John Rutter, Manchester Camerata - Classical Tranquillity (2023) (Hi-Res)

We’re delighted to share news of John Rutter’s first orchestral album for several years: Classical Tranquillity, recorded with Manchester Camerata. The new release comprises tranquil classical music by a selection of composers, including J.S. Bach, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Erik Satie, newly arranged and orchestrated by John Rutter. There’s also an orchestral version of John’s choral setting of Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

“Tranquillity is a state of mind. You might be more likely to describe a favourite countryside scene rather than a person as ‘tranquil’, but you are really describing the effect it has on you. You feel calm, serene, still, at peace, relaxed, untroubled, chilled-out . . . Perhaps we have so many different words for this state of mind because it is so important, and yet so elusive in an often noisy, frantic world.”

Music has an extraordinary power to evoke tranquillity – as is revealed in the eleven pieces I have chosen to make up this collection. Ten of them happen to be among my personal favourites, drawn from the music of seven composers, plus the treasure trove of anonymous folk music, and I have added an orchestral version of my choral setting of Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace, a text formerly believed to be by St Francis of Assisi.”

Tracklist
01. She Moved Through the Fair (Arr. for Flute, Violin, Harp & Orchestra by John Rutter)
02. 3 Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent et douloureux (Arr. for Clarinet & Orchestra by John Rutter)
03. 2 Pieces for Small Orchestra, RT VI/19: No. 1, On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring
04. Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 (Version for Orchestra)
05. 5 Meditations for Orchestra: No. 4, Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
06. Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: II. Allegretto grazioso (Arr. for Orchestra by John Rutter)
07. Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach (1725): No. 25, Bist du bei mir, BWV 508 [Arr. for Orchestra by John Rutter]
08. Sonatine, M. 40: II. Mouvement de menuet (Arr. for Orchestra by John Rutter)
09. Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Arr. for Orchestra by John Rutter)
10. Semele, HWV 58: Where'er You Walk (Arr. for Oboe & Orchestra by John Rutter)
11. Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV 208 "Hunting Cantata": No. 9, Sheep May Safely Graze (Arr. for Orchestra by John Rutter)