Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Sacred music

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

4:53

'What Sweeter Music' is a choral composition by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor. It was composed in 1988 and premiered in the same year by the Cambridge Singers, a choir founded and directed by Rutter himself. The piece is written for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir and is approximately four minutes long. The composition consists of four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement begins with a gentle and peaceful melody sung by the sopranos, which is then joined by the rest of the choir. The lyrics, written by Robert Herrick, describe the birth of Jesus and the joy it brings to the world. The movement ends with a soft and serene conclusion. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The lyrics, also written by Herrick, describe the angels singing and rejoicing at the birth of Jesus. The choir sings in harmony, with each voice part contributing to the overall sound. The third movement is slower and more contemplative, with a simple melody and a focus on the lyrics. The words, written by Richard Crashaw, describe the beauty of the nativity scene and the love that Jesus brings to the world. The choir sings in unison, with the sopranos and altos taking turns singing the melody. The final movement is a reprise of the first, with the same melody and lyrics. However, the choir sings with more energy and enthusiasm, reflecting the joy and celebration of the Christmas season. Overall, 'What Sweeter Music' is a beautiful and uplifting choral composition that captures the spirit of Christmas. Rutter's use of harmonies and melodies creates a rich and complex sound, while the lyrics convey the joy and wonder of the nativity story. It has become a popular piece for choirs around the world and is often performed during the holiday season.

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