John Rutter's Requiem, a composition for solo soprano, mixed chorus, and small orchestra or organ with instrumental ensemble, is a compelling affirmation of the Christian doctrine of death and eternal life. It is also a substantial and sincere work that strives to be broadly appealing while maintaining a spiritual context centered on themes of light and consolation. The work does not follow the usual order of the Requiem Mass as set forth in the Catholic liturgy, but Rutter personalizes his Requiem by adding movements that are not traditionally part of the funeral mass - passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, for example - and this proves to be an effective strategy. Highlights include "Out of the Deep," whose modal melody and harmonies give it the flavor of a spiritual, and the wonderfully gentle and restful 23rd Psalm.
The first movement consists of the introit from the Requiem ("Requiem aeternam") and the Kyrie. The work begins with a steady kettledrum beat, to which the instruments enter, at first without a defined key. The voices enter in measure seven, singing in unison on the note C "Requiem aeternam". The text "Kyrie eleison" begins after that in G major.
The second movement is entitled "Out of the Deep", the English version of Psalm 130, a psalm often used at Anglican funerals. It is in C minor and begins with an extended cello solo. Its motifs are taken up by the voices, first alto and bass in unison, in the low register.
The third movement is the Pie Jesu, a text that concludes the Dies irae sequence. Rutter, like Fauré and Duruflé before him, omits the sequence itself but includes the prayer to Jesus. It begins with a soprano soloist singing with a very light accompaniment, with only a slight involvement of the choir, echoing the words "Dona eis requiem, Dona eis sempiternam requiem".
The central movement is the Sanctus (with Benedictus), a lively and exclamatory movement, brightly orchestrated with bells, flute and oboe, and occasional timpani, recalling the Old Testament passage about the worship of the six-winged seraphim in the heavenly throne room of God.
The fifth movement is the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) of the Requiem. Rutter uses a steady beat on one note, similar to the timpani in the first movement. The Latin text is contrasted with another biblical passage, "Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live," from the Book of Job. The Agnus Dei, at measure 58, is the dynamic climax of the Requiem. After an instrumental interlude that quotes a melody associated with Easter, the voices sing very softly, "I am the resurrection and the life," from the Book of John.
The sixth movement is Psalm 23, another psalm often used at Anglican funerals. It mentions the "valley of the shadow of death," but is an expression of trust in God and the hope of dwelling in His house forever.
The seventh movement includes words from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer funeral service ("I heard a voice from heaven...") and the Communion chant from the Latin Requiem (Lux aeterna).
This is a life-affirming Requiem imbued with a rich and tender lyricism. John Rutter is unafraid to compose instantly memorable melodies, which has made his music popular around the world, especially with choral societies. In a world where so many composers believe that music is no longer primarily about melody, Rutter stands out as someone who defiantly bucks the trend.
Listen to: Rivertree Singers & Friends Choral Festival conducted by Warren Cook.