Messe modale: Upper voices music for Mass
This recording from the sopranos and altos of Buckfast Abbey Choir captures the unique sound world of upper voices for the Mass. Drawing on repertoire from a short, yet vibrant, period in early twentieth-century France, the programme showcases Masses by Gabriel Fauré, Jehan Alain, and Jean Langlais, three significant figures in the evolving tradition of French church music. These works are interspersed with Gregorian chants in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron of the Abbey Church at Buckfast, in whose radiant acoustic this album was recorded. Fauré’s Messe basse, with its intimate lyricism, is paired with a contemporary Gloria by David Davies. Alain’s Messe modale en septuor reveals his rhythmic vitality and chant-inspired style, while Langlais’ Missa in simplicitate embodies an effortlessness spiritual purity. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition – restored at Buckfast by French monks in 1882 – and French inspiration, this album offers music of beauty, simplicity, and prayerful intensity.
Released on Friday 10th July – pre-order now for release date delivery.
Track List
1
Gregorian chant
Introit: Gaudeamus
3:08
2
Gabriel Fauré
Kyrie (Messe basse)
2:23
3
David Davies
Gloria (Messe basse)
4:18
4
Gabriel Fauré
Sanctus (Messe basse)
2:24
5
Gabriel Fauré
Benedictus (Messe basse)
2:54
6
André Messager
O salutaris Hostia
3:25
7
Gabriel Fauré
Agnus Dei (Messe basse)
3:26
8
Gregorian chant
Alleluia: Ave Maria
2:59
Jehan Alain
Messe modale en septuor
10:42
9
Kyrie
2:21
10
Gloria
4:08
11
Sanctus
2:03
12
Agnus Dei
2:10
13
Jehan Alain
Choral cistercien pour une élévation
1:44
14
Jehan Alain
O quam suavis est
2:20
Jean Langlais
Trois prières
6:41
15
Ave verum
1:58
16
Ave maris stella
2:26
17
Tantum ergo
2:17
18
Gregorian chant
Communio: Beata viscera
0:50
Jean Langlais
Missa in simplicitate
15:52
19
Kyrie
3:13
20
Gloria
2:54
21
Credo
3:59
22
Sanctus
2:40
23
Agnus Dei
3:06
24
Daniel Roth
Aïn Karim (Fantaisie pour flûte et orgue)
11:58