Ave Verum Corpus (2002)
Anthem in Two Parts
PROGRAM NOTE
This setting of the Ave Verum Corpus was the first in a set of didactic motets for treble voices. In this and the other two motets, Christus factus est and O vos omnes, I limited myself strictly with respect to the number of voices. In the Ave Verum Corpus, a placid line rises over a static, still drone.
TEXT
Ave verum corpus, natum
de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine,
cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine:
esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.
O Jesu dulcis, O Jesu pie, O Jesu, fili Mariae.
Miserere mei. Amen.
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for humankind,
whose pierced side
flowed with water and blood:
May it be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death.
Oh dear Jesus, Oh merciful Jesus, Oh Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.