O Be Joyful

Track Listings

1. O Be Joyful

2. This Joyful Eastertide

3. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

4. Precious Lord, Take My Hand

5. In the Sweet By and By

6. Shall We Gather at the River

7. My Song in the Night

8. Goin' to Bethlehem

9. Witness

10. , My God Is A Rock

11. Hymn to Joy

12. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

O Be Joyful, Music, various, Terry Lowry, Carrollton, Georgia Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church

Average customer rating:

John Rutter Collection

Typically gorgeous Rutter

Wonderful!

To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one.

The Best

John Rutter Collection
Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The John Rutter Christmas Album

Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers

Be Thou My Vision

Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection

Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter

ASIN: B00006LIEZ
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

For The Beauty Of The Earth
The Lord Is My Shepherd
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
The Lord Bless You And Keep You
Open Thou Mine Eyes
My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
Esurientes (From Magnificat)
Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
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 (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
Go Forth Into The World In Peace

Customer Reviews:

John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19

This CD is one of several that features Rutter directing his own choir. It has a good cross section of the John Rutter compositions, and is a good starting place for someone who has not heard Rutter's music before. I think you will be "hooked" if you really love choral music.

Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20

I love John Rutter's music. Especially the "For the Beauty of the Earth" that is on this CD. Rutter is not the most inventive or varied composer of modern music, but if you have a taste for traditional choral writing with some angelic children's chorus singing, then you will probably share my enjoyment of Rutter's writing. Unfortunately I cannot give this CD 5 stars when it seems there is a drum set tapping annoyingly away on several of the songs. I do not understand this at all and am bothered by it every time I listen to those songs. It's a shame, because otherwise I love the music, and think it is lushly written, and simply but beautifully performed. I would highly suggest listening to sample track 3 before purchasing -- you can hear what sounds like a ride-cymbal right at the very end of the sample. This sound occurs in several of the songs on this recording.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-03

I am a huge John Rutter fan. The lilting melodies, the poignant lyrics and the lush orchestrations make his music not only accessable but also uplifting. This compilation, although drawing from many other previous recordings, is a great composite of his wirk. The sound is exquisite. Even if you own other recordings of this music, this is worthwhile.

To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one........2005-06-30

I purchased this CD as an introduction to the music of John Rutter and went on to purchase many more of his compositions. Still, this remains my favorite collection. It is choral music at its absolute finest. Far from "just church music", this CD has songs of faith, a few Christmas carols, a Celtic song for lovers, and even a child's tune or two. While most of the pieces are peaceful, warm, and thought-provoking, a few are up-tempo and lively. In my opinion, it is a perfectly balanced collection in which one song flows beautifully into the next with no sense of a jarring change of pace. If you have any interest in choral music, begin with the best...John Rutter... and this superb arrangement. Highly recommended.

The Best.......2005-04-29

The John Rutter Collection in my opinion is one of the finest and most perfect works I've ever heard. The Cambridge Singers demonstrates the best vocal discipline and style of any vocal group in the world.

Sidney Vaught

Average customer rating:

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The John Rutter Christmas Album
John Rutter Collection
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
Christmas Star
Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection

ASIN: B00030ES2S
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Tracks:

Be Thous 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 bride groom 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 thy beauty of the earth
Thy perfect love
The Lord bless you and keep you

Customer Reviews:

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

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.

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.

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".

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.

Average customer rating:

This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say
The best Russian choral CD of the season
Astonishing Recording!

Russian Medieval Chant

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Russian Divine Liturgy
Basso Profondo From Old Russia
Orthodox Chants from Russia
Russian Chant for Vespers
Ancient Echoes

ASIN: B00005QF3J
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Customer Reviews:

This is what Choir and Organ magazine had to say.......2002-12-08

A perfect portal into the sound world of medieval Russia, this selection of liturgical material, drawn from a tradition harking back to the 11th century, includes unadorned monophonic chant as well as ceremonial pieces in polyphonic styles developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, the sonorities of the former occasionally creating enjoyably spooky, ringing overtones in the generous acoustic. The men of Deisus sing with an almost visceral depth of commitment and, as might be expected, the low basses are profoundly in a class of their own.

