The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation

On this CD:

1. Psalm 27 for chorus & organ, "The Lord is my light and my salvation"
Composed by William H. Harris
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

2. Psalm 28 for chorus & organ "Unto thee will I cry"
Composed by Edward Hopkins
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

3. Psalm 8 for chorus & organ "O Lord our Governor"
Composed by John Henry, Jr. Hopkins
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

4. Psalm 33 for chorus & organ, "Rejoice in the Lord O ye righteous"
Composed by John [composer] Goss
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

5. Psalm 34 for chorus & organ, "I will always give thanks unto the Lord"
Composed by Sydney Watson
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

6. Psalm 63 for chorus & organ, "O God thou art my God"
Composed by Andrew Millington
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

7. Psalm 48 for chorus & organ, "Great is the Lord and highly to be praised"
Composed by George Mursell Garrett
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

8. Psalm 49 for chorus & organ, "O hear ye this all ye people
Composed by Thomas Attwood Walmisley
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

9. Psalm 59 "Deliver Me from Mine Enemies O God," for chorus & organ
Composed by Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

10. Psalm 82 for chorus & organ, "God standeth in the congregation of princes"
Composed by Matthew Camidge
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

11. Psalm 83 for chorus & organ, "Hold not thy tongue, O God"
Composed by Robert Cooke
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

12. Psalm 85 for chorus & organ, "Lord thou art become gracious unto thy land"
Composed by George Cooper
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

13. Psalm 93 for chorus & organ, "The Lord is King and hath put on glorious apparel
Composed by Henry George Ley
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

14. Psalm 99 for chorus & organ, "The Lord is King be the people never so impatient"
Composed by Henry Stonex
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

15. Psalm 100 for chorus & organ, "O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands"
Composed by Thomas Attwood
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

16. Psalm 109 for chorus & organ, "Hold not thy tongue O God of my praise"
Composed by J. Coward
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

17. Psalm 127: Except the Lord build the house, for chorus & organ
Composed by Percy Buck
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

18. Psalm 116 for chorus & organ, "I am well pleased"
Composed by J. Burrows-Watson
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

19. Psalm 147 for chorus & organ, "O praise the Lord for it is a good thing"
Composed by George Thalben-Ball
Performed by Geoffrey Morgan

The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation, Music, Thomas Attwood, Percy Buck, J. Burrows-Watson, Matthew Camidge, Robert Cooke, George Cooper, J. Coward, George Mursell Garrett, John [composer] Goss, William H. Harris, Edward Hopkins, John Henry, Jr. Hopkins, Henry George Ley, Andrew Millington, Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley, Henry Stonex, George Thalben-Ball, Thomas Attwood Walmisley, Sydney Watson, Geoffrey Morgan, Choral, Classical, Classical Music, Psalm Setting
Be Thou My Vision
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Listening Treat
  • Be Thoy My Vision CD
  • Really good, but don't listen to it all at once.
  • A must for choral music fans
  • An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns
 Be Thou My Vision

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The John Rutter Christmas Album
  2. John Rutter Collection
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  4. Christmas Star
  5. Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection

ASIN: B00030ES2S
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Tracks:

  1. Be Thous My Vision
  2. Open thou mine eyes
  3. I will sing with the spirit
  4. A gaelic Blessing
  5. Wings of the morning
  6. O be Joyful in the Lord
  7. All things bright and beautiful
  8. I will lift up mine eyes
  9. As the bride groom to his chosen
  10. A prayer of Saint Patrick
  11. Loving Shepherd of thy sheep
  12. Look at the world
  13. O clap your hands
  14. The Lord is my light and my salvation
  15. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace
  16. I believe in springtime
  17. God be in my head
  18. A Clare Benediction
  19. For thy beauty of the earth
  20. Thy perfect love
  21. The Lord bless you and keep you

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Listening Treat .......2007-03-08

What a delight to listen to this collection of pure Rutter ! The melodic sounds of the Cambridge Singers bring me such pleasure The sheer joyfulness of this music is to me a religious experience of such depth It is superb and will lift ones spirits instantly. highly recommended to all lovers of the English contemporary choral sound and scene,____ not to be missed

5 out of 5 stars Be Thoy My Vision CD.......2007-02-19

My husband sang many of these John Rutter compositions with his church choir, and this CD is perfect since the choir is directed by Rutter, singing his own music. If you love religious music, this will bring tears to your eyes, the choir is "that" perfect.

