Richard Lea - Processional: Organ music by Dom Sebastian Wolff (2026) [Hi-Res]

The name Dom Sebastian Wolff is synonymous with the music of Buckfast Abbey. Born in Ireland in 1929, Fr Sebastian became a monk of Buckfast in 1948, and has crafted a considerable oeuvre of music including settings of the Mass, responsorial psalms for the complete three-year cycle, and a Requiem. However, it is perhaps the organ which provided his greatest compositional inspiration. In this, the first recording of his complete organ music, Richard Lea presents an authoritative account of the works, following extensive consultation with the composer. This rich corpus of composition has explored a wide range of styles, texts and musical forces, and this recording celebrates Wolff’s significant contribution to the world of organ music in the twentieth century.

‘All of this varied music is positive, uplifting and well worth hearing.’ (British Music Society)

‘Ad Fontes, perhaps the first record label spawned by a monastery, has produced some gems since its inception in 2019… It takes a release such as this to be reminded what a distinguished musician Wolff is… as a record of a character unmatched and largely unknown on the UK’s church music scene, it’s priceless.’ (Gramophone Magazine)

‘Richard Lea’s respect and admiration of Wolff’s music is abundantly clear.’ (RSCM Church Music Quarterly)

‘Richard Lea plays with obvious enthusiasm for the music and uses the Ruffatti organ so well, demonstrating its widely varied registers… Performances and sounds of the organ aside, these discs are really the demonstration of an extensive catalogue of music by a man who has dedicated his life to the liturgies of the Church, and it is a catalogue which deserves to be played and heard more.‘ (Cathedral Music Magazine)