Franz Schubert

Ave Maria, op. 52/6; D. 839

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) wrote the beautiful melody now associated with the Latin "Ave Maria" text in 1825 as part of a setting of seven songs from Walter Scott's narrative poem "The Lady of the Lake", Op. 52. In the song cycle, a young woman named Ellen sings a prayer (called "Ellen's Third Song") to the Virgin Mary, albeit in a German translation of Walter Scott's text. "Ellen's Third Song" opens with the words "Ave Maria," and this may have led to the idea of setting the traditional Roman Catholic prayer "Ave Maria" to the same melody. Whatever the reason is began, the universally recognized song is so frequently performed with the Latin text that many believe it Schubert's original intent. Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1: 2.0.0.0: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Voice. William Ryden has arranged versions for low voice (g) and orchestra and high voice (Bb) and orchestra, both of which are available from the publisher.Detailed Instrumentation: 1.1.1.1: 2.0.0.0: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Voice