The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast
“I would say to any composer: Talent is important, perseverance is important, hard work is important, but luck is important as well...”
What is John Rutter known for?
Robert Emery talks to John Rutter, composer and conductor best known for his choral compositions, including many Christmas carols and anthem. John talks about his process of composing, the commission to write an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and how tragedy stuck in 2001 with his son being killed in a road accident. He of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Composing or Conducting?
Where did John Rutter study for his first degree?
John has done that rare feat of being accessible and popular, without the critics panning him for the simplicity and beauty of his music; and it all started at Clare College, Cambridge. He has a fascinating and somewhat wise view of the world, constantly coming out with quotes like:
"We like to think we are in control of our destiny, but really we're not", and my favourite;
"if you want to be rich and famous, you should probably concentrate on one thing and do it obsessively and do it incredibly well. If you want to have a happy and fulfilled life, do whatever interests you - and if possible, get someone to pay you for it!"
Listen Now
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SHOW NOTES
Background [01:07]
Growing up over a pub [07.45]
Britten’s War Requiem [10:00]
Clare College [17:30]
Concert Music [24.48]
Nine lessons and carols [26.04
Bob Chilcott [29:36]
David Willcocks [31:35]
Shepherd's Pipe Carol [35:52]
Composition Techniques [39:33]
Finding text to write music to [41:53]
Fauré Requiem [50:40]
ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [54:15]
Family tragedy [56:44]
Two piano concerto on a theme of the Beatles [1:00:37]
Anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton [1:03:15]
Carols for Choirs [1:05:55]
Predictions of the business in 20 years [1:09:40]
Quick fire questions [1:13:55]
Selected links from the episode
Lat_56
Albums featuring John Rutter
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Robert Emery talks to John Rutter, composer and conductor best known for his choral compositions, including many Christmas carols and anthem. John talks about his process of composing, the commission to write an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and how tragedy stuck in 2001 with his son being killed in a road accident. He of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Composing or Conducting?