Sarah Fox (s), Cecily Beer (hp), Rupert Gough (org)

Ad Fontes ★★★★

Here’s a warmly reverent take on the Angelus, that marking of the day’s passing in the Catholic liturgy. Perfectly framed by Vierne’s tripartite Les Angelus and Flor Peeters’ Speculum Vitæ, the material spans the 19th and 20th centuries, pieces by Langlais, Messiaen and the Boulanger sisters adding a moving modern gloss to an ancient ritual. Sarah Fox and Rupert Gough on Buckfast Abbey’s splendidly simpatico Ruffatti organ are an eloquent pairing. Fox’s beautifully poised, exquisitely involved soprano positively glows with becoming radiance, especially lustrous in Franck’s Panis angelicus and a brace of miniatures by Roger-Ducasse. Cecily Beer’s dextrous harp adds piquant delicacies in several pieces.

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Choir & Organ magazine. Never miss an issue – subscribe today