 favorite Rutter anthems, taken from classic Cambridge recordings. The talented, prolific (29 excellent CDs in the Primarily A Cappella catalog) 33-strong, mixed-voice Cambridge Singers were founded by John Rutter after he gave up his position as Director of Music at Clare College, Cambridge in 1979, to allow himself more time for composition. Here are 21 of Rutter's finest Christian anthems, culled from the many fine recordings by the Singers. The title tune, "Open thou mine eyes," the lovely "Wings of the morning," the triumphant "O be joyful in the Lord," "All things bright and beautiful," "As the bridegroom to his chosen," the soaring "Loving Shepherd of thy sheep," "O clap your hands," "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace," "God be in my head," "Thy perfect love"… these are all joyful, positive songs of worship and celebration, the best of everything we love about John Rutter and his Singers. Some accompaniment. "Be Thou My Vision" is a winning, inspirational collection!
Listen to "God Be in My Head" in RealAudio.
| 7508 CD $12.98 |
 |
Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho Steel Away I Got A Robe Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit Deep River When The Saints Go Marching In Live With Me And Be My Love When The Daffodils Begen To Peer It Was A Lover And His Lass Spring Who Is Silvia Fie On Sinful Fantasy Hey, Ho, The Wind And The Rain The Heavenly Aeroplane Lord Of The Dance It Was A Lover And His Lass Draw On Sweet Night Come Live With Me My True Love Hath My Heart When Daisies Pied Skylark |
Strong, stirring spirituals and tuneful, jazz-flavored settings of Shakespeare's timeless lyrics are the mouth-watering ingredients of the Cambridge Singers' eagerly-awaited new album Feel the Spirit. John Rutter has written vivid new arrangements of seven well-loved American spirituals for choir, with soloist Melanie and the BBC Concert Orchestra joining with the Cambridge Singers for this world premiere recording. Another notable 'first' is jazz legend George Shearing's captivating new cycle of Shakespeare settings, Songs and Sonnets. Those who associate George Shearing with instrumental jazz (and of course with his immortal Lullaby of Birdland) will be astonished and delighted at the youthful charm and skillful word-setting of this 81-year old master's choral writing. The final touch of sparkle is added by Proms favorite Wayne Marshall's piano, with Malcolm Creese on bass. To complete the album, John Rutter's own Birthday Madrigals written in 1995 to celebrate George Shearing's 75th birthday also receives their premiere recording.
Listen to "Spring" in RealAudio.
| 6651 CD $15.98 |
 |
For The Beauty Of The Earth The Lord Is My Shepard All Things Bright And Beautiful Shepard's Pipe Carol The Lord Bless You And Keep You Open Thou Mine Eyes My True Love Hath My Heart Esurients Gloria Patri Out Of The Deep Pie Jesu What Sweeter Music A Choral Fanfare A Prayer Of St. Patrick O Be Joyful In The Lord Behold, The Tabernacle Of God O Praise The Lord Of Heaven A Gaelic Blessing Angel's Carol Matthew, Mark, Luke, And John Sing A Song Of Sixpence Go Forth Into The World Of Peace |
The music on "Collection" embraces both Rutter's sacred and a little of his secular work, most of it commissioned by choirs for specific occasions. "Shepherd's Pipe Carol" (1966) is the earliest piece; "Angels' carol" (1988) and "What Sweeter Music," (written in 1988 for the King's College Choir), are lovely carols. "For the Beauty of the Earth" (1980), "All things bright and beautiful" (1983), "Open Thou Mine Eyes" (1980), A choral fanfare," (1989), "A Prayer of St. Patrick," (1983), "O be joyful in the Lord," (1984), and "A Gaelic Blessing" were all commissioned by American Choirs. Two longer and more ambitious festival anthems, "Behold, the tabernacle of God" and the lovely "O praise the Lord of heaven," are favorites. Secular songs "My true love hath my heart" and "Sing a song of sixpence" exist harmoniously with excepts from Rutter's larger works, "Out of the deep," "Pie Jesu" and "The Lord is my shepherd." Rutter's work never fails to touch us, no matter if sung by any number of childrens' choirs, or by a powerful, veteran ensemble like the Cambridge Singers, whose a cappella cuts, "Open Thou Mine Eyes," "My true love hath my heart," "A choral fanfare," "A prayer for St. Patrick," "Mathew, Mark, Luke and John" and "Sing a Song of Sixpence" are standouts. Accompaniment, understated to heavy and dramatic, is provided by the City of London Sinfonia. A remarkable collection of 22 songs by one of the great composers, conducted by the master himself!