The best Russian choral CD of the season.......2002-02-09

This disk is a must for every lover of male Russian choirs! Don't get confused by the name of the choir (I assume it is based on Greek deisis `prayer') or the commercial design of the booklet: this is simply the very best of Russian choral chant that has been published this season. The fourteen singers of the choir perform ancient chants, that have partly been deciphered here for the first time, and so are absolutely unique. Because of the high quality of singing and the choice of repertoire, Deisus can be compared with leading choirs such as the famous Patriarchate Choir of Mr.Grindenko. The chants performed on this splendid disk, all in honour of the Virgin Mary, are either homophonic or polyphonic, in a pleasant alternation. They share the quality of monastic austerity that makes them absolutely captivating: the listener is transposed to another world, a world of quiet and piece. Warmly recommended!

Astonishing Recording!.......2002-02-05

Anyone who hasn't heard Russian chants performed by deep voices has a real delight ahead and a profound musical experience. This recording captivates from beginning to end. The voices of the Deisus Choir, singing heretofore unpublished chants, took this listener onto a soundscape he didn't know existed. The choir emerges like the breath of God and rolls on in a vibrant acoustic that's perfectly suited to the voices, which resonate as much in the solar plexus as in the ear. I've collected a good number of recordings of chants (including the best-selling disc of the Spanish monks that came out some years ago), but the present recording by the Deisus Choir is now at the top of my list.

John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music

Average customer rating:

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

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter
John Rutter Collection
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
The John Rutter Christmas Album
Be Thou My Vision

ASIN: B0000031HH
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

Te Deum
Be Thou My Vision
I Believe In Springtime
Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace
O Be Joyful In The Lord
All Creatures Of Our God And King
A Choral Fanfare
As The Bridegroom To His Chosen
Christ The Lord Is Risen Again
They Perfect Love
The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
Go Forth Into The World In Peace
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:

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers

Average customer rating:

Divine!
Oh, I love Handel!!
Why aren't these better known?
Excellent - one of the best Handel CD's availible.
Rediscovered, the Chandos anthems deserve your ears!

Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers
George Frideric Handel , Harry Christophers , Lynne Dawson , James Bowman , Ian Partridge , Michael George , Patrizia Kwella , and The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Handel - Carmelite Vespers 1707 / Feldman · Kirkby · Van Evera · M. Cable · M. Nichols · Cornwell · Thomas · Parrott
Vivaldi: La Stravaganza
Handel - Coronation Anthems / Gritton, Blaze, M. George, Choir of King's College Cambridge, AAM, Cleobury
Handel: The Occasional Oratorio /Gritton * Milne * Bowman * Ainsley * George * The King's Consort * King
Handel: Alexander's Feast

ASIN: B000000A5J
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Be Joyful In The Lord - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Be Joyful In The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Serve The Lord With Gladness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Be Ye Sure That The Lord He Is God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: O Go Your Way Into His Gates
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: For The Lord Is Gracious
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: Glory Be To The Father
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 1: As It Was In The Beginning
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: In The Lord Put I My Trust - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: In The Lord Put I My Trust!
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: God Is A Constant Sure Defense
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Behold! The Wicked Bend Their Bow
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: But God, Who Hears The Suff'ring Pow'r
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Snares, Fire And Brimstone
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: The Righteous Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 2: Then Shall My Song
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Have Mercy Upon Me - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Have Mercy Upon Me, O God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Wash Me Thoroughly From My Wickedness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: For I Acknowledge My Faults
Chandos Anthems: Against Thee Only Have I Sinned
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Thou Shalt Make Me Hear Of Joy And Gladness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Make Me A Clean Heart, O God
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 3: Then Shall I Teach Thy Ways Unto The Wicked

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: O Sing Unto The Lord A New Song!
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Declare His Honour Unto The Heathen
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: The Waves Of The Sea Rage Horribly
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: O Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Let The Whole Earth Stand In Awe Of Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 4: Let The Heav'ns Rejoice
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: I Will Magnify Thee, O God My King
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Ev'ry Day Will I Give Thanks Unto Thee
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: One Generation Shall Praise Thy Works Unto Another
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: The Lord Preserveth All Them That Love Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: The Lord Is Righteous In All His Ways
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: Happy Are The People That Are In Such A Case
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 5: My Mouth Shall Speak The Praise Of The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: As Pants The Hart For Cooling Streams
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Tears Are My Daily Food
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Now, When I Think Thereupon, I Pour My Heart By Myself
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: In The Voice Of Praise And Thanksgiving
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Why So Full Of Grief, O My Soul?
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 6: Put Thy Trust In God, For I Will Praise Him

