O Salutaris Hostia (SAT)

Louise Farrenc was a French composer and pianist. She wrote works for piano, chamber ensembles, as well as three symphonies. Like many 19th century female composers, she was largely ignored during her lifetime. Her body of choral music is small, but several facsimiles of “O Salutaris Hostia” have been preserved.

Farrenc scored “O Salutaris Hostia” as a trio for soprano, alto, and tenor. She left two versions: one in G major and one in A flat major. I have made a third edition in A major for treble voices (SSA or SAA). This higher key required a slight revoicing. Most dynamic markings are original, although some have been added for clarity. Breath marks are all editorial.

– Jonathan D. Campbell