5 out of 5 stars Really good, but don't listen to it all at once........2007-01-07

I really liked this CD. It really showcases Rutter's knack for religious choral music. Perhaps it helps that I have sung some of his stuff with various groups. However, as with any similar compiliation, the composer's sameness of style and motif becomes apparent. This repetition can become boring on the third or fourth listening. On the other hand, this makes a great reference tool for any choral director or performer. Buy it, however, it's worth it, but don't listen to it all at once.

5 out of 5 stars A must for choral music fans.......2006-09-19

Simply fabulous, 10/10. These are all Rutter-composed pieces, directed by Rutter himself. If you have any interest in religious choral music at all, you must get this album! One of the highlights of my musical life was attending a concert of a University of Maryland choir in which my mom sang, that featured Rutter as a guest conductor. Listening to this album is almost as good! ;-) There are too many good pieces to start naming all of my favorites, but these are some of the best known ones: "Open Thou Mine Eyes", "A Gaelic Blessing", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "As the Bridegroom to His Chosen", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You".

5 out of 5 stars An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns.......2005-11-22

I sought a recording of Rutter's beautiful hymn, "Wings of the Morning", after we sang this lovely tune in church and this was the only CD I could find that contained it.

This collection includes many of Rutter's church hymns recorded over a period of 20 years performed by The Cambridge Singers, a group of Brits, that are conducted by the composer. Ergo, these performances must be considered definitive.

Many of Rutter's popular hymns are included here. "O be joyful to the Lord" and "All things bright and beautiful", a popular children's hymn done here by adults, follow "Wings of the morning" on tracks 5-7. Others you may have performed in church represented here are "O clap your hands", "Lord make me an instrument of your peace", "For the beauty of the earth", "Look at the world" and "The Lord bless you and keep you" among the 21 assembled hymns.

While The Cambridge Singers, on their Web site, identify themselves principally as an a capella group, I was pleased when I received this CD to find all the hymns supported by a full orchestra, the esteemed City of London Sinfonia. The renditions are uniformly lovely although some listeners may find the singing a bit on the white side lacking brilliance and individuality. Everything is done in keeping with Rutter's score markings and style.

The recording tends to be a little variable given the 20-plus year difference in performances. The most recent copyright listing is 2003, the same year "Wings of the morning" was published. I don't hear an appreciable difference in that recording than the others but still hear some age in older works.

If you seek a Rutter hymn collection you can't go wrong here. You have wonderful English performers mated to the composer in his more popular works. I'd recommend this without reservation to anyone seeking this collection.
100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The picture
 100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration

Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00008GEKT
Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

  1. Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  2. Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  3. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  4. This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  5. Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  6. God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  7. Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  8. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  9. Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
  11. Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  12. Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  13. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  14. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  15. There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
  16. Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  17. Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  18. New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  19. Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
  20. O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

  1. Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  2. Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  3. In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  4. Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  5. Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  6. Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  7. At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  8. To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  9. Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  10. Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
  11. Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
  12. He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
  13. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
  14. Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
  15. This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
  16. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
  17. Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
  18. Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
  19. O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
  20. Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

  1. Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  2. Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  3. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  4. Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  5. O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  6. O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  7. Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  8. We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  9. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  10. Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
  11. Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  12. O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  13. O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  14. O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  15. Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  16. O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  17. Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  18. God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  19. O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
  20. Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

  1. Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  2. All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  3. Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  4. God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  5. Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  6. Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  7. Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  8. Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
  9. Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
  10. God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
  11. O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
  12. Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  13. Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  14. For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  15. Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
  16. Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  17. I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  18. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  19. Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  20. Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

  1. Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  2. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  3. O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
  4. O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
  5. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
  6. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
  7. First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
  8. Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
  9. Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
  10. Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
  11. On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
  12. Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  13. O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  14. Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  15. O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  16. Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  17. Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  18. Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  19. Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
  20. Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.
John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • John Rutter: Te Deum
  • Absolutely amazing
  • Up to the usual high standard
  • Beautiful, excellent album
  • A new experience in familiar pieces
 John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000031HH
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