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 1: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 2: My Song Shall Be Alway
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 3: For Who Is He Among The Clouds
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 4: God Is Very Greatly To Be Feared
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 5: The Heav'ns Are Thine
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 6: Righteousness And Equity Are The Habitation
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 7: Blessed Is The People
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 7: 8: Thou Are The Glory
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 1: Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 2: O Come, Let Us Sing Unto The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 3: O Come, Let Us Worship
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 4: Glory And Worship Are Before Him
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 5: Tell It Out Among The Heathen
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 6: O Magnify The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 7: The Lord Preserveth The Souls Of The Saints
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 8: For Look, As High As The Heaven Is
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 8: 9: There Is Sprung Up A Light For The Righteous
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 1: O Praise The Lord With One Consent
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 2: Praise Him, All Ye That In His House
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 3: For This Out Truest Int'rest Is
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 4: That God Is Great We Often Have
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 5: With Cheerful Notes Let All The Earth
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 6: God's Tender Mercy Knows No Bounds
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 7: Ye Boundless Realms Of Joy
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 9: 8: Your Voices Raise

Tracks:

Chandos Anthems: Anthem 10: The Lord Is My Light - Sinfonia
Chandos Anthems: The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
Chandos Anthems: Though A Host Of Men Were Laid Against Me
Chandos Anthems: One Thing Have I Desired Of The Lord
Chandos Anthems: I Will Offer In His Dwelling An Oblation
Chandos Anthems: For Who Is God But The Lord?
Chandos Anthems: The Lord Is My Strength And My Shield
Chandos Anthems: It Is The Lord That Ruleth The Sea
Chandos Anthems: Sing Praises Unto The Lord
Chandos Anthems: Anthem 11: Let God Arise - Sonata
Chandos Anthems: Let God Arise
Chandos Anthems: Like As The Smoke Vanisheth
Chandos Anthems: Let The Righteous Be Glad
Chandos Anthems: O Sing Unto God
Chandos Anthems: Praised Be The Lord!

Amazon.com

This series of 11 church anthems is a sterling example of doing more with less. Though their format is multiple movements for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, inviting grand treatment, Handel had available only a couple of oboes and a small string band and choir (with no violas or altos for numbers 1 to 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 James Bowman's arias lie uncomfortably low for him, he and Michael 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:

Divine!.......2007-06-17

These psalms set to music, for use in church services, are divine! Handel never fails to please and the recording is top notch.
Now that you've heard Handel's versions, be sure to check out what Henry Purcell did a generation earlier with the same material.

Oh, I love Handel!!.......2007-04-18

Why haven't I heard of this music before? I have long loved the Messiah, in fact, I have about 15 different CD versions of it! Now I can listen to Handel all year long, and for me this is all new music! If you love Handel's Messiah, you will love this collection! I just started listening to it on my drive to and from work, and I was transported! I enjoy the solos, the duets, and then the whole ensemble singing gloriously together. I am very happy I purchased the entire set!

Why aren't these better known?.......2006-04-14

It boggles my mind that this seems still to be the only complete set of the Anthems available on CD. The first of the discs came out in 1989 or so and volumes 1 and 2 were among the first CDs I ever bought (late adopter, I admit); I eagerly awaited and bought the others as they came out. Not that there's much to criticize about these performances. Oh, you may not like the tenor's very heavy dependence on mixed voice to hit high notes -- I don't mind it and for all I know it's faithful to the style of Handel's day -- or like the sound of the countertenor soloists or even the particular vocal qualities of one or the other of the sopranos (I find nothing wrong with any of them), but the chorus and instrumentalists sing and play crisply and very well. These Anthems were written to be lively and entertaining as well as full of honest devotion. Handel's grasp of English was still shaky at the time, and the choice of metrical versions of the Psalms for many of the texts is, well, questionable. More that one phrase will raise a smile: "That God is great we often have/ By glad experience found/ And seen how he with wond'rous pow'r/ Above all other gods is crown'd" is a prime example -- but listen to the bass (under-used by Handel in these Anthems, sadly: perhaps he lacked a reliable one at the time) sing Handel's setting, which reminds me of a beautiful, affectionate puppy of a large breed: slightly ridiculous, a bit bumbling, but attractive and strong and lovable. Or the chorus about "snares, fire, and brimstone" pouring in a "dreadful mixture" on the wicked: clearly the choristers are having great fun, just as I would, given the chance to sing this absurd version of the Psalmist's words. Buy this set, get your local choral society to sing one or more of these Anthems (I got to sing #11 once), spread the word.

