Customer Reviews

John Rutter: Distant Land, The Orchestral Collection

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Maybe it's because we were born in the same year, 1945, but I don't think so. At least, that's not all of it. Rutter, an Englishman whose reputation rests mainly on sacred music and a handful of classic modern carols, here presents a program of entirely instrumental music. In many ways this recording establishes him as a worthy heir of Ralph Vaughn Williams, Gustav Holst, and John Ireland, premier members of an earlier generation of English composers that included Frank Bridge, Frederick Delius, and Peter Warlock who also wrote carols (e.g., Holst's "In the Bleak Mid Winter," Warlock's "Adam Lay Ybounden," and Vaughn Williams's "Forest Green") and extensively employed folk materials in their compositions.

Rutter's "Star Carol" and "Nativity Carol" are rightly regarded as among the finest Christmas music composed in the 20th century. His Requiem and Gloria have been widely performed around the world, and his Mass for the Children has also been warmly received. Not especially noted as an instrumental composer, Rutter admirably demonstrates on this disc his considerable abilities in a non-vocal setting. His Suite for Strings resonates nicely with Holst's Brook Green Suite and Saint Paul's Suite, and his Suite Antique recalls Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances.

Very pleasant, if not essential, contemporary classical instrumental music. ****1/2.

John Rutter, a contemporary composer best known for his choral music, shows off his talent for orchestral music in "Distant Land," conducting the Royal Philharmonic. Rutter freely admits that most of the pieces on this CD had their roots in songs and choral music, and indeed the works here are distinguished mainly by their songlike melodies. Frankly, I find the "Beatles Concerto" little more than a novelty, but other works here--particularly the "Five Meditations for Orchestra"--I could listen to with pleasure every day of my life. Another reviewer on this site compared these pieces to Holst's "Brook Green Suite" and Respighi's "Ancient Airs and Dances," and indeed anyone who likes those works will like Rutter's orchestral music. As an orchestral composer, Rutter lacks the complexity that would elevate him to the top rank of British composers--Elgar, Delius, Vaughan Williams, Britten--but he deserves a solid place on the second rung with Holst, Finzi and Bax. In an age when most classical composers seemingly strive to portray their latest migraines in music, it's pleasant to encounter a composer who isn't afraid to write something pretty.

John Rutter is one of today's leading composers and arrangers of music for chorus and orchestra. Some of his best works are featured in this instrumental album played with a lush flavor. But the highlight is a concerto arrangement of top Beatle's songs played in a symphonic mode featuring two pianos. You have the feel of the great master composers and the fun of listening to an unbelievable transition from rock to classical. Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, and Can't Buy Me Love sound like they're straight from Carnegie Hall Steinways. A most unusual and beautiful instrumental album.

A must have for any fan of Rutter's choral music. This completely orchestral album is full of tender and charming music that is so "Rutter." His restrained and delicate hand in choral music is ever present in these beautiful orchestrations. Not at all heavy or overwrought, these songs are easy and approachable by any ears.

I have sung many of Rutter's choral works and arrangements, but I never knew that he had done orchestral works until I heard the Beatles Concerto on the radio. I had to have this album, and I was not disappointed. Distant Land is inspiring, the other works are very pleasurable, and as an old baby boomer Beatles fan, I just love to sing along with the concerto, even if he did steal shamelessly from Chopin and Rachmaninof for some of the piano interludes. I have searched for a copy of the score, but I can't yet find it.

Beautiful instrumental setting. Distant Land (the first track) is surely the highlight of the album. The Five Meditations are also very pleasant to listen to. The suite for strings is great to if you like a little bit of "Modern influence". The Suite Antique is fun but sometimes it sounds "awkward" as the "baroque style" instrumentation and the "contemporary" musical themes clash from time to time. The Beatles Cto is a curiosity. Great if you like to collect all these type of Beatles arrangements (baroque style, classical style, string quartet settings, etc.)

Ever since I heard the Beatles Concerto being used to help raise money on our local NPR station, I had to have Distant Land. Needless to say, I coudn't get the Orlando NPR people to give me any help, wouldn't answer my eMail requests for the source, so it took some searching to add the disc to my collection.
It's like Sterling on Siver.............CTP

I have enjoyed most of the works by John Rutter. This collection presentation is fast becoming one of my favorites.

this CD contains the most beautiful arrangement of Beatles music I have ever heard. I have gifted many friends with this CD and the response has been the same from all. The first part is primarily Rutter`s music which is always beautiful of course but don`t stop there suddenly this beautiful sound starts and you realize yes, it`s the Beatles music played as you have never heard it before. It brought tears to my husband`s eyes --he`s no cry baby just loves music. Trust me this is a winner

I was thoroughly pleased with this purchase. One of the best CD's in my collection. Very soothing to listen to. I was never a great Beatles fan, but listening to this rendition of their works was extemely pleasing.
I highly recomend it.
Dan Barber