This is an early work not stylistically representative of most Elgar works. The composer revised this motet in 1902, changing its title from Pie Jesu to Ave verum corpus. While it is quite straightforward and innocent in sound, it has become one of this composer's more popular choral works. Elgar was a Catholic, apparently quite devout, living in Protestant England, and on more than one occasion, he remarked that his religion was held against him, at least early in his career. Whatever prejudices he encountered, he managed to write a fair amount of religious music, including two big oratorios: the masterful The Dream of Gerontius (1900), and The Apostles (1903). The more modest motet here, Ave verum, lasts a mere three minutes or less, but its theme is nearly as memorable as the better moments in Gerontius. Ave verum opens with the female voices introducing the soothing, soaring melody, after which the male voices join them for a fuller version of it. The piece is mesmerizing throughout in its serene beauty, in its sense of both consolation and celestial majesty. Even those not drawn toward choral music will find this little gem hard to resist.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.