Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1791

Average_duration

:

3:14

'Ave verum Corpus, K. 618' is a choral motet composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791, just six months before his death. The piece was written for Anton Stoll, the choirmaster of the parish church in Baden, near Vienna. It is a short, four-part choral work that has become one of Mozart's most popular and enduring compositions. The piece is in E-flat major and consists of three short movements. The first movement is a simple and elegant setting of the text "Ave verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine" (Hail, true body born of the Virgin Mary). The second movement is a brief and tender setting of "Cuius latus perforatum unda fluxit sanguine" (Whose pierced side flowed with water and blood). The final movement returns to the opening text, with a slightly more elaborate setting that includes a brief fugue. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Mozart's use of four-part harmony and his careful attention to the text create a sense of clarity and purity that is both moving and uplifting. The piece is also notable for its use of chromaticism, particularly in the second movement, which adds a sense of emotional depth and intensity. 'Ave verum Corpus, K. 618' premiered on June 17, 1791, at the parish church in Baden, with Mozart himself conducting. The piece was an immediate success and has since become one of Mozart's most beloved works. Its popularity has led to countless arrangements and adaptations, including versions for solo voice, string quartet, and even rock band. Overall, 'Ave verum Corpus, K. 618' is a testament to Mozart's genius as a composer. Its simple beauty and emotional depth have made it a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move audiences today.

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