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Books > Music > Musical scores, lyrics & libretti
for SATB and piano Written in memory of John Scott, the celebrated
organist and choirmaster, who died in 2015, The Real of Heart is a
beautifully tender and reflective piece. The anonymous text reminds
us to remember things in their best form, 'untarnished and
supreme', and Chilcott's music is the perfect match. Arc-shaped
melodies and a variety of choral textures are complemented by
gently flowing arpeggio figures in the piano, with a central
triplet section providing contrast.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This serene communion motet
sets the last two verses of the Pangue Lingua and oscillates
between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. The melodic lines are
expressive and at times melismatic and the divisi in all parts
creates a rich texture.
for SATB and small orchestra Full score for this classic Rutter
anthem, which is also available in John Rutter Anthems and in a
version for upper voices.
for SATB and piano or piano four-hands or orchestra Wilberg's
arrangement of the Christmas favourite Deck the hall is bright and
energetic from beginning to end. After an uplifting introduction
going through several keys, the choir sings the three carol verses
in up to seven parts. The accompaniment provides both a harmonic
underpinning and almost continuous flourishing semiquaver movement.
Further modulations throughout the piece lead to an extended 'fa la
la' section to bring the piece to an exhilarating close.
for SATB unaccompanied Described by Elgar as an elegy for
unaccompanied chorus, this mournful, reverent, and dignified
setting was composed for a service commemorating Queen Victoria on
the anniversary of her death. The text is by Cardinal John Henry
Newman, whose poem The Dream of Gerontius was set by Elgar in one
of his most enduringly popular works.
for SATB and continuo Bach's motets are essential pillars of the
choral repertory, and the irresistibly joyful Lobet den Herrn, alle
Heiden is a wonderful introduction to them for choirs unfamiliar
with the works. It features concise contrapuntal writing and a
sophisticated harmonic language, yet the vocal lines are not
excessively demanding. John Rutter's edition includes helpful
performance suggestions and background information, and full scores
and instrumental parts are available on hire from the publisher.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano This arrangement of Gruber's
timeless carol is warm and gentle. The first two verses are
accompanied by gentle arpeggiated figures, leading to a third and
final verse which is given profound depth through its largely
unaccompanied scoring. The carol was recorded by the Cambridge
Singers, directed by John Rutter, on the The John Rutter Christmas
Album (Collegium Records CSCD510). Conductor's scores and
instrumental parts are available from the publisher, as is Rutter's
alternative unaccompanied arrangement.
for SATB and optional congregation with two keyboards, timpani, and
percussion, or full orchestra or concert band Setting this classic
American patriotic song, which dates back to the Civil War, Rutter
makes prominent use of trumpets and percussion to create a rousing
arrangement. The setting is equally effective when accompanied by
the two keyboard parts of the reduced vocal score, which may be
performed by two pianos, piano and organ, piano and synthesiser, or
two synthesisers. Orchestral and band parts are available on hire.
for SATB and organ 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 (Depart In Peace) is also
available from Oxford University Press.
for SATB unaccompanied This joyful setting of an old Irish air,
arranged by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and edited by John
Rutter, features a text by Thomas Moore on life's fleeting
pleasures. It alternates between cheerful louder sections and
mischievous quieter passages, before a charmingly hushed ending. A
recording can be found on the Collegium CD There is sweet music
(CSCD 505) by the Cambridge Singers, conducted by John Rutter.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied 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.
for SATB, congregation, and organ 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. Full scores and
sets of parts for the brass ensemble accompaniment are available on
hire from Oxford University Press.
for SA and harp or piano This arrangement of the hymn tune Royal
Oak is not to be confused with Rutter's famous original composition
of the same title, which also sets the beloved text by C.F.
Alexander. The elegant text praising God's creation, combined with
Rutter's skilful handling of the hymn tune, makes this piece
ideally suited for any religious service.
for SATB (with divisions) and harp or piano This is a simple and
gentle setting of the popular American folk hymn. Beginning softly
with the sopranos accompanied by piano/harp in the first verse,
Rutter explores a wide variety of textures, building to a powerful
final verse before ebbing away in a poignantly quiet close.
for SATB and harp or piano In this arrangement of the traditional
Irish hymn Be thou my vision, Rutter sets the 8th-century text (in
its English translation) to the Irish folk melody known as Slane,
the tune to which it has been sung since 1919. Rutter's harmonies
and piano/harp accompaniment add to the enchanting Gaelic style. An
alternative setting of the same text, to original music by John
Rutter, is also available from Oxford University Press.
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