Ave maria - Chris Cornell 1997

[lorelei1066]

@ drfundies: you are of course entitled to your opinion, as we all are, but I must disagree when you say that he needed to make the song his "own" because he did. With the incredible passion that built throughout the entire piece and with the harmony coming in and out-he was owning it, and making me feel it, and everyone else too, as evidenced by the comments here...wow, stunning to me that you 6 were unmoved...Absolutely soulful and gorgeous...And not one bit "proud" either I might add...

[Enttho]

Perfect man!!sucessfull



[jeithorpe]

Never was a big fan of this song until Mr. Cornell "owned" it! His version gives me goosebumps. Well done, Chris, well done.

[beautifulwaterlily]

My thoughts are with my dear friend Antje

I pray for him, and is always in my prayers

wilma

[burkesongs]

Good lord that guy has some pipes. People don't give him enough credit for his vocal abilities! I've always loved his rendition of this beautiful tune.

[beautifulwaterlily]

thank you for sharing dear Antje

x

[ChimeraAZ]

bows down to the great one,..Chris Cornell! OMG! I love this song,and by Chris Cornell it CANNOT sound finer!!!

[DrFundies]

I love Chris Cornell, he is a great singer, but this is not a good version of Ava Maria. If your going to cover Ave Maria by Schubert, I say either do the piece justice as it was originally intended to be performed, or, make the song your own. Cornell did neither here, he kept the same chord changes, melody, tempo, time signature, form, feel as the original composition, they just made it loud and aggressive with drums and synth strings. His loose, heavy drawl voice, which works great with

[DrFundies]

cont.

Soundgarden and Audioslave does not work here. This version reminds me of a loud crowded room where someone is needing to shout to be heard. Im not religious, but I know that the original lyrics of this song is roughly a translation of the "Hail Mary" prayer, a very graceful, delicate meditation. This version is boisterous and proud. Chris Cornell, I loved your rendition of Billie Jean, and nearly your entire original repertoire, but this was a swing and miss, sorry.

[burkesongs]

@DrFundies So someone sings with passion and power and it's 'bad'? Odd assessment. I heard this song sung a number of different ways; it's really up to the vocalist to interpret it as they see fit.

[belle12071937]

dacasman It is indeed track 10. I have the same gold-colored CD and I once made a tape of just this track to play in my car--this was before I had a car which would play CD's:-). Would listen to it commuting 40 miles to downtown Houston. The time flew by and before I knew it I was at work. Took my granddaughter to hear Chris live for her 15th birthday. She's never forgotten that treat. Nor have I. He is absolutely a genius composer/performer.

[dacasman]

when i was a kid my family would always play the album "a very special christmas 3" during christmas time and this song was track 10. i remember it so well even though it was about 12 years ago. now its so nostalgic hearing this. it brings chills down my spine.

[Cooper50]

Stunning absolutely stunning! Thank you!

[virtato]

tears in my eyes, and i am a man

[SexlessNoSex]

Whom is Chris singing with?

[severedtesticles]

@SexlessNoSex a band called Eleven. Look them up, they're awesome. Unfortunately, one of the founding members of Eleven, Natasha, died of cancer a few years ago so Eleven is no longer recording. But they are a fantastic band. Check out the album "Thunk"...probably their best IMHO.

[alwaysinmydream1]

Natasha Shneider from Band Eleven,she die at age 53 I belive little over a year ago,and did a lot of arrengments and back up singing for Criss.

[MISSDIAGNOSED1]

GOOSEBUMPS!!!! I love it! I love that he has grown with his talent.

[benvasten]

Im a Soundgarden fan, and i love this. In music, the more you reject, the more you ignore, as in life, the more you don't love, the more you don't live.

[aliceowens38]

Sorry, but to Agos 1425: Can you sing it at all? This song is notoriously difficult to sing. I for one am glad I have it in my collection.

[BMcD16]

This version is absolutely brilliant!! I believe that people who are hardcore fans of Soundgarden and Audioslave and don't like this have a hard time realizing that artists evolve, sadly the hardcore fans do not evolve.

