Angelus (uploaded for the Feast of the Assumption)

Today, August 15th, is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Angelus prayer, while it is a Marian devotion, is not specific for today. In actuality, it is said several times each day, and centers around Gabriel's visit to Mary.

Bells are rung four times each day (6 AM, 12 noon, 6 PM & 12 midnight) to commemorate the occasion, and the Angelus prayer is said at that time. The text for the complete prayer is given below in the First Comment.

The French composer Étienne-Victor-Paul Wachs (1851-1915) deserves more attention than he gets today. He was an organ student of Francois Benoist and Cesar Franck at the Paris Conservatoire, where he won the Premier Prix for organ in 1872. He later became organist at the church of Saint-Merry in Paris, succeeding his father, Frédéric. He wrote several organ pieces that were published posthumously by Hamelle in 1917. and wrote organ pieces. He is remembered today (slightly) for a series of very well crafted piano salon pieces. His works capture as well as any the atmosphere of 'La Belle Époque'.

I have uploaded several works by Wachs, and this small work is a good example of his style. Written in 3 sections, the framing parts are set as a carillon, with the middle part sounding like a rustic melody, perhaps played by shepherds as they bring their sheep home at the ringing of the 6 PM bells.

A week ago, I had to have surgery again, and am recovering from a painful skin graft, so, I can't play pedals at the moment. I guess that I'm a quite limited in what I can play at the moment, but even so, I think this small work is a nice piece, and hope my listeners will enjoy it.

I'd surely appreciate any thoughts and/or prayers. :-)

A photo of Paul Wachs is attached below, as well as several of the Église Saint-Merri in Paris, where he served as organist. A copy of Ruben's painting of the Assumption is also attached.

The text of the Angelus is given in the First Comment.