John Rutter - Visions

Visions is a four-movement showpiece for solo violin in unique combination with upper-voice choir, harp, and strings (or organ). Inspired by the idea of 'Jerusalem' both as a Holy City and a utopian ideal of heavenly peace and seraphic bliss, the composer has selected four biblical texts, in English and Latin, that express different aspects of this vision. The profound subject matter is taken up in the celestial soundworld of the choir and the virtuosic, vibrant, and expressive writing for violin, all set against a backdrop of rich textures and harmonies in the strings and harp. The work may be performed by women's or boys' voices. The accompaniment is available in two different instrumentations: harp and string ensemble or harp and organ.