  1. Te Deum
  2. Be Thou My Vision
  3. I Believe In Springtime
  4. Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace
  5. O Be Joyful In The Lord
  6. All Creatures Of Our God And King
  7. A Choral Fanfare
  8. As The Bridegroom To His Chosen
  9. Christ The Lord Is Risen Again
  10. They Perfect Love
  11. The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
  12. Go Forth Into The World In Peace
  13. Now Thank We All Our God

Amazon.com

Englishman John Rutter is today's most popular composer of church music, primarily owing to his accessible style and purposeful commitment to both professional and amateur choirs. This recording features some of Rutter's most popular sacred choral works from the 1980s--definitively performed by Rutter's own Cambridge Singers, conducted by the composer himself. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars John Rutter: Te Deum .......2007-05-14

Outstanding music and outstanding recording quality. This is a must for all who like the choral music of Rutter, a musical treat from the time you que up the disc.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing.......2006-08-21

Of the 5 Cambridge Singers recordings in my possession, this is my favorite. I absolutely love "Be thou my vision," and find the title track inspiring each time I listen to it. This is a CD that will not disappoint!

5 out of 5 stars Up to the usual high standard.......2006-07-13

What better version of the Rutter "Te Deum" than the composer and his group? This CD does not disappoint. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful, excellent album.......2006-02-19

I have wanted this album for several years and have finally found it and purchased it. I have listened to it dozens of times since I received it, and love it! I hesitated to buy it because it is more expensive than most music CD's, but it is worth it.

5 out of 5 stars A new experience in familiar pieces.......2005-10-05

This recording of the Cambridge Singers has them recording pieces composed by their own director, John Rutter. The 'Te Deum' is Rutter's version of a standard piece of liturgical music, representing classic influences ancient and modern, typical of Rutter's compositional style. This was recorded at in 1990 at the Henry Wood Hall in London, with the City of London Sinfonia and organist John Scott collaborating.

--Music--
'The Te Deum' is a piece that is standard for liturgy in Catholic and Anglican services. It is a song of praise, and here is it bright and powerful. 'Be Thou My Vision' is an Irish folk hymn, gentle and graceful, but Rutter has added something quite new to the rendition with his arrangement. The initial flourishes and fanfare for the standard piece 'All Creatures of Our God and King' lead to a triumphant song experience. 'The Lord is My Light and My Salvation' is once again a meditative and gentle moving piece, with good spirit.

The songs here are familiar for the most part, but Rutter's arrangements and compositions make this a thoroughly new experience in many ways.

--Liner Notes--
The notes include an introduction to the CD by Rutter describing some of the influences and expressions in his composition. Lyrics are included, all of which are in English on this collection. There is no listing of the performers of the Cambridge Singers, no description of the group, nor biographical information about John Rutter.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

This is a wonderful collection.
Russian Chant for Vespers
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Beautiful Collection of Russian Liturgical Music
 Russian Chant for Vespers

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Russian Divine Liturgy
  2. Chants de la Liturgie Slavonne
  3. Russian Medieval Chant
  4. Russian Easter
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ASIN: B00000144O
Release Date: 1995-05-01

Tracks:

  1. Bells
  2. Christ Is Risen From The Dead
  3. Christ Is Risen From The Dead
  4. Christ Is Risen From The Dead
  5. Psalm 103 Of The Kievan Lavra Tradition
  6. Blessed Is The Man
  7. O Lord, I Have Cried Unto Thee
  8. The Joy Of Those Who Mourn
  9. The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
  10. Joyful Light
  11. Processional Znamenniy Chant
  12. Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart In Peace
  13. Hail Mary
  14. Glory To God In The Highest
  15. Praise Ye The Name Of The Lord
  16. Troparia For Amomos
  17. From My Youth
  18. We Have Seen Thy Resurrection
  19. Christ Has Arisen From The Tomb
  20. Christ Is Risen From The Dead
  21. The Angel Cried
  22. O Lord, Save Thy People
  23. The Lord Is With Us
  24. Christ Is Risen From The Dead
  25. Many Years

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Collection of Russian Liturgical Music.......2004-04-20

Russian liturgical music from the monasteries is a combination of a number of different styles. Since the Church id from the orthodox tradition, the music is influenced partly by Greek liturgical music. It also has a bit of a western Gregorian flow to it, though this is not as strong as other influences. It also has a bit of Russian folk music flair to it. Musically it is interesting, but it also has a spiritual quality to it. Perhaps because it has survived against tremendous odds during the Soviet years, it has strength to it as well.

