This album explores the secular works of John Rutter. Fancies is a cycle of six settings of Elizabethan poetry, described by the composer as 'music for a summer's evening.'

When Icicles Hang, another choral cycle with orchestra, is a winter piece, best known for its bitter-sweet setting of Shakespeare's Blow, blow, thou winter wind.

The Five Childhood Lyrics, for unaccompanied choir, take a group of simple rhymes and set them in a spirit of fun and fairytale.

The Suite Antique for flute, harpsichord and strings, consists of six short movements ranging from a simple, classic 'aria' to an upbeat 'jazz waltz'.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"? A must have for lovers of good choral music?" - The Northern Echo

"? one of the most attractive choral records in recent months?" - Gramophone

"?Rutter means good music, splendidly played and sung and excellent recordings ?" - Evening Star