John Rutter: Magnificat

John Rutter's Magnificat for soprano soloist, choir, and orchestra was written in 1990. The text, based on the prayer ascribed by St. Luke to the Virgin Mary on learning that she was to give birth to Christ, is extended by the interpolation of Marian prayers and poems chosen by the composer. This album is a re-issue of the original recording featuring The Cambridge Singers, the City of London Sinfonia, soprano Patricia Forbes, and John Rutter conducting. While the canticle Magnificat has often been set to music as it is a regular part of Catholic vespers and Anglican evensong, this particular work is one of a few extended settings- this work has seven movements. Rutter drew influence from J. S. Bach's Magnificat, which also structures the text in movements of different character. Rutter's Magnificat was composed on commission by MidAmerica Productions, a concert organization in New York performing in Carnegie Hall with a choir of 200 selected voices from all over the United States. The piece has a distinct Latin flair, as Rutter was also inspired by "jubilant celebrations of Mary in Hispanic cultures."