Fancies cover

Fancies

John Rutter · 2005

62 min · 23 tracks · choral music

A playful blend of lyrical charm and intricate harmonies, celebrating the whimsicality of childhood and the beauty of nature.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fancies: 1. Tell Me Where Is Fancy Bred Start here — This opening track sets a whimsical tone with its light orchestration and playful lyrics, encapsulating the album's exploration of imagination.
  • →
    Suite Antique: 3. Aria — The Aria stands out for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, showcasing Rutter's ability to combine classical forms with expressive melodies.
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    Five Childhood Lyrics: 2. The Owl and the Pussy-Cat — This track brings a beloved children's poem to life through rich harmonic textures and delightful rhythms, making it a memorable highlight of the collection.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling for daydreamers
  • delicate melodies for quiet moments
  • short bursts of playful charm
  • nostalgic reflections on childhood
  • gentle pacing for serene afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid addition to Rutter's catalog, showcasing his signature style without being a standout entry.
Themes
whimsical childhood· nature's beauty· playful imagination
Career context
By 2005, John Rutter was an established figure in choral music, known for his accessible compositions and arrangements. 'Fancies' arrived after several successful recordings, including 'The Sprig of Thyme' and 'Requiem', solidifying his reputation as a leading contemporary composer.
Stylistic neighbors
Eric Whitacre· Morten Lauridsen· Karl Jenkins

Tracklist

  • 1 Fancies: 1. Tell Me Where Is Fancy Bred Start here 1:45
  • 2 Fancies: 2. There Is a Garden in Her Face 3:52
  • 3 Fancies: 3. The Urchins' Dance 2:00
  • 4 Fancies: 4. Riddle Song 3:12
  • 5 Fancies: 5. Midnight's Bell 2:20
  • 6 Fancies: 6. The Bellman's Song 2:40
  • 7 Suite Antique: 1. Prelude 3:18
  • 8 Suite Antique: 2. Ostinato 1:35
  • 9 Suite Antique: 3. Aria 3:02
  • 10 Suite Antique: 4. Waltz 3:02
  • 11 Suite Antique: 5. Chanson 3:10
  • 12 Suite Antique: 6. Rondeau 2:42
  • 13 Five Childhood Lyrics: 1. Monday's Child 2:55
  • 14 Five Childhood Lyrics: 2. The Owl and the Pussy-Cat 1:42
  • 15 Five Childhood Lyrics: 3. Windy Nights 1:08
  • 16 Five Childhood Lyrics: 4. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John 1:45
  • 17 Five Childhood Lyrics: 5. Sing a Song of Sixpence 1:42
  • 18 When Icicles Hang: 1. Icicles 3:55
  • 19 When Icicles Hang: 2. Winter Nights 2:30
  • 20 When Icicles Hang: 3. Good Ale 2:42
  • 21 When Icicles Hang: 4. Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind 3:48
  • 22 When Icicles Hang: 5. Winter Wakeneth All My Care 5:55
  • 23 When Icicles Hang: 6. Hay, Ay 2:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata