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Rating:  -
I've two of the John Rutter cds: Be Thou My Vision and The John Rutter Christmas Album. Both contain beautiful arrangements and incredible singing. I'd give them both 5 stars but I find that I cannot always understand the women's parts. It's probably a lack in my own hearing range since the lower voices of the men are clear and easy to understand. I think for most people, this perceived fault would not be an issue. On the plus side, the CD includes a copy of the words for each song.
Rating:  -
VARIETY OF CAROLS AND QUALITY PERFORMANCE IN THIS RECORDING!
John Rutter is indeed a great talent in the world of composition. And this disc includes some of his best work. Having worked with choirs and performed many of these selections I can tell you that it requires great skill to sing them, but certainly worth the effort.As you can see from the above listing, most of the songs are either written by him or arranged by him. They are very attractive, and I'll comment on MY favorites.
'Donkey Carol' was written in 1977. So few carols are written in five-eight time that this one is notable.
"Angel's Carol" is a "thing of beauty", just so lovely one cannot help but be attracted to it! It was originally commissioned as a duet, and I really prefer it in that setting, but this one on the disc is for mixed chorus.
'Shepherd's pipe carol' has a lilting melody and charming words. This carol, along with the 'Nativity carol' (dating from 1965) was specially written for inclusion in Rutter's first carol recording.
'I wonder as I wander' written by John Jacob Niles, who collected this haunting carol in the Appalachian mountains in the 1930s, became widely known in North Anerica, both from Nile's own solo performances and in choral arrangements. Rutter's arrangement is excellent as is the voice of the baritone soloist:Gerald Finley.
There are 2 other soloists, both outstanding, on this disc: the 'Wexford Carol' features baritone Stephen Varcoe and 'There is a flower' features soprano Ruth Holton.
The Cambridge Singers do a skillful job as does the City of London Sinfonia. I must confess though, that I personally miss the boy sopranos clear bell-like sound and velvet tone of the male altos. Just a personal preference.
Rating: -
I bought the CD because I wanted to have "Candlelight Carol" and "Wexford Carol" as part of my Christmas collection. I was delighted with the whole CD and have added "Mary's Lullaby," "Dormi, Jesu," and "What Sweeter Music" to my list of favorites. It's also nice to have some of the well-known favorites ("Joy to the World") included in this great collection (23 songs! A fabulous value).
I ended up listening to this CD more than any other I own over the Christmas season. You'll love it.
Rating: -
I was looking for a new Christmas CD. We have here in Belgium (the Dutch-talking part) a rich collection of 'Flemish' Carols. I had the pleasure to sing them myself in the choir. Also on our program where carols from Rutter, and they were always fun to sing. So hence this CD.
The songs are beautifully performed. I especially like the way how Rutter alternates orchestral accompagnied parts with a capella parts within the same song. They come like a sea of silence. Breathtaking.
I advise this CD to everyone. You can't be disappointed.
Rating: -
The first time I heard "What Sweeter Music" it made me stop what I was doing and listen... it brought an incredible swelling to my chest.
If you love that carol, then you will love all of the Rutter favorites as well as some delightful arrangements of traditional carols.
You cannot go wrong with this Christmas album.
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