"Requiem" - SIGNED Facsimile Musical Manuscript

Signed facsimile of a manuscript page from the British choral composer's beloved Requiem. The first page of the Agnus Dei is reproduced from the composer's autograph sketch, showing his corrections and changes. He has signed boldly at the lower right. Number 51 of 1000, published by Sterling Galleries with their embossed stamp at the foot. Some light waviness, but overall in very fine condition. Approx 11 x 15 inches, handsomely framed to 18 x 22 inches. 

John Rutter is considered by many to be "the world's best living composer and conductor of choral music." Whatever the distinctive accolade - and there are many - Rutter has quickly soared to prominence as a leader in choral music, as well-known in America for his achievements as he is in his native England. He has become a recognized guest conductor of numerous choral performances at New York's Carnegie Hall, a lecturer at college campuses and choir gatherings across America and credited with initiating a popular renaissance in interest in choral music.

Requiem was written in 1985 and first performed in October of that year. Following the precedent established by Brahms and Fauré, among others, it is not strictly a setting of the Requiem Mass as laid down in Catholic liturgy, but instead is made up of a personal selection of texts, some taken from the Requiem Mass and some from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

This signed reproduction is of Rutter's composition sketch for the opening of the fifth movement, Agnus Dei. The sketch shows the choral part together with indications of the instrumental accompaniment. Rejected options for the voice parts in measures 3-6 are indicated by the word "oss" (short for "ossia.") Measures 9 and 10 (crossed through) contain a rejected idea for the tenors to echo the preceding phrase sung by the basses. (14740)

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AMQS

Signed Document/Item

Classical Music

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