12002 – Ave Verum Corpus

William Byrd (1543-1623)

Arranged by Roger Harvey for 4-12 trombones

Difficulty: Medium

Price: £20.00

Programme notes:

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.