This recording by the Novospassky Monastery Choir contains liturgical music primarily for Easter but contains other prayers and psalms as well. The CD has liner notes but no translation for the music, but for the price, this is not a complaint. The choir is strong and is able to convey both the majesty and beauty of the music.

Once again, Naxos has provided a unique quality musical experience and a budget price.
Requiem
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good recording of the "chamber" version of the Requiem
  • Excellent Choral Recording
  • great engineering, lousy music making
  • An inspired blend of performance and recording prowess
 Requiem

Manufacturer: Reference Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000159K
Release Date: 1993-12-17

Tracks:

  1. Praise Ye The Lord
  2. The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
  3. All Things Bright And Beautiful
  4. Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace
  5. Requiem: Requiem aeternam
  6. Requiem: Out Of The Deep
  7. Pie Jesu
  8. Requiem: Sanctus
  9. Requiem: Agnus Dei
  10. Requiem: The Lord Is My Shepherd
  11. Requiem: Lux Aeterna
  12. Requiem: A Gaelic Blessing

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good recording of the "chamber" version of the Requiem.......2001-09-10

Most recordings to date of the Rutter "Requiem" have used the version for full orchestra. Rutter also prepared an arrangement for organ, augmented by flute, oboe, clarinet, cello, harp, timpani, and percussion. This recording, to the best of my knowledge, is the only commercial recording of the latter version. In an interesting twist, though, while most recordings feature a choir of 50 or less, the choir here numbers about 200.

Given the "reduced" forces, Seelig et al. acquit themselves admirably. All five of the anthems are well performed, especially the setting of Psalm 27, "The Lord is My Light and My Salvation." [Personally, I wish they had substituted another piece for "All Things Bright and Beautiful"; it is too saccharine to withstand repeated listenings.]

The "Requiem" in particular stands out; the singing is clear throughout, and, in some cases, the organ-predominant version of the "Requiem" provides more thrills than the orchestral version (especially in the opening movement (Requiem aeternam). Also, Seelig takes the "Sanctus" at a faster pace than most other recordings: where Rutter himself takes 2'10", Seelig flies through at about 1'45", and it nevertheless feels like the more appropriate tempo.

John Rutter's works, by and large, are more direct than other 20th century English composers; his works do not appeal to everyone. Given the uniqueness of this recording, it is certainly well-worth hearing (although, to be fair to Rutter, the recent mid-price re-release of his Requiem coupled with his Magnificat is certainly a better bargain).

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Choral Recording.......2001-06-12

This is a wonderful quality recording of great Rutter. Top notch. Just listen to it! You wont be disappointed with this CD.

2 out of 5 stars great engineering, lousy music making.......2000-09-23

I bought this recording primarily for reference's engineering and the magnificent Fisk instrument with its massive 32' pipes. On that score, this recording delivers--not much bombast, but lots of subwoofer test material. I wish the music had lived up to this standard. Personally I happen to think John Rutter something of a hack, a notion from which the trite, platitudinous opening tracks did little to dissuade me. Of course, that's just my opinion; if you like Rutter then it won't be a concern to you. The Requiem is better music, but there I found the vocal performance distracting. The singers--especially the women--exhibited faults typical of amateur American choirs: wide (and uncontrolled) vibrato, imprecise entrances, and Latin that sounded--well, like Texans singing Latin. In addition, their overall affect was one of soporific aloofness. This produced a smooth, agreeable gentleness in quiet sections (actually, reminiscent of Shaw and Atlanta in the best spots), but came at the expense of tension, fire, and fervor throughout.

