Rutter – Hymn to the Creator of Light (1992) 

John Rutter’s “Hymn to the Creator of Light,” composed in 1992 for the dedication of the Howells windows in Gloucester Cathedral, sung by the cathedral choirs of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester  is a radiant and spiritually uplifting work for unaccompanied mixed choir.  

In this concise piece, Rutter skillfully captures a sense of reverence and illumination, offering a contemporary choral gem that reflects his melodic craftsmanship and harmonic sensitivity. After its dissonant opening, there are elements of the ‘Joie du sang des étoiles’ from Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie before giving way to a lush harmonisation of the chorale ‘’ Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele” answered by the second choir, and a scrummy cadence at the end. 

The hymn, through its luminous harmonies and textural clarity, demonstrates Rutter’s ability to create music that resonates with both performers and audiences alike. The work’s accessibility and emotive qualities make it a cherished addition to modern choral repertoire.