Rutter's first two published compositions, written while he was still a teenager, were Christmas pieces for choir, namely the glorious "Nativity Carol" and the infectious "Shepherd's Pipe Carol". Although very different in character, these two carols (for which ...
Christmas Magic, 2008-12-06
This is the first time I have submitted a review, but those loving John Rutter's own carols and arrangements should know that this is a superb, almost certainly the best, compilation. It includes the beautiful and ever popular Nativity Carol and Shepherd's Pipe Carol which he wrote in his teens and after that most of the carols he has composed. The accompanying notes include all the words, which is such a help, and give information about when and for whom or what occasion each carol came to be written. And most importantly they were recorded when John Rutter had put together a superb singing group, The Cambridge Singers. It doesn't get any better than this.