5 out of 5 stars An inspired blend of performance and recording prowess.......1999-10-28

This CD succeeds at the tricky combination of Glorious program material, inspired performance, and a flawless capture by the recording engineer.
Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos, Vol. 3
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos, Vol. 3

    Manufacturer: Chandos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    1. Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos, Vol. 5
    2. Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos, Vol.2
    3. Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos, Vol. 4
    4. Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos for Double Choir, Vol. 6
    5. Bortnyansky: Sacred Concertos Vol. 1

    ASIN: B00004XPK8
    Release Date: 2000-10-24

    Tracks:

    1. Sacred Con No.17: I. How Amiable Are Thy Tabernacles, O Lord Of Hosts!
    2. Sacred Con No.17: II. As The Lord Loves Mercy And Truth
    3. Sacred Con No.17: III. Blessed Is The Man That Trusteth In Thee
    4. Sacred Con No.18: I. It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks Unto The Lord
    5. Sacred Con No.18: II. Upon An Instrument Of Ten Strings
    6. Sacred Con No.18: III. For Thou, Lord, Hast Made Me Glad Through Thy Work
    7. Sacred Con No.18: IV. Let All Rejoice That Trusts In Thee
    8. Sacred Con No.19: I. The Lord Said Unto My Lord: Sit Thou At My Right Hand
    9. Sacred Con No.19: II. The Lord Shall Send The Rod Of Thy Strength Out Of Zion
    10. Sacred Con No.19: III. In The Beauties Of Holiness From The Womb Of The Morning
    11. Sacred Con No.20: I. In Thee, O Lord, Do I Put My Trust
    12. Sacred Con No.20: II. Let Me Never Be Put To Confusion
    13. Sacred Con No.20: III. For Thou Art My Hope, O Lord God
    14. Sacred Con No.20: IV. And Hitherto Have I Declared Thy Wondrous Works
    15. Sacred Con No.21: I. He That Dwelleth In The Secret Place Of The Most High
    16. Sacred Con No.21: II. Surely He Shall Deliver Thee From The Snare Of The Fowler
    17. Sacred Con No.21: III. He Shall Call Upon Me, And I Will Answer Him
    18. Sacred Con No.22: I The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
    19. Sacred Con No.22: II. Though An Host Should Encamp Against Me
    20. Sacred Con No.22: III. For In The Time Of Trouble He Shall Hide Me In His Pavilion
    21. Sacred Con No.22: IV. I Will Sing, Yea, I Will Sing Praises Unto The Lord
    22. Sacred Con No.23: I. Blessed Is The People That Know The Joyful Sound
    23. Sacred Con No.23: II. Then Thou Spakest In Vision To The Holy One
    24. Sacred Con No.23: III. I Will Set His Hand Also In The Sea
    25. Sacred Con No.23: IV. My Mercy Will I Keep For Him Forevermore
    Chandos Anthems Vol.4 No. 10 & 11
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Brilliant, Masterly, Choral Splendor
    		 Chandos Anthems Vol.4 No. 10 & 11

    Manufacturer: Chandos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 3 - Nos. 7, 8 & 9
    2. Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 1, Nos. 1, 2 & 3
    3. Handel: Chandos Anthems No. 4, 5, and 6 (Chandos Anthems, Vol. 2)

    ASIN: B000000A4D
    Release Date: 1992-07-29

    Tracks:

    1. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: Sinfonia
    2. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
    3. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: Though An Host Of Men Were Laid Against Me
    4. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: One Thing Have I Desired Of The Lord
    5. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: I Will Offer In His Dwelling An Oblation
    6. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: For Who Is God But The Lord?
    7. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Strength And My Shield
    8. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: It Is The Lord That Ruleth The Sea
    9. Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Psalm 27: Sing Praises Unto The Lord
    10. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: Sonata
    11. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: Let God Arise
    12. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: Like As The Smoke Vanisheth
    13. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: Let The Righteous Be Glad
    14. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: O Sing Unto God
    15. Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Psalm 68: Praised Be The Lord!