| 7993 CD $15.98 |
 |
Come Away, Sweet Love (Thomas Greaves) Weep, O Mine Eyes (John Bennett) Fair Phyllis I Saw (John Farmer) Now Is the Month of Maying (Thomas Morley) Fairwell, Dear Love (Robert Jones) April Is In My Mistress' Face (Thomas Morley) Draw On, Sweet Night (John Wilbye) Sing We At Pleasure (Thomas Weelkes) My Bonny Lass She Smileth (Thomas Morley) The Silver Swan (Orlando Gibbons) Mother, I Will Have A Husband (Thomas Vautor) Dainty Fine Bird (Orlando Gibbons) As Vesta Was from Latmos Hill Descending (Thomas Weelkes) I Love My Love (arr. G. Holst) My Sweetheart's Like Venus (arr G. Holst) Bushes and Briars (arr. D. James) The Turtle Dove (arr. Vaughan Williams) The Three Ravens (Edward T. Chapman) Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron (English Folk Song arr. John Rutter) O Waly, Waly (arr. John Rutter) Greensleeves (arr. Vaughan Williams) |
Fa la la, a cornucopia of your favorite Madrigals! John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers sing English madrigals and folk songs. As entertainment for public occasions and a relief from boredom, the English madrigal comes in a wide variety of styles from dramatic to silly. This recording includes lighter pieces such as "Now is the Month of Maying" and "My Bonnie Lass She Smileth" by Thomas Morley, the somber "Silver Swan" by Orlando Gibbons and the comical "Fair Phyllis" by John Farmer. In addition, the program includes folk song arrangements by Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughn Williams. A classic recording.
Listen to "My Sweetheart's Like Venus" in RealAudio.
| 6803 CD $15.98 |
 |
Alleluia, Haec Dies Easter Sequence Dum Transisset Sabbatum Sanctus Exsultate Deo Easter Acclamations, Surrexit Cristus Hodie Before The Ending Of The Day In Pace Into Thy Hands, O Lord Ubi Caritas Keep Me As The Apple Of An Eye And Nunc Dimittis O Christ, Who Art The Light And Day We Will Lay Us Down In Peace/ Libera Nos, Salva Nos |
A ruined English abbey silhouetted against a setting sun and a rising full
moon graces the cover of "Brother Sun, Sister Moon." The extensive liner notes
point out how much more in touch with the natural rhythms of day and night were
the builders of the abbey, and the writers of the sacred Christian music of
the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, in comparison to life in the 21st century.
John Rutter directs the 30-member Cambridge Singers in Gregorian chants and
polyphonic sacred music by such composers as William Byrd, John Taverner, Palestrina,
Scheidt, Sheppard, Durufle and Robert Whyte, divided into two groups: "Music
of the Morning Rite" and "Music of the Evening Rite." Meditative and uplifting!
| 7103 CD $15.98 |
 |
The Bluebird To Be Sung A Summer Night On The Water I To Be Sung A Summer Night On The Water II There Is Sweet Music My Love Dwelt In A Northern Land Full Fathom Five The Cloud-Capp'd Towers Over Hill, Over Dale The Sailor And Young Nancy Brigg Fair Londonderry Air TheThree Ravens My Sweetheart's Like Venus The Oak And The Ash Quick! We Have But A Second To Daffodils The Succession Of The Four Sweet Months Marsh Flowers The Evening Primrose Ballad Of Green Broom |
The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, bring us English choral music
(all a cappella), folk-songs, airs and ballads, from the composers Elgar, Stanford,
Delius, Grainger, Vaughan Williams, Holst and Britten. These lovely songs, with
names like Delius' "To be sung of a summer night on the water," Williams' "The
cloud-capped towers," and Brittenžs "The succession of the four sweet months,"
tells us all we need to know about these songs. Soaring, sweet and delightful!
