Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of choral music with "Rutter & Others: Choral Works" by The Cambridge Singers. Released on September 1, 2001, under the Collegium label, this album is a captivating journey through a variety of choral genres, spanning both sacred and secular themes. The Cambridge Singers, renowned for their impeccable harmonies and expressive performances, bring a sense of depth and vitality to each piece.
The album is divided into several sections, each offering a unique listening experience. "Feel the Spirit" showcases traditional spirituals arranged for mixed choir and orchestra, with powerful renditions of classics like "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" and "Deep River." These tracks highlight the ensemble's ability to convey both the joy and sorrow inherent in these timeless pieces.
"Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare" is a delightful collection of settings of Shakespeare's poetry, demonstrating the choir's versatility and nuanced interpretation. Tracks like "Live with Me and Be My Love" and "When Daffodils Begin to Peer" are particularly evocative, blending the beauty of Shakespeare's language with the lush harmonies of The Cambridge Singers.
The album also features standalone pieces such as "Heavenly Aeroplane" and "Lord of the Dance," arranged by the esteemed composer John Rutter. These tracks showcase the choir's ability to tackle a wide range of styles, from contemplative and introspective to lively and celebratory.
"Birthday Madrigals" offers a more intimate setting, with arrangements for mixed choir, piano, and double bass. This section includes charming pieces like "It Was a Lover and His Lass" and "When Daisies Pied," which are both playful and deeply expressive.
Finally, the album concludes with a stunning arrangement of "Skylark," arranged by John Rutter for mixed choir, flute, piano, and double bass. This piece is a testament to the choir's technical prowess and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, "Rutter & Others: Choral Works" is a comprehensive exploration of choral music that will appeal to both seasoned choral enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The Cambridge Singers' impeccable musicianship and expressive performances make this album a standout in their discography.
2001 Collegium2001 Collegium
Tracks
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 1, Joshua Fit the Battle of JerichoJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 2, Steal AwayJohn Rutter, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 3, I Got a RobeJohn Rutter, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra, Andrew Knight
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 4, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless ChildJohn Rutter, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra, Victoria Walpole
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 5, Ev'ry Time I Feel the SpiritJohn Rutter, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 6, Deep RiverJohn Rutter, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Feel the Spirit (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra): No. 7, When the Saints Go Marching InJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 1, Live with Me and Be My LoveGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 2, When Daffodils Begin to PeerGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 3, It Was a Lover and His LassGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 4, SpringGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 5, Who Is SilviaGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 6, Fie on Sinful FantasyGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare: No. 7, Hey, Ho, the Wind and the RainGeorge Shearing, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter
Heavenly Aeroplane (Version for Mixed Choir & Orchestra)John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra
Lord of the Dance (Arr. J. Rutter for Mixed Choir & Orchestra)Joseph Brackett, The Cambridge Singers, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Rutter
Birthday Madrigals (Version for Mixed Choir, Piano & Double Bass): No. 1, It Was a Lover and His LassJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall
Birthday Madrigals (Version for Mixed Choir, Piano & Double Bass): No. 2, Draw On, Sweet NightJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall
Birthday Madrigals (Version for Mixed Choir, Piano & Double Bass): No. 4, Come Live with MeJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall
Birthday Madrigals (Version for Mixed Choir, Piano & Double Bass): No. 4, My True Love Bath My HeartJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall
Birthday Madrigals (Version for Mixed Choir, Piano & Double Bass): No. 5, When Daisies PiedJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall
Skylark (Arr. J. Rutter for Mixed Choir, Flute, Piano & Double Bass)Hoagy Carmichael, Melanie Marshall, The Cambridge Singers, Daniel Pailthorpe, Malcolm Creese, Wayne Marshall, John Rutter