[debcohutta]

brave-

[mikeydfed]

love it

[Agos1425]

SORRY, CAN CHRIS SING THIS SONG ALIVE?

IS MORE EASY RECORDIND!! :-)

I LOVE HIS VOICE.

[Bluessongstress1963]

exactly! I'm reminded of when Eric Clapton branched out in new directions, and the 'purests' and 'critics' had nothing good to say... TRUE artists grow and stretch, and learn, and become more well rounded...to repeat Diva's comment, DEAL WITH IT!! :)

[karolknudsen09]

Lo mas dulce que escuche.....

[andresbeltranortiz]

I just can´t stop to see the video , his version of this song is too beautiful

[bonniebellbutterfly1]

mmmmm......

[jetsonic69]

this should of been a sign of things to come for the great Seattle rocker =)

[jetsonic69]

Grunge fans ...we have now entered the HOLY ERA :)

Avaaa Mariaaaa

Audiooooo Slaveaaaa a

ohh how bitter sweettt that i brokeeee uppppp the greatest rock banddddd since Soundgarden hehe :)

[jktowle]

Chris's version of Ave Maria makes me want to listen it at anytime of the year.

It is truly amazing and wonderful.

[storeyn1]

I was shocked to hear this at a wedding this weekend! I loved it and found out that it was Chris Cornell... wow what talent. It felt soulful and God honoring at church! How cool :-)

[DeanLisi]

Fuckin  GREAT !!

[unitim]

Black Hole Sun. ;)

and Billie Jean cover.

[rawdog268]

People under estimate rock singers.. Chris Cornell has a beatiful voice.. I love soundgarden and audiolsave. but this proves just how versatile he is.. I love it..love it.. love it..

[dzarto]

I didnt understand, just wanted to point out. :) Peace

[ramonaloco]

I HAVE to hear this every Christmas! As far as I'm concerned, Chris just nailed it, the emotion......

[dzarto]

black hole sun.. and its not just the hit that matters.

[jaayfaay]

best version of this song ever

[TheLopezski]

The most tortured version I have ever heard - I LOVE it. Such emotion - not at all sterile like almost all church versions. I have no idea who this guy is, but I absolutely love this version. My favorite Ave Maria by far.

[FezzickO]

@ theLopezski- You must look into more of his work, he is an absolutely amazing musician :)

[TommyLuxury]

He's the frontman from Audioslave and Soundgarden. He is a truly amazing vocalist and songwriter. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not listening to more of him!

[teamcuba2000]

Keyboards were by Natasha from ELEVEN, the sound was most likely ironic... RIP Natasha...

[Piantanida31]

Dumb question: Is Chris a spiritual person? Every time I hear this song, I get goosebumps. I listen to it on a compilation CD as much as I can from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Day. But did he sing this as a joke, or is there a somewhat spiritual side to him?

[jimmyvf]

I've told people for ages this guy can sing anything and make it brilliant - next time someone doubts me I'll have to play this for them. Unbelievable...I was completely moved by this. Thanks for posting this, papasala...

[ebbygurl99]

wow this is really different! i am a chris cornell fan but wow this is different. lol good on him

[angelskathy]

Great!!!

[Nofate1313]

His voice gives me chills in this. I just wish the music didn't sound so freaky and industrial. Anyone if there's another version?

[cglodzik]

this is incredibly beautiful - for all of you ignorant idiots, buysellny...your ignorance of classical music being sung by a contemporary artist like Chris Cornell is showing...i would not be proud of being, frankly, stupid, stupid.

[buysellny]

this is teh worst crap i ever heard!

[juandelezo]

¡Coño que maravilla!

[Carina08x]

his voice sounds amazing! but the background music is really bad, but thats just my opinion!

[tracegnet]

i luv his voice and the music is nooott gud with a classical orchestra behind him I think this would be one of the all time great moments in music history thats so I agree with you!

[Luhuboo170]

I am a Huge fan of Chris and I have never heard this. beautiful and haunting... WOW

[toveksa]

wonderful ja ja ja

[doureolhos]

This sends chills down my spine, absolutely heavenly!!!