| 7106 CD $12.98 |
 |
Hymn To St. Cecilia Nun Stehn Die Rosen In Blute Die Berfe Sind Spitz Am Wildbachen Die Weiden Und Gehst Du Uber Den Kirchhof An Die Sterne Ungewisses Licht Zuversicht Talismane Lay A Garland The Splendour Falls On Castle Walls Nicolette Trois Beaux Oiseaux Du Paradis Ronde Dieu! Qu'il La Fait A Bon Regarder Quant J'ai Ouy Le Tabourin Yver, Vous N'estes Qu'un Villain Magoton Va T'a L'iau La Belle Se Sied Au Pied De La Tour Pilons I'orge Clic, Clac, Dansez Sabots C'est La Petit' Fill' Du Prince La Belle Si Nous Etions Ah! Mon Beau Laboureur Les Tisserands |
In the first paragraph of the 32-page liner notes to "A Cappella" we learn that "a cappella," translated from the Italian, means "in the style of the chapel," probably a reference to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, where a tradition of unaccompanied singing has gone on since the Renaissance. Although the meaning of the term has since expanded to include unaccompanied secular music, it's clear that the Cambridge Singers hold to the original meaning, as none of the music on this CD would sound out of place under the Sistinežs famous ceiling. Directed by the renowned John Rutter, the CS bring us the finest sacred music, first 11 songs from England and Germany, then 14 songs from France, all written in the 19th and 20th centuries. We have Brittenžs "Hymn to St. Cecilia," four songs from Brahms' "Vier Lieder aus dem Jungbrunnen," five songs from Schuman's "Vier doppelchorige Gesange, Op. 141," R.L. Pearsall's "Lay a Garland," Frederick Delius' "The Splendour Falls on Castle Walls," Ravel's "Trois Chansons," Debussy's "Trois Chansons de Charles d'Orleans," and eight songs from "Chansons Francaises." As most of the lyrics are in German or French, it's nice to have the extensive liner notes with all the words and translations. Beautiful music, angelically sung!
Listen to "Ronde" in RealAudio.
| 7122 CD $12.98 |
 |
Gloria: -Laudamus te -Domine Deus -Domine Fili unigenite -Domine Deus, Agnus Dei -Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris Salve Regina Ave Verum Corpus Exultate Deo Litanies a la Vierge Noire Quatre Motets Pour Un Temps de Penitence: -I. Timor et tremor -II. Vinea mea electa -III. Tenebrae factae sunt -IV. Tristis est anima mea Quatre Motets Pour le Temps de Noel: -I. O magnum mysterium -II. Quem vidistis pastores dicite -III. Videntes stellam -IV. Hodie Christus natus est |
Francis Poulenc's interest in choral music began in the early 1920's. During his study with the composer Koechlin, he harmonized Bach chorale melodies. This work had a distinct influence on him. It was not until the 1930's that he began to write for the choral medium more seriously. Poulenc wrote many pieces for accompanied and unaccompanied choir. His astonishing music has very twentieth century sounds but is heavily influenced by earlier styles. The "Quatre motets pour un temps de penitence" have a very dark and dramatic intensity much like the pieces of Victoria, who Poulenc often thought about while writing them. The Cambridge Singers have recorded many of his great choral works. This album includes the "Gloria" for soprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra, "Litanies a la Vierge Noire" for female voices, strings and timpani and many of his unaccompanied motets.
| 6998 CD $11.98 |
 |
Hark, all ye lovely saints above (Thomas Weelkes) Though Amaryllis dance in green (William Byrd) Round about in a fair ring (John Bennet) Adieu, ye city-prisoning towers (Thomas Tomkins) Flora gave me fairest flowers (John Wilbye) Sweet Suffolk owl (Thomas Vautor) As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending (Thomas Weelkes) Lullabye (William Byrd) This sweet and merry month of May (William Byrd) Now is the month of maying (Thomas Morley) A little pretty bonny lass (John Farmer) Fyer, fyer! (Thomas Morley) Too much I once lamented (Thomas Tomkins) My bonny lass she smileth (Thomas Morley) Ha ha! This world doth pass (Thomas Weelkes) Quick, quick, away, dispatch! (Michael East) Dainty fine bird (Orlando Gibbons) Come again! Sweet love doth now invite (John Dowland) Mother, I Will have a husband (Thomas Vautor) Draw on, sweet night (John Wilbye) Sleep, fleshly birth (Robert Ramsey) Weep, weep, mine eyes (John Wilbye) Death hath deprived me (Thomas Weelkes) The silver swan (Orlando Gibbons) Adieu, sweet Amaryllis (John Wilbye) |
The sixteenth-century madrigal was an Italian form. The term ?madrigal1 was loosely applied to a wide variety of music, but generally denoted a polyphonic setting for four or more voices of an amorous or pastoral text which was closely depicted in the music. Thomas Morely transplanted the form into England in the 1590s; this marked the beginning of the brief but brilliant flowering of the English madrigal. Between the 1590s and the early 1620s, twenty composers published a total of 36 books of madrigals, after which the form virtually disappeared. Some of these composers, such as Morely and Weelkes, followed the Italian model closely; others, such as Byrd and Gibbons, mostly stayed with the simpler English form of the consort song, where the tune remains in one voice, word-painting is not used, and strophic form is preferred to the continuous structure of the madrigal proper. Among the twenty-one items selected for this recording there are examples of several types of piece, ranging from true Italianate madrigals such as Too much I once lamented, via more popular ?balletts1 such as Fyer, fyer!, to the simple part-songs like A little pretty bonny lass. The variety, imagination, and inspired blending of poetry and music characteristic of the best of the English Madrigal School afford a particular kind of delight in performance, shared equally by singer and listener.
