Rutter, J. Paintings

John Milford Rutter CBE is an English composer, conductor, editor, arranger, and record producer, mainly of choral music. Born on September 24, 1945, in London, he received his education at Highgate School, where he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and an Associate of the Royal College of Music. He then read music at Clare College, Cambridge, where he was also a member of the choir.

Rutter's compositions are chiefly choral and include Christmas carols, anthems, and extended works such as the 'Gloria', the 'Requiem', and the 'Magnificat'. He has also written orchestral pieces and works for children's choirs. His music is known for its melodic richness and suitability for community as well as professional choirs, bridging the gap between popular and classical styles. His carols, often with both sacred and secular themes, have become part of the standard Christmas repertoire for choirs around the world.

In 1981, Rutter founded his own choir, the Cambridge Singers, which he conducts and with which he has made numerous recordings of his own music as well as music by other composers, ranging from the Renaissance to the contemporary. His work with the Cambridge Singers has also helped to popularize a cappella and other choral music through a wide array of recordings.

Rutter also has a significant role as an arranger and editor of choral anthems and has contributed to various hymnals and song collections. Despite his critical success, his music has sometimes been debated among musicologists and critics for its appeal to mass audiences and its traditional harmonic language.

Rutter's influence on choral music is extensive. His involvement in music education has included participation in various choral workshops and festivals, and his compositions are frequently performed by choirs in schools, churches, and concert halls around the world.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, John Rutter is alive, and he continues to compose, conduct, and engage with the music community internationally. He has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music in 2007.