Dive into the enchanting world of storytelling with John Rutter's "3 Musical Fables," a captivating album released in 2003 under the Collegium label. This choral masterpiece weaves together three timeless tales: "The Wind in the Willows," "Brother Heinrich's Christmas," and "The Reluctant Dragon," each brought to life through Rutter's distinctive compositional style.
Spanning a total of 26 tracks and clocking in at just under an hour and ten minutes, the album is a delightful blend of genres, primarily choral with a touch of Christmas music. Rutter's collaboration with renowned artists such as The King's Singers and the City of London Sinfonia ensures a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
"The Wind in the Willows" opens the album with a lively introduction, setting the stage for the whimsical adventures of Rat and Mole. The narrative unfolds through a series of musical vignettes, each capturing the essence of Kenneth Grahame's beloved characters and their escapades. From the cozy scene at Badger's House to the thrilling recapture of Toad Hall, Rutter's music paints a vivid picture that will charm listeners of all ages.
The second fable, "Brother Heinrich's Christmas," offers a more contemplative journey. Inspired by the legend of Brother Heinrich Seuse, this suite tells the story of a monk's quest to compose a new carol for Christmas. The music is imbued with a sense of reverence and wonder, culminating in the ethereal "Angels' Carol" and a joyful Christmas dinner celebration.
The album concludes with "The Reluctant Dragon," a playful and humorous tale of a dragon who would rather sing than fight. The music is lively and engaging, featuring a memorable tournament scene and a festive banquet fugue. The final track, "Let's Begin Again," leaves listeners with a sense of warmth and satisfaction, as if they've just enjoyed a delightful evening of storytelling and song.
John Rutter's "3 Musical Fables" is a testament to the power of music to bring stories to life. With its engaging narratives, memorable melodies, and superb performances, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights that will captivate and enchant listeners time and time again.
Tracks
The Wind in the Willows: No. 1, IntroductionJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 2, Rat and Mole Meet (A Life on the River)John Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Alastair Hume, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 3, Scene at Badger's HouseJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Alastair Hume, Colin Mason, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 4, Toad's CarJohn Rutter, Richard Baker
The Wind in the Willows: No. 5, Court SceneJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Simon Carrington, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 6, Toad in Gaol (Let Me Tickle Your Fancy)John Rutter, Richard Baker, Jeremy Jackman, Bill Ives, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 7, Toad's Song (I've Got Style)John Rutter, Richard Baker, Bill Ives, The King's Singers, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 8, The Recapture of Toad Hall (Let's Wallop a Weasel)John Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Alastair Hume, Colin Mason, Bill Ives, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 9, The Banquet at Toad HallJohn Rutter, Anthony Holt, Alastair Hume, Colin Mason, Bill Ives, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Wind in the Willows: No. 10, Finale. Home Is a Special Kind of FeelingJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Alastair Hume, Colin Mason, Bill Ives, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 1, IntroductionJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 2, Sigismund Sings in the Abbey ChoirJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 3, Sigismund Is DismissedJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 4, Brother Heinrich and the New CarolJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 5, The Angels Appear on Christmas EveJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 6, Brother Heinrich Writes Down the Angels' CarolJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, City of London Sinfonia
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 7, Christmas MorningJohn Rutter, Brian Kay
Brother Heinrich's Christmas: No. 8, The Angels' Carol and Christmas DinnerJohn Rutter, Brian Kay, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 1, IntroductionJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 2, The Boy Visits the Dragon's CaveJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Jeremy Jackman, Bill Ives, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 3, The Villagers and St. George ArriveJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Bill Ives, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 4, I Say, Old BoyJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Bill Ives, Jeremy Jackman, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 5, Planning the Tournament (First He Waves His Spear Around)John Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Bill Ives, Jeremy Jackman, The King's Singers, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 6, The TournamentJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Bill Ives, Jeremy Jackman, Simon Carrington, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 7, Banquet FugueJohn Rutter, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
The Reluctant Dragon: No. 8, Finale. Let's Begin AgainJohn Rutter, Richard Baker, Anthony Holt, Bill Ives, Jeremy Jackman, The King's Singers, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Hickox
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