Listen to "Flora gave me fairest flowers" in RealAudio.
| 6976 CD $11.98 |
 |
This specially-priced CD includes John Rutter's two most often-performed, larger choral works, previously on two separate recordings. The recording represents two sides of Rutter's choral style – the gentle and introspective Requiem, the bright and joyful Magnificat. Requiem was written in 1985, when Rutter was moved by a personal bereavement. Rutter describes it as "a meditation on themes of life and death using a personal compilation of texts." Magnificat, written in 1990, premiered in Carnegie Hall. "In countries such as Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico," writes Rutter, "feast days of the Virgin are joyous opportunities for people to take to the streets and celebrate with singing, dancing and processions. These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote...." - John Rutter
|
 |
The 28 mixed young voices of the Cambridge Singers bring us a remastered recording (originally recorded in 1982) of unaccompanied English church music from the 16th to 20th centuries, designed to be sung in a building with acoustics that allow its characteristic sonority to be heard in its full splendorin this case the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, built in 1350. There are 23 motets and anthems here, from 4 periods in history, "Music of the Latin Rite," "Music of the Reformation," "Music of the Restoration" and "The Anglican Revival and the 20th century." Extensive, complete liner notes. Acclaimed director John Rutter was not sure if the marvelous sound of the Singers in the Chapel could be reproduced, but was gratified to find that it could. Marvelous soaring, angelic sacred music from an unequaled, ancient acoustic!
|
 |
Osculetur Me Trache Me Nigra Sum and Vineam Meam Non Custodivi Si Ignoras, Pulchrae Sunt Genae Tuae And Fasciculus Myrrae Ecce Tu Pulcher Es Tota Pulchra Es And Vulnerasti Cor Meum Sicut Lilium Inter Spinas And Introduxit Me Rex Laeva Ejus Vox Dilecti Mei, Surge, Propera And Surge, Amica Mea Dilectus Meus Mihi And Surgam Et Circuibo Civitatem Adjuro Vos And Caput Ejus Dilectus Meus Descendit And Pulchra Es Quae Es Ista And Descendi In Hortum Nucum Quam Pulchri Sunt Duo Ubera Tua Quam Pulchra Es And Guttur Tuum Veni, Dilecte Mi |
Directed by the renowned John Rutter, the 29-strong, angel-voiced Cambridge
Singers bring us a collection of 29 motets issued by Palestrina in 1584, at
the height of his powers as a composer and revered throughout Europe. The subject
of these motets is a combination of the sacred and madrigals that celebrated
dance and erotic love, which Palestrina seems to have considered sacred also.
In any case, the motets are in latin and the music is as if sung by a choir
of angels. The liner notes are extensive and give us the words, translations
and history of Palestrina and his music. Lovely!
| 7107 CD $15.98 |
 |
Duo Seraphim Miserere Mei, Deus Crucifixus Surrexit Pastor Bonus Spem In Alium Nunquam Habui Ave Regina Caelorum Unsere Vater Hofften Auf Dich Wie Ein Starker Gewappneter Wo Ist Ein So Herrlich Volk Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind Heilig Singet Dem Herrn Wie Sich Ein Vater Erbarmet Lobet Den Herrn In Seinen Taten-Alles Was Odem Hat |
Directed by the legendary John Rutter,the 41-strong, angel-voiced Cambridge
Singers bring us a 40-part motet by Tallis, "Miserere" by Allegri, "Singet dem
Herrn" by Bach, "Fest- und Gedenkspruche" by Brahms, and works by Guerrero,
Phillips, Caldara, Scheidt and Mendelssohn. All are sung in the soaring polychoral
(multiple choirs) style of the Christian church of the 16th and 17th centuries.
