One can certainly understand why this piece is one of the most famous and revered of all Renaissance motets. As many times as I have conducted it, I never fail to get instantly drawn into its world - infinitely deep and full of feeling. The phrases around “O dulcis! O pie! O Jesus Fili Mariae” are pure miracles. When Byrd repeats them, I do them even quieter. For me they become even more profound. What an amazing piece!

– Dennis Keene

WILLIAM BYRD Ave Verum Corpus

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

from the Delos recording Beyond Chant ℗ 1994 Delos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.