Hymn to the Creator of Light, by John Rutter

Quire of Cheahs presents the ravishing (and rarely heard) "Hymn to the Creator of Light" by the celebrated English composer, John Rutter. The work sets the text of Lancelot Andrewes, a leading Anglican theologian of his day, one of the translators of the King James Bible, and Bishop of Winchester from 1618 until his death. His "Preces privatae", from which the text is taken, is a collection of Latin prayers and meditations. This double-choir anthem was commissioned and premièred by the cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester and their respective conductors at that time: John Sanders, Roy Massey and Donald Hunt. It is dedicated to the memory of Herbert Howells (with whom Rutter became closely acquainted in the 1970s) and was sung at the dedication of the Howells memorial window by Caroline Swash which adorns Gloucester Cathedral. This anthem occasionally uses musical gestures reminiscent of that composer’s style. The mysterious, quasi-plainsong opening sung by the second choir is answered as if from on high by the first choir. This eventually leads to an antiphonal central section in which the two choirs continue to answer each other. One of the most magical harmonic transitions ushers in a quieter final section where Johann Crüger's chorale "Schmücke dich" is delicately and gorgeously reharmonized by Rutter, bringing the work to a peaceful conclusion. -- Glory be to thee, O Lord, glory be to thee, Creator of the visible light, the sun’s ray, the flame of fire; Creator also of the light invisible and intellectual: that which is known of God, the light invisible. Glory be to thee, O Lord, glory be to thee, Creator of the light, for writings of the law, glory be to thee: for oracles of prophets, glory be to thee: for melody of psalms, glory be to thee: for wisdom of proverbs, glory be to thee: experience of histories, glory be to thee: a light which never sets. God is the Lord, who hath shewed us light. Light, who dost my soul enlighten; Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Joy, the sweetest man e’er knoweth; Fount, whence all my being floweth. From thy banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; Through the gifts thou here dost give us, As thy guest in heav’n receive us.