Across the Pond

English composer Sir John Rutter is one of the biggest names in the 20th and 21st century choral world, whose music, for many listeners, represents the sound of Christmas. Also an international conductor, editor, arranger and record producer, he describes himself as a musical 'magpie'. Donald Macleod visits John at his home in the Cambridgeshire countryside, amidst the celebrations of his 80th birthday, to discuss the twists and turns of his extraordinary career. Across the week, we delight in some of his hallmark carols, and hear about the full breadth and depth of his musical life across his eight decades, with some of his hot-off-the-press recordings.

Today, John talks about his long association with America, where he has worked for the past 50 years, as a conductor as well as a composer. We hear about 'pinch me' moments on the stage of Carnegie Hall, his experiences working with choirs in the States, and how his love for American music has fed into his own writing.

Somerset Wassail
The United States Air Force Singing Sargents
Dennis M. Layendecker, conductor

Candlelight Carol
Polyphony
Stephen Layton, conductor

I’ll Make Me a World (excerpt)
Roderick Williams, baritone
Melanie Marshall, alto
The Cambridge Singers
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

Gloria
Mary Seers, soprano
Mary Hitch, soprano
Caroline Ashton, soprano
The Cambridge Singers
Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
John Scott, organ
Gary Kettel, timpani
Eric Allen, percussion
John Rutter, conductor

Cityscapes: Big Apple
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit;
Melanie Marshall, vocals
The Cambridge Singers
BBC Concert Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West