Excellent - one of the best Handel CD's availible........2001-11-29

This baroque era "Praise Music" is light years beyond the vacuous pablum that passes for praise music in churches today. I have had these four CD's for almost a decade (previous release) and they are still among my favorites. Almost all the songs (all the spoken music that is - a few songs are instrumental preludes) are Bible scripture verses set to music - similar to what Handel did in the Messiah. The musical quality of the CD is excellent. You would never guess that only 16 people are doing the choral parts. If you only have 10 CD sets of traditional Christian music this CD set should be one of them.

Rediscovered, the Chandos anthems deserve your ears!.......1998-10-27

Handel's Chandos anthems are apparently being rediscovered, as the release of several new recordings bears witness. This set is surely the best available, and is certainly the only complete collection. Especially beautiful are the duets ("O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness" and "Wash Me Th'roughly") and the tenor's recitatives. Performance is brisk and tight, though never rushed. Those who favor Simon Preston's even snappier style may prefer his rendition of Anthem 10 (now distributed with his very fine, and affordable, "Israel in Egypt"), but overall no one can be disappointed with this collection of too-rarely heard works.

Average customer rating:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest.
The grand tradition of English music
music of great beauty
Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance
Best all-in-one English music CD ever

Treasures of English Church Music

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral
A Vaughan Williams Hymnal
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Abide With Me
The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000031I6
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave Maria
Music Of The Latin Rite: Loquebantur variis linguis
Music Of The Latin Rite: Miserere mei
Haec dies
Music Of The Latin Rite: Ave verum corpus
Music Of The Reformation: If Ye Love Me
Music Of The Reformation: Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Music Of The Reformation: Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
Music Of The Reformation: O Clap Your Hands
Music Of The Reformation: Bow Thine Ear
Music Of The Reformation: Hosanna To The Son Of David
Music Of The Restoration: Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Music Of The Restoration: Thou Knowest, Lord
Music Of The Restoration: Hear My Prayer, O Lord
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Beati quorum via
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: This Joyful Eastertide
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Sing Lullaby
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Spotless Rose
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: What Cheer?
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: O Taste And See
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: A Hymn To The Virgin
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
The Anglican Revival And The Twentieth Century: Faire Is The Heaven
Anthems And Introits: Rejoice In The Lord
Anthems And Introits: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences
Anthems And Introits: Come, Let's Rejoice
Anthems And Introits: When David Heard
Anthems And Introits: I Sat Down Under His Shadow
Anthems And Introits: These Are They That Follow The Lamb
Latin Motets: Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Latin Motets: O beatum et sacrosanctum diem
Latin Motets: Nunc dimittis
Latin Motets: O vos omnes
Latin Motets: Factum est silentium
Latin Motets: Justorum animae
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hail, Gladdening Light
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Hymn To The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Hymn For The Dormition Of The Mother Of God
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: They Are At Rest
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: A Litany
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Nolo mortem peccatoris
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: O nata lux
Settings Of Hymns And Other Poetry: Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep
Prayer Settings: The Lord's Prayer
Prayer Settings: In manus tuas
Prayer Settings: Bring Us, O Lord God

Customer Reviews:

My favorite album. English church music at its finest........2005-10-06

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. Here you will find a wide selection of sacred favorites, from Gregorian chant to Ralph Vaughan Williams. It's a misnomer to call it "Anglican," since this would exclude (in addition to, of course, the pre-Reformation Latin hymns) the likes of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd -- both Catholics that kept to the ancient faith despite Elizabeth's (albeit relatively mild) persecutions. Tallis and Byrd set the standard in the 16th century for the distinctive "Englishness" (as opposed to Continental European) style of English choral music, with its soaring majesty yet somehow coupled with a subtle and sustained beauty (as opposed to the Continental ups and downs and often tiresome exaggerations). For those of us in the English-speaking world, this is our heritage. Let's treasure it. As for the recording itself, the mixing is superb. While listening, it's quite easy to imagine yourself in the beautiful King's College Chapel or perhaps heaven itself.

