Composer of the Week - John Rutter (born 1945)

Download John Rutter (born 1945)

This week, Donald Macleod visits Sir John Rutter at his Cambridgeshire home to celebrate his 80th birthday and explore the twists and turns of his extraordinary career. One of the most influential choral composers of the 20th and 21st centuries – and for many, the sound of Christmas – Rutter is also an international conductor, arranger, editor and producer, describing himself as a musical “magpie.” Across the week, we hear hallmark carols alongside music shaped by his life’s milestones: from childhood in London and formative years in Cambridge, to his long association with America, his response to personal tragedy, and his latest creative ventures.

Music featured:

Nativity Carol
4 Orchestral Miniatures: Dance to Your Daddy
London Town: A Choral Celebration
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Visions
Cityscapes: Flower of Cities All
Banquet Fugue (from The Reluctant Dragon)
A Clare Benediction
Reflections: Prelude
What Sweeter Music
Wind in the Willows (Extract – Opening)
Somerset Wassail
Candlelight Carol
I’ll Make Me a World
Gloria
Cityscapes: Big Apple
Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit
Lord Make me an Instrument (arr. for orchestra)
Requiem: Lux Aeterna
Mass of the Children: Sanctus and Benedictus
The Gift of Life: The Gift of Each Day
There is a flower
When Icicles Hang: Good Ale
Bird Songs: If I were an Owl
Dancing Tree (In My Garden)
Celebration Overture
All the Stars Looked Down
Carol of the Magi

Presented by Donald Macleod.
Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales & West.

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for John Rutter (b 1945) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mk0y.

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z.

Published on Friday, 5th December 2025.

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