There is some accompaniment, Helen Gough on baroque cello, William Hunt on violone
and Wayne Marshall on chamber organ, but it is spare, the main focus being on
the voices and sounds coming from different points in space, what appears to
be an early attempt at stereo or quadrophonic sound without speakers. The extensive
liner notes give us the words and much information about the polychoral style
and about each composer's work. Beautiful!
| 7109 CD $15.98 |
 |
Rejoice In The Lord Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences Come, Let's Rejoice When David Heard I Sat Down Under His Shadow These Are They That Follow The Lamb Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone O Beatum Et Sacrosanctum Diem Nunc Dimittis O Vos Omnes Factum Est Silentium Justorum Animae Hail, Gladdening Light A Hymn To The Mother Of God Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God They Are At Rest A Litany Nolo Mortem Peccatoris O Nata Lux Loving Sheperd Of Thy Sheep The Lord's Prayer In Manus Tuas Bring Us, O Lord God |
John Rutter directs the 28-strong Cambridge Singers in the inspiring setting
of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, gathering together 23 examples of English
sacred a cappella choral music drawn from several centuries. Some pieces, such
as the Taverner "Christe Jesu, pastor bone," or the Howells' "Nunc dimittis,"
were written for the Catholic liturgy; most of the English anthems were for
the Anglican rite; but such pieces as Tomkins' "When David heard," Morleyžs
"Nolo mortem peccatoris" and Amneržs "Come, let's rejoice" were probably intended
for domestic performance. In all cases, the beauty of the music transcends ancient
politics and the years themselves, as it always must!
| 7110 CD $12.98 |
 |
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Veni, Redemptor Gentium Hodie Christus Natus Est Omnes De Saba Venient Ich Bin ein Rechter Weinstock The Crown Of Roses Vo Tsarstvii Tvoyem (The Beatitudes) Pater Noster Christus Factus Est Good Friday, Reproaches (Improperia) Eram Quasi Agnus O Vos Omnes Crucifixus (For Eight Voices) Surgens Jesus Ascendo Ad Patrem Viri Galilaei Jesu, Dulcis Memoria Ave Verum Corpus Pange Lingua Agnus Dei O Sacrum Convivium |
Generations of composers have created a remarkable body of choral literature,
inspired by the events in the life of Christ. John Rutter directs the 29-strong
Cambridge Singers in a cappella renditions of some of the most beautiful works
from this body, divided into five groups. In the first group, "The Coming of
Christ," we have pieces by E.C. Bairstow, da Palestrina and Handl, as well as
a Sarum chant, "Veni, Redemptor gentium." In the second group, "Words of Christ,"
we find pieces by Heinrich Schutz, P.I. Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Stravinsky.
In the third group, "The Passion of Christ," we have works by Anton Bruckner,
da Palestrina, T.L. de Victoria, Pablo Casals and Antonio Lotti. In the fourth
group, "Resurrection and Ascension," there are pieces by Peter Phillips, da
Palestrina and William Bird. And in the fifth group, "Christ in the Eucharist,"
we have works by T.L. de Victoria, Richard Dering, Samuel Barber, Olivier Messiaen
and a lovely Gregorian chant, "Pange Lingua." The 24-page liner notes contain
all words and translations. Let us find an imaginary place in the cathedral
and hear the soaring praises to the remarkable man for whom it was built!
| 7123 CD $15.98 |
 |
Adoro Te Devote Pie Jesu Visita, Quaesumus Domine Draw On, Sweet Night O Can Ye Sew Cushions The Silver Swan Down By The Sally Gardens In Manus Tuas Miserere Tantum Ergo Justorum Animae O Quam Suavis Laudi Alla Vergine Maria Alma Redemptoris Mater What Sweeter Music |
This tranquil program is a selection of pieces from classic Cambridge Singers
recordings. From Gregorian chant through the twentieth century this CD includes
Allegri's "Miserere," "Draw on Sweet Night" by John Wilbye, "Tantum Ergo" by
Gabriel Faure and "What Sweeter Music" by John Rutter. Most of these pieces
are a cappella, with the others being accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia.
