Ave Verum Corpus (SATB divisi)

For SATB Chorus (Divisi) unaccompanied
By Thomas Juneau

"This setting of Ave verum Corpus illustrates a modern yet straightforward combination of two primary textures. The work opens and closes in a dramatic setting of the two most prayerful lines of the text. The interior of the piece is set in a more traditional imitative style in which time is taken between phrases to better elicit the meaning of the text.

I chose to set this text because, as a conductor, I feel that advanced choirs are constantly looking for a setting of Ave verum Corpus which will offer their ensemble a rewarding challenge. In recording with the JVA, I saw that while this piece does have challenges for an advanced chorus, the harmonic coloring and imitative writing appeal to the musical inclinations of an educated singer.

I also believe that this text conveys a huge sense of tradition, especially in the settings by Byrd and Mozart. By using this text, I am seeking to continue this tradition in a modern idiom." -Thomas Juneau