John Rutter

The English composer Alec Roth has been active for several decades and collaborated with Indian novelist Vikram Seth on an opera in the 1990s. Here he seems to tread into the profitable choral music territory mined by John Rutter. Although he is in no way a clone of Rutter, your reactions to that composer may give you an idea of how you'll feel about the Roth works here.

Introducing a revolutionary new CD that challenges the stereotypes and prejudices against the double bass. This tribute album showcases the full potential and versatility of the instrument, featuring compositions by renowned composers such as Myroslav Skoryks, John Rutter, Peteris Vasks, and Sergei Rachmaninov. Experience the warm, soft, and welcoming tone of the double bass as it takes center stage in this diverse collection of music. From the spiritual anthem of Ukraine, Melodie by Myroslav Skoryks, to the familiar choral sounds of John Rutter's The Lord Bless You and Keep You, this album is a love letter to the double bass and an invitation to embrace its songful and tuneful credentials.

My Lord has Come is a wonderful collection of Christmas music, brilliantly performed by the Ardingly College Schola Cantorum under the direction of the school’s Director of Music, Richard Stafford. The repertoire is picked from across the English choral canon, from Orlando Gibbons to living composer Will Todd. No Christmas performance is complete without traditional favourites, and this disc includes carols by John Rutter, Philip Ledger, Peter Warlock and John Gardner that will be familiar to everyone. In addition, there are newer works by Eric Whitacre and Philip Stopford, and settings by Rachmaninov, Andrew Carter and June Nixon. Together this makes for a recording that is a delightful mixture of carols new and old. As part of the Woodard Corporation, Ardingly College is a school with the chapel at the heart of its daily life. This is reflected in the vibrant choirs at the school, including the Schola Cantorum, the college chamber choir. Under the direction of Richard Stafford, music at the school has flourished, and this disc is evidence of his expert and inspired stewardship.