CD: John Rutter - Brass at Christmas
Black Dyke Band and Sheffield Philharmonic ChorusConducted by Nicholas Childs and Darius Battiwalla
This new album brings together a selection of John Rutter’s most famous Christmas carols in beautiful new arrangements for brass band by Luc Vertommen.
The album immediately sets the festive feel with the sparkling splendour of O Clap Your Hands, the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus soaring atop the splendid Black Dyke Band sound. In a contrast of styles, the band delivers a richly elegant Angels Carol and a tender Carol of the Magi featuring some deliciously expressive euphonium playing. Rejoice and be Merry enlivens the mood again with its animated joyous musical lines, before the well-known hymn, Be Thou My Vision. Utilising the alternative melody published in 1912 by Eleanor Hull, the work displays John Rutter’s wonderful gift of writing deceptively simple, yet touching melodies. A fabulous new brass band arrangement of Rutter’s ever-popular Star Carol follows, capturing the cheeky, excitable lines with ease, before the flowing Dormi, Jesu.
The chorus returns for one of Rutter’s earliest and most enduring carols, Nativity Carol, the listener enveloped in the warmth of sound as the peaceful melody develops. The band then delivers the jaunty Here We Come a-Wassailing with virtuosic aplomb, before the hopeful, lyrical fondness of New Year. To follow is Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, John Rutter’s first composition to be published in 1965. The syncopated rhythms, which bounce happily along, depict the story of a shepherd boy playing his pipes as he follows the star to Bethlehem. Christmas Lullaby fits like a glove for brass band, with the haunting melody and rich tonal quality proving hugely satisfying for the listener. In contrast, the lively Caribbean-inspired rhythms of Jesus Child bring a sense of light and optimism.
The much-loved Candlelight Carol has a gentle lullaby-like feel with beautifully shaped solo and section contributions, preceding the majestic splendour of Te Deum for brass band and chorus. This work recalls the pageantry that has formed part of the English choral tradition for centuries. The combination with brass band is spine-tingling in delivery throughout, from the bold fanfares of the opening to the exuberance of the finale. To close is Rutter’s brilliantly quirky setting of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, rounding off the album with a spirited flourish.
Packed to the gunnels with outstanding arrangements, both energetic and expressive, and delivered at tremendous quality, this is the perfect album for both brass band and John Rutter fans to get firmly into the spirt of Christmas.
THOMAS DUNNE
