Charles Gounod : Ave Maria

The “Ave Maria” (Bach/Gounod) often feels like a spiritual duet spanning two centuries, as Gounod’s romantic melody floats above Bach’s virtually unchanged Baroque harmonic foundation. The unusual combination of the piano’s meditative, steady rhythm and the freely breathing vocal line creates a tension that makes the piece seem both intimate and solemn.

Here: The original version (in original key) for middle to low voice with piano accompaniment.