John Rutter & Catrin Finch: Blessing - an album guide
Arrangements of Rutter's best-loved choral classics, orchestrated for harp and chamber orchestra, alongside new compositions, John Rutter and Catrin Finch's autumnal album is a must-listen for fans of choral music and harp-lovers alike.
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1. A Gaelic Blessing: Meditation
Choral fans will recognise Rutter's serene melody, given a beautiful reworking by Catrin Finch on the harp. It's still ultimately recognisable, but with an improvisatory twist - and a mellow flute tune for good measure.
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2. The Lord Bless You And Keep You: Meditation
Swelling strings and a harp improvisation transform Rutter's original choral piece into a soothing instrumental meditation.
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3. Lullaby For Ana Gwen
Master of hummable tunes, Rutter strikes again with this lilting lullaby. Fluttering flute melodies float over gentle strings as Catrin's harp adds a touch of magic to proceedings. Beautiful.
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4. Celtic Concerto: Jig A Jig
It's not just John Rutter proving he knows how to write a good tune. Catrin's fingers dance over her fast-paced Celtic Concerto, a piece she composed especially for this collaborative album.
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5. Celtic Concerto: Hiraeth
There's a gentle nod to British legends Vaughan Williams and Delius in the second movement of Catrin's pastoral concerto, with delicate harp melodies accompanied by a bed of lush strings.
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6. Celtic Concerto: Solstice
Optimistic and uplifting, the final movement of Celtic Concerto is another nod to the autumnal feel of the album. It's a perfect fit with the lyrical choral arrangements from John Rutter.
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7. Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn (Arranged by John Rutter)
The first of three traditional Welsh pieces, this is a nod to Catrin's homeland. There's something inherently 'folky' about music for the harp, and this delicate arrangement won't disappoint.
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8. Beth Yw'r Haf I Mi? (Arranged by John Rutter)
A special appearance from soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, whose pure tones suit this Celtic lament perfectly. It's a simple duet for harp and voice, explaining the tale of a lost love as the wind whistles in the trees.
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9. Migldi Magldi (Arranged by John Rutter)
A bassoon and harp duet, performed by Catrin Finch and Louise Watson, keeping the mood of the Welsh traditional song even without the lyrics.
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10. Suite Lyrique: Prelude
John Rutter showcases his latest composition in this sprightly orchestral suite. The peaceful Prelude gives us a taste of what's to come - harp and orchestra work together in a call-and-response style, as they gracefully pass the tune between them.
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11. Suite Lyrique: Ostinato
Lovers of Rutter's choral gems such as Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day will enjoy the hop-skip-and-jump feel of this sprightly second movement, as the exciting harp melody springs from Catrin's fingers with ease.
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12. Suite Lyrique: Aria
There's something of a mournful Baroque feel to this stately middle movement, with its open harmonies and trills - but John Rutter's soupy string writing ensures the music still retains a modern feel.
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13. Suite Lyrique: Waltz
It's not your traditional waltz, jammed with offbeat chords and maybe even a slight hint of 'These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things', but the warmth of Finch's playing and Rutter's superb string arrangements are quite enough to escort you to an autumnal wonderland. Blissful, yet nimble.
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14. Suite Lyrique: Chanson
As the song-like title suggests, this is a far more lyrical effort than the other instalments in this Suite Lyrique. Finch's ability to bring the melody to the fore and makes it, yes, more vocal-sounding, is second-to-none, and she ekes out every available scrap of expression in the process. Photo: Facebook
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15. Suite Lyrique: Rondeau
A tripping 5/4 time signature gives this dance a thrilling edge and sense of precarious balance. There's also a sublime slower section in the middle of the movement that allows Finch to squeeze in some sweeping, grandiose harp chords too. Photo: Facebook
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16. Lullaby for Pegi
Rutter is something of an expert when it comes to this kind of thing. A delicate melody, taken on first by the oboe and accompanied by the harp of Catrin Finch, blossoms into something rather poignant and powerful by the time it's over - with full marks to Finch for providing the various iterations of the melody with such sensitive support.
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17. A Clare Benediction
John Rutter was once a member of the choir of Clare College Cambridge, and what better musical legacy to leave than this plaintive, twinkling melody. Deftly sung by a lone soprano, it's up to Finch to provide that sensitive accompaniment again, allowing Rutter's melody to take centre stage in a work that's clearly been closely informed by the composer's own life.