    Amazon.com

    This series of eleven church anthems is a sterling example of doing more with less. Though their format is multiple movements for soloists and chorus and inviting of grand treatment, Handel had available only a couple of oboes and a small string band and choir (with no violas or altos for nos. 1-6). Yet each one of these anthems is a gem. Handel's music captures well the changing moods of the Psalm texts--from somber penitence to serene bliss to infectious joy to the raging of storms and seas. Though Bowman's arias lie uncomfortably low for him, he and George do fine work; Lynne Dawson, Patrizia Kwella, and Ian Partridge are delightful. Harry Christophers leads his choir and orchestra in subtly inflected and beautifully paced performances. --Matthew Westphal

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Brilliant, Masterly, Choral Splendor.......2005-11-26

    Harry Christophers and the Sixteen Choir and Orchestra seem to have been much more at home with Handel’s English Chandos Anthems than they were with Bach’s St. John Passion, which they also recorded in the spring of 1989. This fourth CD containing Anthems No. 10 and 11 is quite brilliantly done: Handel was at his greatest, using the slightly increased forces at the future Duke of Chandos’ chapel to the best of effects. Psalm texts such as: “The earth trembled and quak’d, the very foundation of the hills shook, and were removed […]. They are brought down and fall’n, but we are risen” brought out the maximum in imitative orchestral writing and choral splendour, and the closing fugue of “Let God Arise” could, despite the limited forces available, almost be mistaken for one of the “purple patches” from “Messiah”.
    Anthem No. 10 (“The Lord is My Light and My Salvation”) is written for five part choir with three tenor solo airs and one short but very effective soprano air, masterfully performed by Lynne Dawson. Anthem No. 11 (“Let God Arise”) is mainly choral, with the two soloists having only one short air each. Ian Partridge is perhaps not quite as convincing as Lynne Dawson but does all that is required of him; the orchestra (this time with four each of first and second violins plus three cellos and a double bass in the strings, then two recorders, an oboe and a bassoon as woodwind and organ continuo) sounds decidedly mature in comparison with, say, the first volume and provides some highly entertaining moments.

    The only slightly sour point about this particular CD is the playing time of merely 49 minutes, but if you are collecting Handel’s sacred works, that should in no wise deter you from buying and listening to this superb music.
    Evening Star: The Rachmaninov Vespers
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A Masterpiece, Magnificently Performed
    • Impression
    • Sacred music at its mind-blowing best
    		 Evening Star: The Rachmaninov Vespers

    Manufacturer: Philips
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by RachmaninovAll Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Rachmaninov: Vespers
    2. Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vespers (Mass for Unaccompanied Chorus)

    ASIN: B00000419G
    Release Date: 1994-09-20

    Tracks:

    1. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Priidite, poklonimsya
    2. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Blagoslovi, dushe moya
    3. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Blazhen muzh
    4. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Svete tikhyi
    5. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Nyne otpuschchayeshi
    6. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Bogoroditse Devo
    7. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Slava v vyshnikh Bogu
    8. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Khvalite imya Gospodne
    9. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Blagosloven esi, Gospodi
    10. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Voskreseniye Khristovo videvshe
    11. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Velichit dusha moya Gospoda
    12. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Slava v vyshnikh Bogu
    13. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Dnes spasniye
    14. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Voskrez iz groba
    15. The Rachmaninoff Vespers: Vzbrannoy voevode

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, Magnificently Performed .......2006-02-07

    The solemn heavenly beauty of the Russian Orthodox Saturday evening "All-Night Vigil" liturgy resonates off the walls of the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in this magnificent rendering of Rachmaninoff's masterpiece. In particular, the 'Bogoroditse Dyevo' (Ave Maria) is achingly beautiful. A great performance of a truly great piece of music.

    5 out of 5 stars Impression.......2000-04-13

    It's like the walls of a church begin to sing!

