John Rutter

The Quest

This poignant anthem was written in memory of the Revd Dr John Hughes (1978-2014), Dean of Jesus College, Cambridge. The text combines the nineteenth-century poet and Christian minister George MacDonald's emotive poem 'Lost and Found' with the 'In paradisum' antiphon from the Burial Service in the 'Liber Usualis'. The music is at times ethereal, melancholic, poignant, and life-affirming. The solo oboe and organ writing is integral to the emotive character of the piece, and the word-painting and angelic chorus moments encourage the listener to reflect on the subject at hand.

The Quest is featured on the Collegium Records CD The Gift of Life. An orchestration for chamber ensemble (solo oboe, harp, and strings) is available on hire/rental.