Sometimes a work that a composer doesn’t regard as especially important becomes a beloved favorite in later centuries. Ave Verum Corpus, written as a favor for a friend, is a good example. The motet (in Mozart’s time typically a polyphonic choral composition on a Latin text) celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi—and why the text refers to the “true body” (verum corpus). It became part of the repertoire of the Sistine Chapel Choir. Perhaps that is why Liszt, writing later in life from a Roman monastery, transformed the masterpiece into an exquisite piano solo, Evocation à la Chapelle Sixtine. Playing quietly and serenely can be more challenging than playing with dash and power. Here is a chance to evoke inner and outer peace by playing smoothly and—following the advice of David Andruss—pedaling with special care. Can you hear the choir?
4 replies on “Music for a Friend: Sacred and Serene”
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I’m in a choir that performs this piece so I was thrilled to see that it is in the adult series, and so beautifully arranged!
I’m in a choir that performs this piece so I was thrilled to see that it is in the adult series, and so beautifully arranged!
I would like to buy this adukt book. I’m a piano teacher in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. I already use this piano method for kids. Thanks for send me this video. I love this Mozart song.
Hi Valeria — You can purchase this book on our website, and we will ship it to you in Brazil. I’ll provide a link to the product page. Click on the link, add the item to your cart, and follow the steps for online check out. https://pianoadventures.com/publications/adult-piano-adventures-classics-book-2/