Ave Verum

This masterwork has been adapted for singing groups containing changing voices. �An attempt has been made to maintain the authenticity of the work with only enough changes to conform to the range and tessitura limitations of early adolescent singers. �Ave Verum is one of the best known choral works of Mozart. �Preparation for performance will allow directors to teach good breath control in singing the long lines and the importance of legato singing. �The slower tempo will help the singers to administer purity of vowels for good blend and balance. �It is best accompanied by the pipe organ but certainly may be accompanied by piano in non-liturgical and secular settings. �It is rated medium-easy for early adolescent choirs who are capable of singing four-parts. �The work may be sung easily by amateur church choirs. �This particular arrangement works beautifully for SSAB adult voices. �Mozart wrote the work for his friend Anton Stoll who was a church musician in the Baden Parish outside of Vienna. It was composed to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi and dated June 17, 1791. �The 14th century hymn-text, Ave verum corpus, is attributed to Pope Innocent VI.