Rutter completed his Requiem in 1985. It bears the dedication "in memoriam L. F. R.", John Rutter's father, who had died the previous year. He conducted the first performance on 13 October 1985 at Lovers' Lane United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas, where the director of Music, Allen Pote, prepared the Sanctuary Choir and orchestra. The soprano soloist was Karen Shafer. Several movements had been performed on 14 March 1985 at Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, California, by the Sanctuary Choir and ensemble, prepared by Mel Olsen, and also conducted by the composer.
Though Rutter is perhaps best known for his carols and other short pieces, Mr. Rutter also has several large-scale works for chorus and orchestra to his name. Most of these received their first performances in the United States, where Rutter is a frequent visitor, writing regularly for American choirs and conducting performances of his own music.
The Requiem does not adhere strictly to the conventional Catholic liturgy, but combines texts from the Requiem Mass and the Book of Common Prayer. This is by no means unusual; Faure, Brahms and Duruflé all followed their own individual preferences when selecting appropriate verses to set to music. Since its first performance, it has become a firm favorite with choirs and audiences the world over. Though it necessarily has its dark moments, Rutter’s Requiem is unmistakably optimistic in its message of hope and comfort, expressed through the beauty of the chosen texts and Rutter’s uplifting music. It is not entirely surprising that after the tragic events of 9/11 it was this setting of the Requiem that was the preferred choice of music at the many memorial services which followed across the USA.