This recording is a great addition to a peaceful moment.
| 7124 CD $14.98 |
Whether you have a couple dozen albums of English choral music or whether you're looking for an introduction to English choral music, this two CD collection is a must. This is all unaccompanied music, sung in a cathedral chapel acoustically suited for such music. The first disc has four primary sections: Music of the Latin Rite; Music of the Reformation; Music of the Restoration; and Anglican Revival and the twentieth century. The most famous composers in English music history -- Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons -- combine with later masters such as Purcell, Stanford, Howells, Walton, Britten and Vaughan Williams to form a truly masterful collection. On the second disc, there are six Latin motets, set by composers such as Taverner, Howells, Stanford, Vaughan Williams, Philips and Dering. Anthens and Introits include notables Tomkins and Purcell, and lesser-known composers such as Amner, Bairstow and Goss. Hymns span the range from old to modern, including a hymn by John Rutter himself. The disc ends with three prayer settings, including one by the underappreciated John Sheppard, and another from William Harris, whose hymn serves as the title to the companion disc. These anthems and hymns show a powerful range of music, yet show a consistent tone also that makes it rather distinctive of the music of the English church. The group's power and grace is second to none, particularly when singing this kind of music in a place such as Ely Cathedral, arguably the most natural of settings possible.
| 8694 2CDs $29.95 |
 |
This is a delightful CD for children (and eavesdropping adults), gathering together three "musical fables" that John Rutter wrote for Christmas concerts given by the King¹s Singers and the COL Sinfonia; "The Reluctant Dragon" and "The Wind in the Willows" based on Kenneth Grahame stories, adapted by David Grant. "Brother Heinrich's Christmas" was written for a Christmas TV special from Salisbury Cathedral, with Rutter writing the story as well as the music. This is like the sound track to a musical, with Richard Baker narrating "Dragon" and "Willows," and Brian Kay narrating "Brother," and Anthony Holt, for instance, playing St. George in "Dragon" and Toad in "Willows." The King' Singers and the Cambridge Singers give sweet and entertaining performances, and we can only say that we would have loved to have seen the concerts and the TV special!
|
 |
This recording presents a selection of fifteen of the 150 or so Latin motets and three of the dozens of English anthems that, between them, form the greater part of the life’s work of William Byrd (1543-1623), the greatest English composer of his era. The chosen motets and anthems represent just some of the many facets of Byrd’s sacred music, now recognized after three centuries of neglect as among the most glorious every written for choir.
|
 |
This CD of sacred music dedicated to the Virgin Mary was appropriately recorded in the unique acoustic of the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral(built in 1350) in 1991 by the 28-strong mixed Cambridge Singers. Mary was the object of particularly intense devotion in the early Christian church from 1291 to the 20th century, as these 21 beautiful motets and songs will attest. The liner notes are fine, detailed and extensive. They are divided into 4 parts, "Advent to Candlemas," "Candlemas to Holy Week," "Easter to the Sunday after Pentecost" and Trinity to Advent." The amazing sound of the Singers soars up into the timeless acoustic of the Lady Chapel, and we can only close our eyes and be amazed.
|
 |
The music heard on this recording represents a cross-section of the sacred choral pieces I have written over a period of some twelve years. Two paramount considerations have shaped it: first, the performers and occasions it was commissioned for, and second, the texts (which I always choose with great deliberation). Gloria, the most substantial piece, was written as a concert work. The Latin text, drawn from the Ordinary of the Mass, is a centuries-old challenge to the composer: exalted, devotional and jubilant by turns. My setting, which is based mainly on one of the Gregorian chants associated with the text, divides into three movements roughly corresponding with traditional symphonic structure. The other pieces are all anthems, primarily intended for use in the context of a church service. They range in difficulty from very simple to fairly challenging, though it was my hope in writing them that none would be beyond the reach of a capable church choir. Although the accompaniments were originally for organ (or, in the case of For the beauty of the earth and All things bright and beautiful, for piano), I enjoyed scoring them for orchestra and prefer them in this form. The three unaccompanied pieces, however, (God be in my head, Open thou mine eyes, and A prayer of Saint Patrick) reflect my love of the a cappella medium.
|
 |
O God, Our Help In Ages Past The King Of Love My Shepherd Is A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Veni, Creator Spiritus Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending Love Divie, All Loves Excelling Pange Lingua Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Vexilla Regis Drop, Drop, Slow Tears When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Christ the Lord is Risen Today Be Thou My Vision All Things Bright and Beautiful Morning Has Broken Amazing Grace We Plough The Fields and Scatter Glory to Thee, My God, This Night The Day Though Gavest, Lord, Is Ended Eternal God Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation |
Directed by John Rutter, this recording takes as its grand objective a collection of "hymns for all time." Drawn from the Anglican tradition without apology, many of these 21 compositions are accompanied, by anything from a single harp to the London Sinfonia Brass, though there are some a cappella chants. There is nothing stiff or abstract about these arrangements, however. The Cambridge mixed ensemble breathes a vitality into each note, and folk hymns such as "Be Thou My Vision" couldn't be lovelier. Those listeners who grew up singing these hymns in church will be especially fond of "Sing, Ye Heavens," but anyone can enjoy the purity of the sound of the Cambridge Singers.
