RUTTER Suite for Strings

English composer John Rutter (b.1945) is best known for being a composer of choral music, whether sacred or secular, so it is always a bit of a surprise for audiences to see his name attached to an instrumental work. In the grand old British tradition of making a big deal of folksongs, in 1971 Rutter wrote a Suite for Strings, in which each movement was based on a different traditional melody from England or Scotland. I. A-roving 0:00 II. I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue 3:32 III. Oh Waly Waly 6:53 IV. Dashing Away 11:00 Singapore Symphony Orchestra Kong Zhao Hui, concertmaster The Singapore Symphony is grateful to the composer, John Rutter, and publisher, Mozart Edition (Great Britain) Ltd for their permissions to publish this video recording. Recorded live at the Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore, on 25 February 2024. Cover: Bluebonnets, by Robert Willliam Wood (1889 - 1979) His background in composing for voices is evident from his clear writing for the different string sections, as well as the choice of subject matter. Vivace, lively and lilting, is based on "They Are A-Roving", but manages to weave in another song "I Sowed the Seeds of Love". Allegretto comodo e grazioso takes its theme from "I Have a Bonnet Trimmed With Blue" and is all frilly feminine elegance. "O Waly Waly" is the inspiration for the Andante espressivo, and its uplifting melody bears a marked resemblance to similar songs such as "You Raise Me Up" and "O Danny Boy". The final movement Presto, based on "Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron", works in The Bailiff’s Daughter of Islington in counterpoint with almost Handelian effect. Join us as a YouTube channel member today    / @singaporesymphony