[PJD1960]

This is not a Christmas carol - it's an ode to the Virgin Mary!

[JUNSKI517]

Beautiful!!

[maroth86]

lol I am a huge soundgarden fan (Audioslave is good too), but I am also a trained classical/opera singer. The version is fairly good, but to say it's the best version ever is naive. It's also naive to get on a guy who says it's not the best version ever (because it's not and I'm willing to admit this because I know what I'm talking about).

Seriously guys, there's knowing it's fairly good, and there's knowing what makes something "amazing"......get my drift?

[henchwolf]

its the music, the feeling, the genral vibe he puts into this song. id agree that it is amazing

[lapahaboy]

best version by a rock singer!!!!

[maroth86]

agree with that..

[splugg2]

Who said it was the best version ever? What does your training have to do with it? Nobody cares about your "qualifications."

Your "drift" smells like bullshit.

In short, fuck off.

[oritesane]

i love chris cornell but this is a little indulgent

[audiophile102]

training gives you knowledge of notes and the rhythms those notes are placed in. I trained in music for eight years and I in no way feel that I have to tell anyone how well something sounds to them. It's more or less ignorant to think that your opinion is better than someonelse's just because you are classically trained? The people who say rap is crap or that metal is dead should shut there faces and realize that when it comes to music, preference is defined by the individual.

[FredFerdberger]

A musician does not have to conform to a certain Genre. If it makes him happy, I say go for it. I am sick of "fans" telling bands they are a sell out if they do something different or popular. Soundgarden was Great, Audioslave is awesome. let the man sing. Hell, if wants to go on the Wiggles and sing Big Red Car, I say good for him.

[DgtlDiva]

No one could've said it better! I am tired of hearing all these petty opinions "it's not Audioslave"... "it's not SoundGarden" .. OF COURSE IT'S NOT .. the man is an artist and he is evolving creatively which shows what a real artist he is - DEAL WITH IT... if he kept doing the same thing year after year - how boring and stagnant that would be - a slow death for sure. I give him a standing ovation! Bravo Chris!!

[weebles777]

@DgtlDiva Well said!

[CharlyGreyWolf]

Big amen to that my friend, you are totally right.

[BlindMesiah]

Indulgent? Not every melody is limited to like 5 notes, and this was written when singing like this was more fashionable.

[Rageptl]

Amazing!

[tripdavon]

love it!

[th25tina]

this sounds better on the cd...go get it...for a rock guy he really has a great voice...awesome version of a great song.

play it loud when you get the cd...you'll cry, it's that good!!!

[izia21]

I totally agree with you: it's much better on the cd, & yeah you have to listen it very very loud....

[Banjo1990]

ooooft!

[kev2384408]

I love this song so much

[ramonaloco]

As always, my favorite Christmas Carol!

[PassionPartiesByTess]

This just gives me the chills!! His voice is so commanding!!!!

[PhilipDeVille]

One Of the best version I've ever heard... This song totally emphasis Chris' voice!! AWESOME!!!

[erguzss10]

grande voce!!!

[MoonchildMindaugasRo]

this is brilliant :D !

[WimpooTheRocker]

Helemaal geweeeeldig...

[sysadept]

I've heard many versions of this song and I like this one the most! Great voice!

[LordMucchio]

Mmmmm.......

[trevilou]

Mmmmmm, yummy!!! Its like an emotional trip guided by a heavenly voice.

Chris Cornell is amazing, anyone who says otherwise is bubbling with jealousy.

[Buyo2086]

This rules so hard

[rainboats]

This sounds 100 x better on the CD!!! Totally epic.

[sebastiancousino]

This is a master piece.....

[bjn002]

that's a PATHETIC version !!!!!!!!

[Audioslave3]

You are the pathetic!!! Plus deaf! THis is the greatest version of Ave Maria!

[cinapo]

I very like this version of the song, Chris has amazing voice.Thank you!

[Webins]

Great song on a great cd for a great cause.

