RUTTER: Be Thou My Vision & Other Sacred Music - Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter, conducting

The church anthems I have composed over the years are scattered among several Cambridge Singers recordings, and this CD came about because it seemed a good idea to gather a selection of them together into one place.
The term ‘anthem’ sometimes causes some puzzlement. It is nothing more than a piece of music for choir which is sung at a certain point in a church service, and it can be a setting of any sacred text in any language, though if it is in Latin the term ‘motet’ is preferred when the service is a Mass rather than an Anglican office. Anthems can be short or long, simple or complex, accompanied or for choir alone (the term for this is a cappella), and among the twenty-one anthems on this disc you will find examples of all these types. In church the accompaniment is generally for organ, but the use of instruments or even whole orchestras is not uncommon, especially in the United States, and most of my anthem accompaniments exist in both organ and orchestral versions. The orchestral versions (which I have to admit I prefer, because I love writing for orchestra) are the ones recorded here.

Almost all my church music has been written in response to commissions or invitations from churches or individuals connected with them—in my earlier years, from the USA more than anywhere else—generally in celebration of some special occasion or anniversary. I remember many of these people and places fondly.

There is no reason not to enjoy church music outside of church, and I hope this recorded recital gives you pleasure.

John Rutter

1
Be thou my vision[4'18]
with City of London Sinfonia

2
Open thou mine eyes[2'36]

3
I will sing with the spirit[3'02]
with City of London Sinfonia

4
A Gaelic blessing Deep peace of the running wave to you[1'48]
with City of London Sinfonia

5
Wings of the morning If I take the wings of the morning[5'40]
with City of London Sinfonia

6
O be joyful in the Lord[3'17]
with City of London Sinfonia

7
All things bright and beautiful[2'43]Anonymous - traditional , arr. John Rutter (b1945)
with City of London Sinfonia

8
I will lift up mine eyes[7'10]
with City of London Sinfonia

9
As the bridegroom to his chosen[3'22]
with City of London Sinfonia

10
A prayer of Saint Patrick Christ be with me, Christ within me[1'30]

11
Loving shepherd of thy sheep[3'18]
with Caroline Ashton (soprano)

12
Look at the world[4'33]
with City of London Sinfonia

13
O clap your hands[3'11]
with City of London Sinfonia

14
The Lord is my light and my salvation[7'14]
with City of London Sinfonia

15
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace[2'55]
with City of London Sinfonia

16
I believe in springtime[3'02]
with City of London Sinfonia

17
God be in my head[1'28]

18
A Clare Benediction May the Lord show his mercy upon you[3'07]
with City of London Sinfonia

19
For the beauty of the earth[3'38]
with City of London Sinfonia

20
Thy perfect love Jesu, my love, my joy, my rest[2'44]
with City of London Sinfonia

21
The Lord bless you and keep you[2'38]
with City of London Sinfonia