Listen to "We Plough The Fields and Scatter" in RealAudio.
| 6493 CD $15.98 |
 |
Ever since my musical life began, church music has played a significant and cherished part in it: first as a boy soprano in my school chapel choir, then as a teenage organist, much later as director of the chapel choir at Clare College, Cambridge, and most recently as conductor of the Cambridge Singers, whose recordings and recitals often include sacred music. Given this background, it is almost inevitable that among my compositions there should be a fair amount of church music, most of which has been written in response to commissions and invitations. All of the pieces heard on this recording were primarily intended for use in the context of a church service or festival, originally accompanied (with the exception of the two hymn arrangements with brass fanfares) just by organ or piano. However, I also scored the accompaniments for orchestra, and hope they may find use in this more colorful form. John Rutter
|
 |
The ‘fancies’ that give this album its title are the fleeting ideas, dreams and whims that flit like Will-o’-the-wisps through the imagination of every artist. I have always thought that they were captured to perfection by the Elizabethan poets and by their collaborators, the madrigal composers such as Weelkes, Wilbye and Morely; and, looking back now on the music heard on this recording, I realize how much of it was inspired by the madrigalian spirit. Fancies was written in 1971 for the Richard Hickox Singers and Orchestra (the orchestra was later renamed the City of London Sinfonia, who play on this recording). The first performance was given in London, repeated shortly afterwards at an open-air concert one lovely summer’s evening by the River Thames in rural Berkshire, a perfect setting for it. The Suite Antique, dating from 1979, also has a Berkshire association: I was asked to write it for the Cookham Festival, to be peformed by Duke Dobing and the London Baroque Soloists at a concert in Cookham Parish Church. Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg Concerto was on the programme, so I decided to write for the same combination of instruments, and to pay musical homage to the forms and styles of Bach’s day. - John Rutter
|
 |
The Holly and the Ivy (arr. H. Walford Davies) Blessed be that maid Mary (arr. David Wililcocks) Somerset Wassail (arr. John Rutter) Shepherds, in the fields abiding (French, arr. David Willcocks) The infant king (Basque, arr. David Willcocks) What is this lovely fragrance (French, arr. Healey Willan) Gabriel's message (Basque, arr. David Willcocks) Still, still, still (German, arr. John Rutter) Quittez, pasteurs (French, arr. John Rutter) Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (French, arr. John Rutter) Personent hodie (German, arr. John Rutter) The shepherds' farewell (Hector Berlioz) O holy night (Adolphe Adam) O magnum mysterium (T.L. de Victoria) Hodie Christus natus est (J.P. Sweelinck) For unto us a child is born (G.F. Handel) In dulci jubilo (Samuel Scheidt) Lully, lulla, thou little tiny child (Kenneth Leighton) A New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten) Balulalow (Peter Warlock) I saw a fair maiden (Peter Warlock) The Lamb (John Taverner) Fantasia on Christmas Carols (R. Vaughan Williams) |
For more than a decade, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have shared the Joy of Christmas with the world. The ethereal sound of perfectly blended voices, singing the most beautiful seasonal music ever composed, never fails to touch the heart and lift the spirit. This year, John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers have assembled a new collection - compiled from the archives, including four never before released tracks! Tracks include English Traditional Carols, European Traditional Carols, Choruses and Motets and Composer's Carols.
