for mixed choir (double choir for movement 3) with orchestra or chamber ensemble The Gift of Life is a six-movement choral celebration of the living earth and its creation. Setting a variety of sacred texts, including new words by the composer, the work includes the mystical 'Hymn to the Creator of Light', for double choir, as its central canticle. The surrounding movements offer a kaleidoscope of moods, from the spirited 'O all ye works of the Lord' to the majestic 'O Lord, how manifold are thy works' and culminating in the inspirational 'Believe in life'. The accompaniment is available in two versions: full orchestra or chamber ensemble. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.
O all ye works of the Lord ; The tree of life ; Hymn to the Creator of
Light ; O Lord, how manifold are thy works ; The gift of each day ; Finale:
Believe in life
John Rutter studied music at Clare College, Cambridge and first came to notice as a composer and arranger of Christmas carols and other choral pieces during those early years; today his compositions, including such concert-length works as Requiem,Magnificat,Mass of the Children,The Gift of Life, and Visionsare performed around the world. John edits the Oxford Choral Classics series,and, with Sir David Willcocks, co-edited four volumes of Carols for Choirs.In 1983 he formed his own choir The Cambridge Singers, with whom he has made numerous recordings on the Collegium Records label, and he appears regularly in several countries as a guest conductor and choral ambassador.John holds a Lambeth Doctorate in Music in 2007 was awarded a CBE for services to music.In September 2023, he received the Ivors Academy Fellowship, and in 2024 he was knighted in the Kings Birthday Honours.
