Ave Verum

Composed by Pierre Villette, Ave Verum, Op. 3 is a Eucharistic hymn for SATB choral a cappella. Dedicated to the Chapel Master at Rouen Cathedral, Sir Canon Delestre, this piece is highly lyrical and melodious.

Written in Latin, its tempo is quite slow (52) and it includes numerous harmonies as well as some short exchanges between the voices. The polytonal aspects are probably the most difficult part of the singing and the actual title means 'Hail, True Body', the main lyrics glorify Jesus.

Another music setting of this hymn was composed by Mozart.

Pierre Villette (1926-1998) was a French composer ofchoral and instrumental music. Strongly influenced by Catholicism, his musical heritage ran from Fauré to Messiaen.