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.

for SATB and piano or harp The King of Love My Shepherd Is sets Psalm 23 to an arrangement of the Irish traditional melody St. Columba. Rutter keeps the first three verses largely in unison, alternating between male and female voices, before allowing the music to bloom into rich and ever-expanding polyphony for the last three verses. The arpeggios in the accompaniment, distinctly Gaelic and gently scored, can be performed either on harp or piano.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ, with optional congregation Here John Rutter follows Vaughan Williams' precedent in setting this text from the fourth-century Orthodox liturgy of St James of Jerusalem to the French carol melody 'Jesus Christ shabille en pauvre'. The result is a hymn which is in turn haunting and powerful, with a modal tonality that evokes the timeless sound-world of plainchant.

for SATB (with divisions), congregation, and organ An arrangement by John Rutter of the popular Passiontide hymn When I survey the wondrous cross, set to the hymn tune Rockingham, with which these words have long been associated. Part of the Cambridge Singers Hymn series, it features on the Collegium recording Sing, ye Heavens (COLCD126), performed by the Cambridge Singers and directed by John Rutter.

for SATB and organ In this arrangement of the hymn tune St Clement, traditional verses alternate with those newly arranged by John Rutter. The piece is part of a wider collection of hymn arrangements, which have been recorded by the Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, on the Collegium CD Sing, ye heavens (COLCD 126). Individual leaflets from the series are available on sale from Oxford University Press.