Mozart, Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618

Synopsis

Mozart composed his "Ave, verum corpus" K. 618 in June 1791, just a few months before his death. Conceived for the feast of Corpus Christi, it is a work of touching directness and simplicity, and one of Mozart's most moving choral works. Though few people would spontaneously associate Leonard Bernstein with 18th-century sacred music, this production stunningly confirms the words of a major Munich daily: "After a few bars, one is conquered by Bernstein's mastery in creating atmosphere and communicating moods." This live concert with the Chorus and Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio was filmed at the ornate Basilica of Waldsassen in Franconia (Germany), one of the first architectural adaptations of the Italian Baroque style to German taste. Significantly, this work also represents a melding of Italian vocal writing and German contrapuntal art.

Additional Info

• No: A05501984
• Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Orchestra: Symphonieorch. d. Bayer.Rundf. / Chorus: Bayerischer Rundfunk
• Production year: 1990
• Run time: 00:08:00
• Director: Humphrey Burton
• Producers: Unitel