Review:

This CD is an excellent introduction to the religious choral music of Swiss composer, organist and pianist Carl Rütti (b. 1949). At 70', it includes three substantial works, the Missa Angelorum, the Magnificat and Alpha et Omega, as well as two shorter pieces; all date from the 1980s and early 1990s. The audio clips give some idea of the harmonic and rhythmic flavor of his style, but little of the subtlety of his word setting or (most importantly) how masterfully he can sustain interest over the course of a work and create satisying forms. The individuality of his music comes less from any striking innovations or experimental elements in its language than from the honest and deeply felt expressiveness. I find something gratifyingly authentic at the core of Rütti's music that is extremely satisfying, quite apart from the often beautiful sounds he creates.

Rütti has been profoundly influenced by the English choral tradition, and a number of first-rate British choirs have returned the compliment. These a cappella performances by the BBC Symphony Chorus under Stephen Jackson are top-notch. As a starting point for an exploration of this composer's music, you can't do better. Nicholas A Deutsch (Amazon)