Vox Angelorum

Antoine Louis Joseph Gueyrand Fernand Fouant de La Tombelle (Paris, 3 August 1854 - Dordogne, 13 August 1928) was a French organist and composer.

His first compositions won him twice the gold medal of the Grand Prix Pleyel. As an organist, he joined forces with Guilmant for the recitals of the Trocadéro in 1878. Although he was never "appointed," he was the assistant and the replacement of Théodore Dubois at the Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Madeleine church in Paris. In the same way, he often collaborated with Guilmant in recitals on his organ in the Church of the Holy Trinity. He was frequently jn demand as a performer, and gave organ recitals throughout France.

For a full and interesting (I THINK it is, IF you read French!), you can have a look here: http://www.musimem.com/tombelle.htm

The "Cantilene" and "Vox Angelorum" were published the "Librairie de St. Joseph" in 1917.

"Vox Angelorum" seems to me that it would work well in a "liturgical setting," but probably doesn't have "enough going on" to be a concert work. It struck me as being the same type of piece as an "In paradisum," which would be played as the body leaves the church at the end of the Requiem Mass.

"Vox Angelorum" is dedicated to "Moniseur l'Abbé Joubert, who was organist at the cathedral of Lucon.

I'm hoping that these pieces may be serves as an introduction of La Tombelle to those who have an interest in the French romantic literature.

I recall reading that La Tombelle is NOT to be overlooked or taken to lightly. He has a big output of works, ranging from small "harmonium-like" to full-fledged virtuoso pieces, including a "homage to Widor" Toccata!

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Ferdinand de la Tombelle, as well as photos of the cathedrals where the dedicatees of the individual pieces served as organist.