Sing Ye Heavens - Hymns for All Time

Cambridge Singers (Artist), John Rutter (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 2, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collegium
• ASIN: B00004WGEZ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,567 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's good to have the clean-vowelled, fresh-voiced Cambridge Singers back in action with composer John Rutter, who demonstrates once again his considerable talents as a choral director. Here, he also had his work cut out arranging 15 of the tracks (and composing one other). Divided up into various categories, such as "the Eucharist" and "folk hymns," this album will delight the confirmed hymn enthusiast, provided that he or she doesn't insist on the pure, as-written product. Rutter's reworkings range from the bold and brassy (occasionally deliciously over the top--what would Martin Luther have thought of the naughtiness in "A mighty fortress is our God"?) to those of harp-accompanied simplicity, not least in the charming lines of "Be thou my vision." Several tasteful descants are models of their kind. There are some surprises at which to chuckle. For example, not the expected brass and organ job on "We plough the fields and scatter," but a dainty, tripping harp accompaniment to the familiar melody, such as Haydn might have wedded to a Scottish folksong. Occasional numbers might be too saccharine for some tastes, but there are cunningly placed samples of Gregorian chant, Tallis, and Gibbons to provide contrast and cleanse the palate. --Andrew Green

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Heaven, June 9, 2001

By A Customer

This CD is really wonderful. The choice music is very well-rounded, which kept me listening all the time. Most of the hymn are from the Anglican Hymnal, but Mr Rutter arranges them for four-part choir and the most beautiful descants I have ever heard. The Cambridge Singers are their usual brilliance, giving the hymns a magical touch. What is also great, is to see a new composition by John Rutter. 'Eternal God' is a really lovely hymn, with a beautiful melody, that I was ringing in my head for the next few days. Overall - a wonderful CD, which is a must for anyone. As one of the earlier reviews said, you don't need to be Anglican to enjoy the sheer brilliance of John Rutter's work and the splendid job by the Cambridge Singers.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious!, December 23, 2000

By	ngsr (Santa Barbara, California USA) - See all my reviews

You don't have to be an Anglican or even a Christian to appreciate this glorious collection of hymns. I have most of the Cambridge Singers' recordings and enjoy all of them. I think John Rutter is one of the finest comtemporary choral directors AND composers of hymns. Even though most of these hymns are from the Anglican hymnal, the arrangements are very interesting. I like Rutter's original compositions and hope they will record them as soon as they are published. There is one Rutter hymn on this recording and several of his arrangements of traditional hymns. I would say for all John Rutter/Cambridge Singers fans, run and buy this recording -- you will not be disappointed.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice selection of hymns, November 1, 2000

By	C. Anderson James "cajames" (Whitestone, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

John Rutter has long been one of my favorite composers, conductors, and arrangers of modern times. His latest recording does not disappoint overall. The Cambridge Singers have always had a wonderful sound, and Rutter's arrangements of these classic hymns are a good use of their talents. Most of the performances are very simple, accompanied only by organ, though several of the more "raucous" arrangements add brass for a bit more power. However, none of the performances really have the power that really shows off a good choir. There's just a little bit lacking in the most powerful arrangements, though "Christ is made the sure foundation" is almost there. I also find Rutter's inclusion of his own recent composition "Eternal God" slightly pretentious, but I don't hold that against him or the recording. Overall, it's a GREAT choice of hymns that showcase this wonderful choral sound.