Angel voices, ever singing

Today, October 2nd, is the day that the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.

While this splendid text does not really deal with "that kind" of angel, it DOES deal with the heavenly "role" of the angels.

The magnificent text by Francis Pott (1832-1909) was the favorite hymn of Ronald Perrin, who was Organist of Ripon Cathedral during my time there. Ron wrote a significant anthem for 4-part boys voices and organ on this text, and I think it was his finest work.

The solid and "extroverted" tune is by William H. Monk, more famously known for some of his other hymntunes, such as "Eventide" (Abide with me). This one, "Angel Voices" is an "old-fashioned one" and is rarely heard anymore. I haven't played it since leaving England in 1984.

Although I had tremendous ongoing issues with Ron Perrin, he was a truly brilliant musician, and I've tried to play this EXACTLY the way he would INSIST on it being played. This is dedicated to him.