Ave Verum Corpus (4-12 Pos)

Ave Verum Corpus (4-12 Pos) (Ave Verum Corpus Natum de Maria Virgine; Vere passum immolatum In cruce pro homine; Cuius latus perforatum, Unda flexit sanguine: Esto, nobis praegustatum In mortis examine. O dulcis, O pie O jesu Fili Mariae, Miserere mei. Amen Hail, true body, born of the Virgin Mary; Thou who truly hangs on the cross for mankind; Thou whose side was riven, Whence flowed blood: Mays’t thou, dear Lord Sustain me by your death. O tender, O loving, Jesu Son of Mary, Have mercy upon me. Amen This motet was first published in Byrd’s magnificent set of sacred music, Gradualia in 1605. The original text is a Sequence Hymn for Corpus Christi by Pope Innocent VI. This beautiful setting has the pure simplicity of a prayer, some wonderful souring melodic lines laced with some characteristically pungent harmonies. This arrangement of the 4-part motet is for a choir of trombones and was made for trombone choir of Trinity College of Music, London. Performance notes: This arrangement can be performed by between 4 and 12 trombones. While it is essentially a 4-part piece shared between 12 voices the cued parts in voices 1-4 can be played if fewer instruments are available. Aim for a smooth legato throughout. Make sure that the balance between the 4 voices is even. Use the suggested dynamics to give shape the music but do not over-exaggerate the loud dynamics or the up and down shapes in the second section.)