The grand tradition of English music.......2005-09-23

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral, the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a duo of discs dedicated to Music of the English Church previously issued as two separate discs, 'Hail, Gladdening Light', and its companion piece, 'Faire is the Heaven'. The discs here are straight copies of those discs; hence, if you have those already, there is no need to purchase this - on the other hand, if you do not have the other discs, this is a bargain.

--Music--
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. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

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.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words of each anthem or hymn. The notes for each piece also includes brief biographical information of the composer, and unique information about each work, when particular composers are represented more than once. One thing conspicuously missing is much biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the most basic of information.

--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.

music of great beauty.......2005-04-24

Pop one of these CDs into your car stero, turn up the volume and feel yourself drift into a sublime peace. Can music manifest the existence of God?

Excellent Selection, Excellent Performance.......2004-07-28

This two-CD compilation by the Cambridge Singers is truly very good. The repertoire is very diverse and only the best representations of composers and time periods are performed. ALthough most of the pieces were not written with a mixed choir in mind, the Cambridge Singers sing it so well you would not have had any idea. Their performances are careful and exquisite.

Best all-in-one English music CD ever.......2004-04-20

This is a re-release, as one set, of two of my favorite CDs ever: "Faire is the Heaven" and "Hail Gladdening Light" by the Cambridge singers. This is a fabulous compilation of everyone's favorite works from the English Cathedral tradition, all the way from Taverner (16th century) to Tavener (21st century). The selection of works is great and touches all the most important genres. The performance is exquisite, elegant, faultless. The Cambridge Singers have a softer, less edgy sound than the Tallis Scholars, and are more expressive, which may make them easier for some people to listen to, especially for the more recent works. They are no less musical. The Parsons Ave Maria alone brings one to tears. If you want an introduction to English church music, this is the CD to start with. Also makes a great gift, if you already love this music and want to introduce someone else to it.

Average customer rating:

Almost Perfect!
Re-released at Last!!!
probably the best of the MTC recordings - A REAL CLASSIC

Lord's Prayer

Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Make A Joyful Noise
Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir

ASIN: B00000092N
Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

The Lord's Prayer (Robertson Version)
Blessed Are They That Mourn
How Great The Wisdom And The Love
Holy, Holy, Holy
148th Psalm
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
David's Lamentation
Londonderry Air
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Heavenly Father! (Ave Maria)
Judas Maccabaeus: Halleluja, Amen
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Come, Sweet Death
O Be Joyful
The Redemption: Unfold, Ye Portals
Requiem: Give Unto The Meek
Otello: Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Oratorio From The Book Of Mormon: Old Things Are Done Away
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
The Lord's Prayer (Malotte Version)

Customer Reviews:

Almost Perfect!.......2007-03-06

I find this CD so frustrating! The Lord's Prayer was the first LP I ever purchased, and it's impact and beauty have never left me. I had all but given-up every seeing it on CD until this reissue came along. Both LPs on one CD, how can you go wrong? You can't actually UNLESS you want the complete first LP. They left out ONE SELECTION ("O, My Father") - probaby a time consideration. In any event, two great LPs, the remastering isn't much. It pales against the original LPs, but its great to have most of the albums.

Re-released at Last!!!.......1999-02-01

I have been waiting to find this on CD for years, and am so happy to have found it. One of the best albums of religious music ever. The interpretations are simple and exquisite, the phrasing clear, and each choice harmonious and moving.

Now if you'd just offer the sequel, "The Lord's Prayer II"...

probably the best of the MTC recordings - A REAL CLASSIC.......1999-01-16

I have been listening to this recording in both its vinal and cd form since about 1966. I think it is the best of the MTC recordings of religious music with a good cross section of both Mormon and Mainline music.

Average customer rating:

Christian Classics for Baby
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Madacy Kids
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Compilations | Children's Music | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Children's Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs of Praise
Action Bible Songs

ASIN: B00007MB51
Release Date: 2002-12-03

Average customer rating:

Transformations: Melodious Accord
Mccullough
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006YXAD
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Faire is the Heaven: Music of the English Church

Average customer rating:

The best!!!!!!!!!!
Far more than faire...
"Treasures of English Church Music": same music, better buy
Beautiful
John Rutter Presents English Chruch Music Through the Ages

