And now for something completely...Wonderful

How does one Oriana Choir follow two highly successful seasons like Dancing Queen and Reflections?

Short answer: with something completely different. Longer answer: with two thrilling choral works from one composer, namely John Rutter, and his Magnificat and Requiem.

John Rutter is an English composer, conductor and arranger, born in 1945, and actively involved in performing, and later composing choral music since his late teens. In 1963, he was one of the choristers taking part in the first ever recording of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. Rutter is arguably the twentieth century’s most popular composer of sacred music. He has written many carols and anthems which are loved by millions of people, and performed by countless vocal ensembles the world over. Among his much-loved compositions are such gems as “The Lord Bless You And Keep You”; “For the Beauty of the Earth”; “Angels’ Carol”; “A Ukrainian Prayer”; and his own sublime treatment of “The Lord is My Shepherd”. Rutter’s extended, major works include his Gloria, Suite Antique, Mass of the Children, Magnificat and Requiem.

Magnificat, or “The Song of Mary” as it is known in English; and Requiem (“Mass for the Dead”); are both long established musical forms, with compositions of both, by many composers, dating back to the very earliest days of the Christian church’s existence. The musical style of each is usually determined by whatever was current in musical circles at the time of its composition.

In this regard, Rutter’s compositions are no exception. While retaining the basic structure and sequence of movements in each work, there is no mistaking the fact that they are both products of later twentieth century musical styles and sensibilities. Rutter was able to produce works that sounded and felt ‘modern’, even to the extent of eliciting an inclination to ‘sing along’ and even dance to some of the music, without losing for one moment the respect and reverence for the subject matter. Consequently, his Magnificat and Requiem are among the most accessible, and enjoyable, in the entire canon.

So, how does the Choir follow Dancing Queen and Reflections? With music as wonderful as these two masterworks by John Rutter, it’s not a difficult question to answer. Over the next couple of months, Oriana will bring it all together, and in November you will be treated to something very, very special.

Ian Rix

21 September, 2024

Performances

Saturday, November 16th, 2.00 pm – Maleny State Primary School

Sunday, November 17th, 2.00 pm - Stella Maris Performance Centre, Maroochydore

For bookings and information, go to www.oriana.org.au