Listen to Blessed be that maid Mary in Real Audio.
| 7003 CD $11.98 |
 |
Prologue: Wexford Carol The Christmas story - Jesus child There is a Flower Donkey Carol Wild Wood Carol Angels' Carol Nativity Carol Mary's lullaby Star Carol Candlelight Carol Shepherd's Pipe Carol Christmas lullaby Dormi, Jesu Love Came Down at Christmas Sans Day Carol I Wonder as I Wander What Sweeter Music Joy to the World I Saw Three Ships Deck The Hall The Very Best Time of Year We Wish You a Merry Christmas Silent Night |
The Renowned, 31-strong Cambridge Singers have a present for us: 23 songs of Christmas, many of them written, composed and/or arranged by contemporary composer John Rutter, a giant in the Choral world. "Jesus Child," "There Is A Flower," "Donkey Carol," "Wildwood Carol," "Angels' Carol," "Mary's Lullaby" - Rutter's original music is lovely, and the CS are the group to do it justice. Also fine are all the traditional carols like "I Saw Three Ships" and "Joy to the World." The songs are divided into six sections: Prologue, The Christmas Story, Christmas Night, Christmas Reflections, Christmas Joy and Epilog. Most of the songs are accompanied by the London Sinfonia. The liner notes are extensive and beautiful. A monumental achievement for the Cambridge Singers, a generous, spirited and brilliant Christmas CD!
Listen to Deck The Hall in Real Audio.
| 6766 CD $11.98 |
 |
Candlelight Carol O magnum mysterium Blow, blow, thou winter wind Puer nobis Of a Rose, a lovely Rose Lullay mine liking In the bleak mid-winter Away in a manger Wild Wood Carol Videntes stellam Chanson What Sweeter Music Veni Redemptor gentium Hodie Christus natus est Angels we have heard on high What cheer? Wassail song Good Ale The very best time of year |
"The aim of this recording is to evoke a sense of the winter season, as reflected in some of the infinitely varied music inspired by it. Christmas inevitably lies at the heart of this wonderful melange of scared and secular, spiritual and convivial, poetic and earthy." - John Rutter. A compilation of tracks from 1982 thru 2003, mostly recorded in the Great Hall of University College School, London where the exquisite acoustics showcases the voices of the choir to perfection. A most enjoyable Christmas collection indeed!
| 8692 CD $15.95 |
 |
Good Christian Men, Rejoice I Wonder As I Wander All My Heart This Night Rejoices Silent Night Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming Ding Dong! Merrily On High Three Kings Of Orient How Great Our Joy Angels We Have Heard On High Joy To The World Away In A Manger Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle God Rest You Merry Gentlemen What Child Is This? 'Twas In The Moon Of Winter Time O Little One Sweet Go, Tell It On The Mountain Away In A Manger Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow The Christmas Song We Wish You A Merry Christmas O Come, All Ye Faithful |
Recorded in 1981 shortly after the Cambridge Singers formation, "Christmas
Star" then quickly disappeared, as the master tapes were lost. However, the
original digital version was found in 1996. Therefore, the Cambridge Singers
first Christmas release can once again be heard. Directed by John Rutter, whose
standard of taste and excellence is of legendary repute, this multivoice classical
ensemble has a pure and weightless tone and broad dynamic range, from pianissimo
to forte. With arrangements also by Rutter, the carols are mostly familiar,
such as "I Wander As I Wander," "Ding Dong! Merrily On High" and "What Child
Is This," but there are a few rarities: "O Little One Sweet," and "Twas In The
Moon Of Wintertime."
| 7125 CD $15.98 |
 |
The incomparable Cambridge Singers bring us 22 carols, old and new: In dulci jubilo, Adam lay ybounden, Christmas Night, Once, as I Remember, A spotless Rose, In the Bleak Mid-winter, There is a Flower, The Cherry Tree Carol, I Wonder as I Wander, Candlelight Carol, O Tannenbaum, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, A Virgin Most Pure, I Sing of a Maiden, Lute-Book Lullaby, Ballet, The Three Kings, Myn Lyking, O Little One Sweet, etc. Listen to The Cherry Tree Carol in Real Audio.
|
Choral - Home | Mens Choral | Womens Choral | Mixed Choirs | Early Music
Childrens Choir | Boys Choirs | Girls Choirs | Choral arrangements | Choral Christmas | Director's resources
African | English | Canadian | Bulgarian | Estonian | Hungarian | Scandinavian | Russian | Latin American
Spirituals | Madrigals | Budget Choral titles | DVDs | Complete choral list
RSS Feed - Choral New Releases
Vocal Jazz | Choral | Contemporary | Barbershop | Christian | Collegiate | World | Doo Wop
Arrangements | Vintage Harmony | Budget titles | DVDs | Instructional for Singers
Christmas | Specials | FAQ | Juke Box | Video Channel
The Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival | West Coast A Cappella Summit
To find a specific song on any recording (or to find recordings by group name or CD title),
pick the search method and type the item you are searching for here:
All Rights Reserved All Content, page design, CGI Copyright © 2006 United Singers International