Faire is the Heaven: Music of the English Church

Manufacturer: Collegium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hail, Gladdening Light: Music of the English Church
Stillness And Sweet Harmony
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Treasures of English Church Music
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B0000031H7
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Loquebantur variis linguis
Miserere mei
Haec dies
Ave verum corpus
If Ye Love Me
Hide Not Thou Thy Face
Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake
O Clap Your Hands
Bow Thine Ear
Hosanna To The Son Of David
Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry
Thou Knowest, Lord
Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Beati Quorum Via
This Joyful Eastertide
Sing Lullaby
A Spotless Rose
What Cheer?
O Taste And See
A Hymn To The Virgin
Jesus Christ The Apple Tree
Faire Is The Heaven

Amazon.com

There's no choir better than the Cambridge Singers for thoughtful, imaginative, cohesive programming, and for an ability to excel in performing music of various styles and periods. Here is a splendid example of this group's mastery of repertoire and choral technique, featuring some of the finest choral music ever written, from Tallis, Byrd, and Gibbons to Stanford, Howells, and Britten. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

The best!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-06-02

I am fond of sacred choral music, and I have listened to several groups and CDs. But I have yet to find any group with the superb quality of the Cambridge Singers! Under the direction of John Rutter their smooth, flawless music flows so seemingly effortlessly (though we know that much effort must be made for such angelic quality). The acoustics are awesome as the recording was recorded in an ancient cathedral. They say a whisper will resonate 5 seonds after the whisperer stops. And the selection of music as well is wonderful! There is a progression from the 1500s to the 1900s, and though all the music is nice the first portion is especially melodic, enchanting, relaxing, and inspiring!!! Therefore as the chorus, the recording sound, and the song selections are all EXCELLENT I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone! :)

Far more than faire..........2003-09-08

Recorded in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral (the largest Lady Chapel in England), the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter produced a great work in this album. Originally produced as a vinyl album in 1982, it was remastered as a CD in 1988. The title derives from a hymn lyric, and the music consists of a sampling of the greatest English church music from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. The music is meditative, uplifting, and elegant in simplicity and stunning vocal quality.

--Music--
This is all vocal music, unaccompanied by instruments. The 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. These are anthems, hymns and other liturgical pieces that have remained important in Anglican worship, and can be often heard in situ on Sundays around the world. However, the Cambridge Singers bring their special music talent to the task, producing a good standard bearer for music of the English Church.

--Liner Notes--
The notes for this recording include the titles and words, in both Latin and English, for each of the pieces recorded here. It has a brief paragraph of introduction to each piece of music, relating it to its historic and musical contexts. One thing conspicuously missing is any significant biographical information about John Rutter, or any descriptive information about the Cambridge Singers apart from the basic, one-sentence description.

--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 (about 28 voices for this recording), 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.

"Treasures of English Church Music": same music, better buy.......2002-02-01

Thinking of purchasing the "Faire" and "Hail" CDs together? You will save money if you buy them in another guise: "Treasures of English Church Music." This 2-disk set is a reissue that combines Rutter's "Faire" and "Hail" CDs into a single package. You get the same disks for $12-$15 less.

Whatever the package, the music is gorgeous. Highly recommended.

Beautiful.......2001-08-22

Gorgeous sounding church music from early to 20th cent. A CD I play a lot - what more praise does it need?

John Rutter Presents English Chruch Music Through the Ages.......2000-08-19

In this atypical, that is, non-Christmas collection, John Rutter presents English church music from the 16th through the 20th centuries. While one may miss the absence of one or two compositions by Rutter himself, his capacity to achieve a unique sound with a choir is certainly here.

One who has enjoyed Rutter's Christmas music would do well to acquire this collection as well.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Early Years [Limited Edition] [Import]

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Symphonies Nos. 1-6

Debussy: Preludes Book 2/Images Book 2

Music: At Their Best: 25 Songs

Cube [Import]

Colombiano en Nueva York

Best of Italian Western Movies' Themes [Import]

Don.P Don Style - The Difference

Celtic Symphony

Chamber Music 6: Recorder Sonatas

Do It All Over Again Ep [Import]

Chez Herri Kopter [Import]

Blue Funk

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3

Seasons of Peace

1. O Be Joyful
2. This Joyful Eastertide
3. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
4. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
5. In the Sweet By and By
6. Shall We Gather at the River
7. My Song in the Night
8. Goin' to Bethlehem
9. Witness
10. , My God Is A Rock
11. Hymn to Joy
12. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross