The Belmont Community, the Poor Clares of Arundel and Friends record a CD of music in honour of Abbot Alan.
The recording celebrates the music and spirituality of Abbot Alan Rees, still sadly missed by the Belmont Community following his tragic death in 2005.
Dom Alan was many things: organist and musician, spiritual guide, man of prayer and father to a monastic community. He will be remembered as a composer who made a tremendous contribution to the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Those who listen to this recording will surely sense something of Alan's gentle and prayerful spirit.
The music ranges from his evocative Antiphons to the Blessed Virgin Mary, written in the tradition of Gregorian Chant, to his more rousing hymn tunes that reflect the Welsh hymn-singing tradition. (See the full list of tracks below).
Particularly powerful is his music for Holy Week: the prayer of community life, Where is Love, the motet Una Ora of Gethsemane, and his dramatic Reproaches that echo the pain of Christ on the Cross. But there is much joy too in his communion song Take my Life, and his Song for Pentecost.
At the heart of the recording are English settings of the four Lady Antiphons (the Salve Regina, Regina Caeli, Alma and Ave Regina) which are particular favourites of the Community.
Each of the pieces on this recording - chants, hymns, motets and organ preludes - should be experienced as a loving offering of prayer and praise to God.
Also included on this CD is a setting by Christopher Walker of one of Alan's published prayers, May the Mind of Jesus. Christopher produced this recording and was the motiviating force behind this CD so that the legacy of Dom Alan could be more widely appreciated.
The Poor Clares of Arundel, known by many as the nuns on The Convent television programme also conributed some distinctive pieces, including the Farewell Alleluia to be sung after Compline on Shrove Tuesday.
Many friends contributed to the production including Stasio Sliwka the Organist, and the sound-recordist Richard Jeffrey-Gray.
The community hope this recording will be a lasting tribute to Dom Alan.
The Cost of IN TUNE WITH HEAVEN is £12 including Postage and Packing (Cheques should be made payable to Monksoft Limited).
The CD of Gregorian Chant, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS is still available and can be purchased with the new CD at the combined price of £20.
Orders should be sent to:
Belmont CDs, Belmont Abbey, HEREFORD HR2 9RZ.
If you prefer to pay by Credit Card, orders can be taken at Hedley Lodge. Please phone 01432 374747.
For further information contact retreats@belmontabbey.org.uk
Photos: The Belmont Community, Sound Recording, Christopher Walker, the Poor Clares of Arundel
Track Listing
Mother Of God
Come, Children and Hear Me
Take My Life
God Who Made the Earth
Anima Christi (Poor Clares)
Rosa Mystica
Prayer of St Richard
Prelude on Aberystwyth (organ, Stasio Sliwka)
Papal Alleluia
Farewell, Alleluia! (Poor Clares)
Where Is Love
Una Hora
Jesus Hanging on the Cross (Poor Clares)
The Reproaches (St Paul's Church Choir, California)
Like the Deer That Yearns
Song for Pentecost
Mother and Son (Poor Clares)
Mother of Christ
Hail, Queen of Heaven
All Joy is Yours
Hail, Holy Queen
Prelude on Lief (organ, Stasio Sliwka)
Father, We Praise You
When Time Began
May the Mind of Jesus (by Christopher Walker)
Stay With Us Lord
Centenary Processional
Mother Of GodTotal Time 75.28