Ave verum corpus a 8

Christoph Straus's motet Ave verum corpus a 8 is a substantial work for double choir (SSSATTBB), setting a poignant Latin text that reflects on Christ's sacrifice. The text, drawn from a medieval sequence, meditates on the physical suffering and redemptive power of Jesus's body, born of the Virgin Mary. It speaks of the blood and water flowing from his pierced side, and asks that this sacrifice be a foretaste of salvation at the hour of death. Straus's setting for eight voices explores the rich harmonic possibilities of this devotional text, creating a sound world that is both grand and intimate, fitting for sacred performance.