John Rutter's sublime 'Mass of the Children' is a masterful composition that brings together the timeless beauty of traditional Latin and Greek Mass texts with the elegance of English poetry. This non-liturgical Missa brevis, comprising five movements - Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Benedictus, Agnus Dei, and Finale (Dona nobis pacem) - is a testament to Rutter's skill as a composer.
Written in response to his own experiences as a school chorister, where performances of Britten's War Requiem had a profound impact, Rutter sought to create a work that would unite children and adults in a shared musical experience. The result is a work of profound beauty, one that has been eagerly embraced by choirs around the world.
This album, released on 18 April 2006 by Naxos, features not only the 'Mass of the Children' but also several previously unrecorded anthems and motets, including 'Shadows' and 'Wedding Canticle'. With its rich, choral soundscapes and poignant texts, this collection is a must-listen for fans of John Rutter and choral music alike. Lasting 1 hour and 6 minutes, the album is a journey through the full range of human emotion, from the contemplative to the joyful.
2006 Naxos2006 Naxos
Tracks
KyrieJohn Rutter, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Jeremy Huw Williams, James McVinnie, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Farnham Youth Choir, Clare Chamber Ensemble, Tim Brown
GloriaJohn Rutter, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Jeremy Huw Williams, James McVinnie, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Farnham Youth Choir, Clare Chamber Ensemble, Tim Brown
Sanctus and BenedictusJohn Rutter, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Jeremy Huw Williams, James McVinnie, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Farnham Youth Choir, Clare Chamber Ensemble, Tim Brown
Agnus DeiJohn Rutter, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Jeremy Huw Williams, James McVinnie, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Farnham Youth Choir, Clare Chamber Ensemble, Tim Brown
Finale. Dona nobis pacemJohn Rutter, Angharad Gruffydd Jones, Jeremy Huw Williams, James McVinnie, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Farnham Youth Choir, Clare Chamber Ensemble, Tim Brown
I. ShadowsJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
II. Gather ye rosebudsJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
III. SonnetJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
IV. The EpicureJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
V. Sic vitaJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
VI. O Death, rock me asleepJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
VII. In a goodly nightJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
VIII. Close thine eyesJohn Rutter, Jeremy Huw Williams, Stewart French
Wedding CanticleJohn Rutter, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Daniel Pailthorpe, Stewart French, Tim Brown
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