    5 out of 5 stars Sacred music at its mind-blowing best.......1999-01-14

    This is an utterly magnificent recording - one of my all-time favorites. I have heard other renditions, but none come close to this particular interpretation. It is sung with such passion, soul, and intelligence that I'm sure that if he could hear it, Rachmaninov himself would be moved to tears.
    Divine Harmony / Art Book and CD
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Divine Harmony / Art Book and CD
      Anonymous , Russian Orthodox Chant , Pavel Grigor'yevich Chesnokov , Orthodox Chant , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Christmas Traditional , Greek Traditional , Russian Traditional , Anatoly Grindenko , and Russian Patriachate Choir
      Manufacturer: Opus III
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      4. Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants

      ASIN: B00000I4K3
      Release Date: 1998-06-01

      Tracks:

      1. Psalm 134: Praise the name of the Lord (16th & 17th Cent. Monastic chant)
      2. O Mild Night and All the Angels Exult
      3. Your Nativity, O Christ our God (16th & 17th Cent. Monastic chant)
      4. Today the Virgin gives birth (16th & 17th Cent. Monastic chant)
      5. Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem (16th & 17th Cent. Monastic chant)
      6. O Holy God (Tchaikovsky) Holy God (Suprasl monastery chant)
      7. A Mercy of Peace
      8. Singing the Triumphant Song (Russian Medieval chant)
      9. Eucharistic chant (17th Cent. Russian plainchant)
      10. Praise the Lord (17th Cent. Russian plainchant)
      11. I Shall Take the Cup of Salvation (Russian Medieval chant)
      12. From My Youth
      13. May my prayer rise to Thee (17th Cent. Russian plainchant)
      14. We who represent the Cherubim (Suprasl Monastery chant)
      15. John of Damascus: Thy Resurrection, O Christ (17th Cent. Monastic Chant)
      16. Easter Canon of St. John of Damascus: Thy Resurrection, O Christ (17th Cent. Monastic Chant)
      17. Easter Canon of St. John of Damascus: Christ is Risen from the Dead (17th Cent. Monastic Chant)
      18. Easter Canon of St. John of Damascus: Easter Stikheras (17th Cent. Monastic Chant)

      Product Description

      This CD & hardbound book combination is a wonderful view into the historic Russian Orthodox faith for the English speaker, the thesis of which builds off the Eastern understanding that an icon represents an invisible spiritual reality, the Church on earth is an icon of the heavenly church and that liturgical chant is an Icon (or image) of the angelic singing. These then, are in "divine harmon" as to how they work together to engage the faithful in the ascent to heaven. The CD is comprised of selections from the series of recordings by Anatoly Grindenko and the Russian Patriarchate Choir, and one portion of the book includes an essay by Anatoly Grindenko, and liner notes and complete hymn text in English. The other portion of the book is written by Russian iconographer Adolf Ovchinnikov, and explains the history and development of icons and their use in the Christian faith. It is comprised of a series of essays that have been translated into English, with copious! full-color icons representing ancient to recent icons, many previously unpublished (from St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, The Hermitage, the Byzantine Museum in Athens, and others). Book is 62 pages in length
      Rutter: Gloria, and other sacred music
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Gloria for the 2nd time, The Best grand recording !!!
      • Sweet but sturdy
      • Bravo!
      		 Rutter: Gloria, and other sacred music

      Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by RutterAll Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      Similar Items:
      1. John Rutter Collection
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      4. Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
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      ASIN: B00005COXM
      Release Date: 2001-06-12

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Gloria for the 2nd time, The Best grand recording !!!.......2001-10-18

      This CD is highly recomended the grandeure of the work is done perfecly by the wallace collections and the polyphony itself. The most dramatic recording of anthems of rutter, happy to listen too a happy recording.

      4 out of 5 stars Sweet but sturdy.......2001-07-02

      The music of John Rutter consistently provokes mixed reactions amongst musical circles. There are those who cannot stand it, seeing it as tasteless and even annoying; some enjoy certain aspects of his output but do not love it all; some can find nothing but praise for it. As one who has performed various works and arrangements of his, I feel that it certainly can be overly 'saccharine' in the light of the other serious classical music being written today - yet it is unfailingly well-written, offering genuine challenges to those who perform it. And beyond all the sugary melodies and soupy harmonies, Rutter is capable of producing moments of real heart-wrenching emotion. Indeed, it says much of him that he can create memorable, 'hummable' tunes in an age wherein such a skill is perhaps looked upon as anachronistic.

