Caro mea vere est cibus

This sacred motet for SATTB voices by Jean de Castro sets a text drawn from the Gospel of John, expressing the profound mystery of spiritual nourishment through Christ. The composer explores the lyrical Latin words with rich, imitative polyphony, creating a dense yet flowing texture. The interplay between the five voice parts allows for a detailed unfolding of the theological meaning. The music closely follows the devotional sentiment of the text, with moments of intense focus on the central assertion: 'My flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed'. The composer's craft is evident in the carefully balanced vocal lines, offering a significant and rewarding challenge for a capable choir.