John Rutter - The Importance of Choir (Interview)

John Rutter talks about the importance of choirs, and about the joy that people can experience, through singing.

John Rutter, English composer and conductor, is associated with choral music throughout the world. His recordings with the Cambridge Singers (the professional chamber choir he set up in 1983) have reached a wide global audience, many of them featuring his own music in definitive versions. Among John’s best-known choral works are Gloria, Requiem, Magnificat, Mass of the Children, and Visions, together with many church anthems, choral songs and Christmas carols.

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[keithparsons]

Worth transcribing:

"Choral music is not one of life's frills. It's something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls.

You express, when you sing, your soul in song. And when you get together with a group of other singers, it becomes more than the sum of the parts. All of those people are pouring out their hearts and souls in perfect harmony, which is kind of an emblem for what we need in this world when so much of the world is at odds with itself . . . that just to express, in symbolic terms, what it's like when human beings are in harmony: that's a lesson for our times and for all time. I profoundly believe that.

And musical excellence is, of course, at the heart of it, but even if the choir is not the greatest in the world the fact that they are meeting together has a social value; it has a communal value. And I always say that a church or a school without a choir is like a body without a soul. We have to have a soul in our lives.

And everybody tells me, who has sung in a choir, that they feel better for doing it. That, whatever the cares of the day, they maybe meet after a long day of school or work-- that, somehow, you leave your troubles at the door and, when you're sitting there making music for a couple hours at the end of the day, that's the only thing that matters at that moment. And you walk away refreshed; you walk away renewed.

And that's a value that goes just beyond the music itself. Of course, as a musician, I put the music at the heart of it, but all of these other values just stand out as a beacon.

I think our politicians need to take note-- my gosh, do they ever! And our educators, those who decide education budgets, church budgets-- just need to remember, it's not a frill. It's like a great oak that rises up from the center of the human race and spreads its branches everywhere.

That's what music does for us, and choral music must stand as one of the supreme examples."

[patriciaward]

My choir has sung several John Rutter pieces over the years and we love them. He just put into words exactly how I feel when I sing with my choir. I have always told people that my choir is like my second family! Thank you, Mr. Rutter, for these profound thoughts.

[Apricot]

Wise words from a very wise man. I totally admire John Rutter as a director, especially for his sacred choral works.

[coralpreludidamicsdelaunes]

Thank you so much for your wonderful words, "you express, when you sing, your soul in song" So true.
John Rutter, thanks you for your beautiful music

[nathanaelstasinski]

As a novice choir director that just took over a small Catholic Church choir a few months back, this was perhaps some of the best words of wisdom that I have heard. The world of Choral singing and choral music is indeed the unification of people. It is an art that people at both the professional and amateur levels can appreciate and enjoy.

[riverdonoghue]

John Rutter is a musical and spiritual treasure. Music and the arts generally are so important to us spiritually. I love John's Choral works.

[mathewroni]

Thank you John and all for the Beautiful, comprehensive expression rendering the dynamic value and timeless nature of music in bringing people together, and order in chaos. Thank you for your divinely-inspired gift that has brought people to THE LORD, and inspired many to pursue their passion of musical excellence in promoting harmony for humanity. God less you all.

[Trillora]

What can I say, but AMEN! As an avid choral singer, I appreciate these words so much!!

[NicholasWingComposer]

Beautifully said, and also expressed through your timeless compositions, Maestro Rutter.

[Ambioryx]

What a statement ! Thanks to John Rutter !

[musicvallee]

Thank you so much for your wonderful words, expressing the joy of singing with others in harmony. So true. I have recently sung The Lord Bless You and Keep You. Thank you so much for that lovely piece. On my YouTube channel, Sacrifice of Song, I have uploaded videos featuring songs I have written over the years in an attempt to praise God with melody and voice (emanating from heart and soul).

[MommeeMadre]

I pray that somehow you come to know the impact that you have had on children the world over. Including ME 🥰.