Ecce panis angelorum

This moving motet from Franz Schubert sets a Latin text exploring the Eucharist. The opening verses proclaim Christ as the bread of angels, made food for travellers, and not to be cast to dogs. It draws on Old Testament imagery, recalling Isaac's sacrifice, the Passover lamb, and the manna given to the Israelites in the desert. The second section addresses Jesus as the good shepherd and true bread, begging him to nourish and protect his followers, and to let them see the land of the living. Finally, it prays that those nourished on earth may become fellow-heirs and companions of the saints in heaven. This piece is set for unison voices.