Experience the enchanting vocal tapestry of John Rutter's "Fancies," a captivating collection of choral works that blend the charm of traditional Christmas themes with the elegance of contemporary classical music. Released on September 30, 2005, under the Collegium label, this album is a testament to Rutter's mastery of choral composition, featuring a harmonious blend of voices and instruments that create a rich, immersive listening experience.
"Fancies" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through various moods and themes, from the whimsical "The Urchins' Dance" to the hauntingly beautiful "Midnight's Bell." The album opens with a cycle of six choral settings that showcase Rutter's ability to weave intricate harmonies and lyrical melodies. Following this, the album delves into a series of well-known nursery rhymes and folk songs, each reimagined with Rutter's signature touch. Standout tracks include "Monday's Child," "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat," and "Sing a Song of Sixpence," each bringing a fresh perspective to familiar tunes.
The album also features a suite of winter-themed pieces, including "Icicles," "Winter Nights," and "Winter Wakeneth All My Care," which evoke the serene beauty of a snowy landscape. The performances by The Cambridge Singers, accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia, are nothing short of breathtaking, with each note sung and played with precision and passion.
With a duration of just over 54 minutes, "Fancies" is a compact yet powerful collection that highlights the best of John Rutter's choral writing. Whether you're a long-time fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful introduction to the world of contemporary classical choral music.
2005 Collegium2005 (P) Collegium
Tracks
I. Tell Me Where Is Fancy BredJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
II. There Is a Garden in Her FaceJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
III. The Urchins' DanceJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
IV. Riddle SongJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
V. Midnight's BellJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
VI. The Bellman's SongJohn Rutter, Simon Davies, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
I. PreludeJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Wayne Marshall, City of London Sinfonia
II. OstinatoJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Wayne Marshall, City of London Sinfonia
III. AriaJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Wayne Marshall, City of London Sinfonia
IV. WaltzJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Wayne Marshall, City of London Sinfonia
VI. RondeauJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Wayne Marshall, City of London Sinfonia
No. 1, Monday's ChildJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
No. 2, The Owl and the Pussy-CatJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
No. 3, Windy NightsJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
No. 4, Matthew, Mark, Luke and JohnJohn Rutter, Caroline Ashton, The Cambridge Singers
No. 5, Sing a Song of SixpenceJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
I. IciclesJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
II. Winter NightsJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
V. Winter Wakeneth All My CareJohn Rutter, Duke Dobing, Nicholas Wilson, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
VI. Hay, AyJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
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