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MOS Composer of the Month: Previous Page, Next Page, Index |
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Composer of the Month - September, 2005
by Daryl Lee The October 2005 concert of The Michael O'Neal Singers showcases the work of one of the most versatile and prolific composers of the contemporary era, John Rutter. Rutter's collected works include stirring requiems, sparkling anthems, and a host of Christmas carols. The Requiem (audio clip), to be included in the October program, follows the lead set by Brahms in the German Requiem by not strictly adhering to the words of the traditional Catholic Mass for the Dead. Rather, it includes prayers for the living as well. Born in Cambridge, England in 1945, Rutter was the son of a scientist and grandson of an engineer, so a career in music was not so obvious for him as
it was for other composers in this series.
After Highgate, he entered Clare College, Cambridge. He must have done well, because at the age of 30 he became its director of music. However, the demand for commissioned work coming on the heels of the overwhelming popularity of Gloria (1974) caused him to resign after only five years to dedicate himself to composition. He soon realized that he missed having a choir to conduct, so the Cambridge Singers was born, so called because all the participants share a common thread of ties to Cambridge University. Even though Rutter has demonstrated his ability to compose stirring choral music, his collection of carols remains the most persistent view that most people have of him today. They have certainly provided him financial success: their royalties alone provide him the financial security to pursue such pursuits as the Cambridge Singers and his own recording label, Collegium. He has always avoided the limitations imposed by the academic trends of the moment, preferring instead to produce what people have in mind when they say, "I can't seem to get that tune out of my head." Besides being invited to conduct at such illustrious events as the Queen Mother's Birthday celebration, Rutter has been recognized in the U.K. by having been named Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians in 1980 and with the title of Lambeth Doctorate of Music, awarded by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1996. His popularity in the U.S. is recognized by his having been made an Honorary Fellow of Westminster Choir College at Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. We are indeed fortunate that John Rutter remains active in composition and conducting, as this gives us hope for a continued production of the kind of music that has set him apart among composers. For further reading on the life and work of John Rutter: Click here for more information about the MOS Composer of the Month feature. |
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MOS Composer of the Month: Previous Page, Next Page, Index
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