Carl Rütti

In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Carl Rütti.

b. 1949

Photo Used with Permission of the Composer

Carl Rütti is one of the most notable Swiss pianists, organists, and choral composers of this era. Living in Zug, Switzerland, after taking his high school education at the monastery school in Engelberg, he studied music at the Zürich Conservatoire, graduating with a Solisten-diploma in both piano and organ in 1975. The following year, studying in London, he became especially fascinated by English choral singing, which inspired him to write several pieces for a cappella choir. He has composed a steady output of largely religious choral works – including Sermon on the Mount, Songs of Love, O magnum mysterium, a Magnificat, and his work, I wonder as I wander, which has been performed and broadcast several times in recent years as part of King’s College Cambridge’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Rütti’s music blends the English choral tradition with other genres including jazz and blues in rich colorful textures, and has been performed all over the world. Many of his works have been recorded on CD. He was awarded the Orlando-di-Lasso-Medal in 2015 and currently serves as the organist at St. Peter and Paul’s church in Oberägeri/Zug. In 2019, Ruh Music AG Adliswil/Zürich became the publisher of all his previously unpublished works.

Suggested choral pieces:

For more information about Rütti, visit his website: https://www.ruettimusic.ch/