Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

September 24, 1945 in London, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Choral

 

John Rutter is a British composer, conductor, and arranger of choral music. He was born on September 24, 1945, in London, England. His parents were both amateur musicians, and his father was the headmaster of a school in Highgate. Rutter showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He attended Highgate School, where he was a chorister in the school choir and began composing music. Rutter went on to study music at Clare College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the choir. He studied under the composer and conductor George Guest, who had a significant influence on his musical development. Rutter graduated from Cambridge in 1968 with a degree in music. After graduation, Rutter worked as a music teacher and conductor. He was the director of music at Clare College from 1975 to 1979 and the director of music at the University of Oxford from 1979 to 1981. During this time, he also began to gain recognition as a composer of choral music. Rutter's music is known for its accessibility and popularity. He has composed a wide range of works, including anthems, carols, and larger choral works. His music is often performed by amateur and professional choirs alike and has become a staple of the Christmas choral repertoire. One of Rutter's most famous works is his setting of the Christmas carol "Joy to the World." He also composed the popular carols "What Sweeter Music" and "Shepherd's Pipe Carol." In addition to his Christmas music, Rutter has composed a number of larger choral works, including his Requiem, Magnificat, and Gloria. Rutter's Requiem, composed in 1985, is a setting of the Latin Mass for the Dead. It is a peaceful and contemplative work that has become one of his most popular compositions. The work features a soprano soloist and a small orchestra, in addition to the choir. Rutter's Magnificat, composed in 1990, is a setting of the Magnificat text from the Gospel of Luke. The work is scored for choir, orchestra, and soprano soloist. It is a joyful and celebratory work that has become a favorite of choirs around the world. Rutter's Gloria, composed in 1974, is a setting of the Gloria text from the Latin Mass. The work is scored for choir, brass, percussion, and organ. It is a lively and exuberant work that has become one of Rutter's most popular compositions. In addition to his work as a composer, Rutter is also a conductor and arranger. He has conducted many of his own works, as well as works by other composers. He has also arranged a number of traditional folk songs and hymns for choir. Rutter has received many honors and awards for his contributions to choral music. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2007 for his services to music. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Durham and the University of Aberdeen. Today, Rutter continues to compose and conduct choral music. His music remains popular and widely performed around the world. He has had a significant impact on the world of choral music and has inspired countless musicians and singers.

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