Tune possibly Samuel Webbe (b. 1740–d. 1816).
Harmony Shane Fletcher, Director of Music at St. Mary's, Bourne Street (1978–2000).
As Director of Music at the time that we began singing the Angelus at St Mary's... I recall that I remembered the tune from my young days at St Nicholas, Guildford in the late 1960s and added the harmonies and descant for use at St Mary's. Graham Leonard was always keen on it and spread it around the USA; I received various requests for copies in anticipation, or after, his visits there and I have a wonderful letter from Fr Peter Laister at St Clement's Philadelphia about the panic when Graham Leonard arrived and insisted it be sung at mass that day. For many years it was sung at Bourne Street only in May (or the bits of May after Eastertide) and October as well as on special feasts. The opening is indeed in the shape of a “single” Anglican psalm chant but I'm not so sure about what follows. Samuel Webbe is certainly a possible composer.
Editor's note. Neither this site nor its contents are official productions of The Episcopal Church. These files are created for convenience only and do not claim authorship of the contents. The files are offered here on an assumption that Mr. Shane Fletcher does not mind his work continuing to be spread through the United States for congregational use. The only musical alterations made here involve setting rhythms and barlines to accommodate a standard Anglican chant shape. If you are Mr. Fletcher and any part of this website goes against your wishes, please contact the editor here!