John Rutter
is better known as a composer and conductor of choral music than for secular instrumental music. Here, he steps into a less-familiar role as conductor of the instrumental
Manchester Camerata
and as arranger of most of the music on this album. That said, this budget-priced release is very much a
production, featuring his characteristic tone of warm sentiment. The pieces are well-known classical tunes except for one of
Rutter
's own
Five Meditations for orchestra
, and the arrangements smooth them down to a pleasant string wash with light coloration from the winds.
intensifies the promised classical tranquillity in his capacity as conductor, slightly braking the tempo in order to provide room for an extra bit of string expressiveness. Crossover audiences in Britain, where
music of any kind makes listeners roll over and put their paws in the air, will be primed for this album, but others might sample his treatment of
Debussy
's
Clair de lune
, from the
Suite Bergamasque
to test their reactions. Many listeners will find this release, which made classical best-seller lists in early 2024, the ideal tonic for a difficult commute home. It is an exemplary "stress eliminator" to use the words with which a Dallas classical radio station touted its offerings on billboards a while ago. ~ James Manheim