John Rutter: Reflections

John Rutter may be predominantly known as a choral composer (and the undoubted king of Christmas music), but over the years, he’s allowed himself to veer from the choral path to write a number of compelling and brilliantly wrought instrumental, chamber and orchestral works. This collection is the first to exclusively showcase his orchestral output—and it’s a genuine feast. The opening, catchy Celebration Overture, composed in 2023 for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, has unashamed roots in the old world of orchestral TV themes, while the piano concerto Reflections initially draws heavily on Ravel and Gershwin for the classical-meets-light jazz feel of its outer movements. Its pastoral central “Interlude” is vintage Rutter, its harmonies constantly delighting and teasing. Pianist Steven Osborne proves a superb champion of this light but hugely appealing work. The charming Four Miniatures for Orchestra complete with folk-song finale, the bustling Cityscapes composed in the early 1970s, and the beautiful, enigmatic Elegy make up the rest of this window onto a rarer side of a great British composer. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are superb advocates throughout.