Ave verum Corpus

- Jeffrey Quick

PDF Sample

Use: Lent, Communion
Required Resources: 2-part choir (or unison or solo), organ
Language: Latin

The text Ave verum Corpus is a 14th century Eucharistic hymn, attributed to Pope Innocent VI, whose 10-year papacy was in Avignon. A beautiful meditation on the reality of the Blessed Sacrament, the hymn was often sung during Benediction and, in Medieval times, at the elevation of the consecrated Host.

While numerous settings of the text exist, Jeffrey Quick has given us one in the Romantic style of Elgar and Fauré. Facile in its use of modulation, the modal piece begins in two sharps and moves through the keys of E Major, A Major, c minor, C Major, f# minor, D# major, g# minor, a minor and B Major, before ending on E Major. All of this is handled in a most smooth and comfortable way.

Written for unison voices with a short middle section in two parts, the motet could also be sung by a medium voice soloist or unison choir. There are ample dynamic indications that reinforce the Romantic nature of the music.

This versatile piece can be a staple in your choral repertoire — useful for treble choir, adult choir and solo voice.