      It certainly says much of Rutter that this is now the second disc that the elite Hyperion company have devoted entirely to his music. Those who know and love his "Requiem" through its many commercially-available recordings will recognise many similar elements in "Gloria," obviously a more exubrant and joyful concert work, which is presented here with an effective scoring for organ, brass and percussion. It is at a glance reminiscent of a concerto, with three movements (two loud and fast ones, sandwiching a slower central movement) and recurring themes that are tossed between chorus and accompaniment. The opening is immediately characteristic of Rutter: the combined rhythms and fanfare-like motifs make it sound almost like the opening to some hit musical, and contrast is provided by utterances of unaccompanied chorus in which harmony is the most interesting element. The second movement - "Domine Deus" - features a gently undulating, flute-like solo from the organ, which is worked through gentle brass chorales and beautifully crafted sung passages, with a genuinely moving use of solo sopranos and altos. The third movement - "Quoniam tu solus sanctus" - brings back the boppy nature of the first movement, and quite startlingly includes what appears to be a fugue in the chorus parts! As a whole, it is easy to see why this work is not perhaps as popular as the "Requiem," but it is no less full of worthwhile things to listen out for.

      The rest of the disc is made up of various church pieces, several of which are widely used as church anthems throughout England and beyond - "As the bridegroom to his chosen" and "Thy perfect love" are especially popular for their memorable tunes. Two of the unaccompanied works are quite arresting: "Come down, O love Divine," with its echoes of Herbert Howells and 'open ended' concluding cadence, and the tiny "Clare Benediction," dating from Rutter's time as Director of Music at that Cambridge College Chapel - for this, he provided his own text and the result is as potent as any large-scale choral masterpiece could be. There are also a few that are less well-known, and indeed one which has only recently been premiered - "I my Best-Beloved's am," first performed by Polyphony under Stephen Layton. These pieces (with the exception of "Praise the Lord, O my soul" and "Te Deum," which are accompanied by the same forces as in "Gloria") feature Rutter's own orchestrations, which can either heighten or ruin their effectiveness, depending upon your point of view - I was hoping to hear these with organ accompaniment, as they would be heard in a typcial church service. On the other hand, these arrangements show a fine sense of orchestral colour and demonstrate Rutter's penchant for making his music as useful as possible to all manner of performers, whether they specialise in the church or the concert platform.

      Polyphony make light work of this programme. The works with organ, brass and percussion, recorded in the generous but subtle acoustics of Winchester Cathedral, suffer slightly from a poor balance: I am surprised that Hyperion were unable to save the choir from being drowned in the loudest and most climactic moments, wherein we lose not only the words but (nearly!) the voices themselves. Then again, the problem might also have been solved by augmenting the choir with extra singers - Polyphony is after all a chamber choir, whereas "Gloria" was clearly intended for choral societies with hundreds of massed voices. The anthems fare much better: recorded in the dry acoustics of a London church, supported by the small but potent forces of the City of London Sinfonia, Polyphony really get to the heart of these pieces. Stephen Layton directs well too - fast pieces are treated with vigour whereas the slower and more intimate ones are allowed to 'breathe' in a natural way that avoids sounding "hammy."

      If you're approaching Rutter for the first time, I wouldn't recommend starting with this disc; the "Requiem" is a far better work to begin with. However, if you're already a 'Rutterphile,' then there is no reason to hesitate: this makes for rewarding listening.

      5 out of 5 stars Bravo!.......2001-06-15

      Being a fan of John Rutter, I found this new recording, on Hyperion label, of the Gloria and sacred music, one of the best yet. The choir and orchestra are to be commended on the delicate and yet vibrant performance. The Polyphony choir, though only consisting of about 25 voices, produces a powerful and well rounded sound. I really enjoyed this recording and it was great to hear a few new anthems. The sound was very clear and the choir's annunciation was well articulated, so that you hear every word. I have most of his works and a great admirer of the Cambridge Singers, though I will put this Hyperion recording there, right next to John Rutter's choir. I was pleased to hear that the organ, especially in the Gloria and Te Deum could be clearly heard, but not dominating the voices or the orchestra. A very balanced sound throughout. The Wallace Collection, added to the City of London Sinfonia, gave that very `Ruttorian' brassy sound. Very impressive! This wonderful recording is a real joy to listen to. Bravo!!!

      Music Review:

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