[chicholinosancho]

piece of shit!!!!! this is not the right way to sing this song... fuck off.....keep doing waht you do best... singing rock songs

[Jacobvs123]

your an idiot and should be shot you sancho burrito f*g

[wintipurrus]

this is the grates think that i ever listen ..... chris cornell y a realy good (god)a magnifisent musition.....i think when a lid singer sing a them like this ,.... a rock lid singer ....sing this theme is the greatest

[RememberNatasha]

I don't see it mentioned, so I'd like to note that the female voice in this recording is Natasha Shneider from the band Eleven :D

[gogoelbo]

Wow!!!!!!

[smokeyjoe75]

who is the chic whining and squealing through scales in background?

[mumpump]

I'm simply not worthy.

[chiknfulio]

Wow, this was amazing. I am awestruck

[Yaya1793]

I don't care...it's Chris Cornell!!!

I agree with rabinastian. DAMN IT IT'S CHRIS CORNELL!

[partirparaficar]

What?! Are you seriuos??! Ave Maria is the cat on the first picture?

[rabinastian]

you could probably market shit, but put chris in the commercials, and it'd sell.

[rabinastian]

i like it all pretty much.

[fadjio]

that maybe the worst arrangement of any song i've ever heard ... they have definitely murdered the song ... his voive is ok though

[PhilipDeVille]

Oh Jesus, Chris' version of Ave Maria is great!!! He's the best!!!!

[VMRiewer]

My favorite classical piece of all time and he does a wonderful rendition. I am almost exclusively AGAINST people "redoing" songs, but this is one of very few exceptions for me. I think it's because it does a good job keeping the classical aspect, but you have to pay close attention.

[barefootblues]

The music is Franz Schubert...Schneider arranged it.

Hell, I think it sounds great.

[elorawhoo]

i love this version, but the orchestration is weird. also, it would have been kick-ass-ier if he did it in another language, like german or italian.

still rad though.

[LoboKhan1]

Chris' voice is excellent. the background music/orchestra does suck though. Chris keeps growing as a musician. Haters can bite me. did you expect him to stay the same forever? are you still exactly the same as you were 20 years back?

[calichains91]

Excellent comment, we have to move on to be different over time, that's what Cornell has done on music, he's done excellent with his solo carrer.

[EthanHoyt3]

Chris Cornell is really good. Just not with Ave Maria...

[Yaya1793]

You're crazy!

[WitChu69]

Chris Cornell is absolutely incredible. His voice is by far the best Rock voice, and he puts a whole new twist on the most beautiful song ever written, Ava Maria. And he does he damn well I might add. Obviously its not as good as Pavarotti's (R.I.P truly great man he was) but who has a voice as good as Pavarotti's? It's unfair to compare Cornell to Pavarotti

[WhatWouldSlashDo]

Chris is likely my favorite rock vocalist of all time, but this really sucks. The "orchestration" is godawful and it just can't compare to Signore Pavarotti's version.

[Roadsidepictures]

I bought this cd when it came out. This is the most intense version of "Ave Maria" that I've heard and it's one of my favorite versions. Thank you for posting!

[solitudeterror]

äh the fucking beat sucks...

[cglodzik]

I first heard this just before Christmas '07, downloaded from Napster...I think Chris Cornell sings this so beautifully. The orchestrations are fantastic and he really puts so much heart and soul into this piece. Thank you, papasalahuancaina, for posting this!!!

[ambulance4robben]

Horrible...sounds like a carousel in Hell...

[jovansteel]

i reakon

[SvenStolpe]

thats why its so cool :D

[plus44fanatikk]

I really really miss him with Soundgarden...don't like much of his work since then...

[buddyboy75]

How fucking sad. I vomitted the whole way through that dying piece of cow shit anthem. Chris Cornell has pissed me off yet again.

[fanny86ritz]

fUCKING "A" MATE

[mateus5678]

nobody has voice like him

[TeamBenfica]

I agree with maxmercury! Cornell is a credit to vocalization of any song! I would love for someone to rip his voice out of this audio track, and overlay it on a pure orchestral arrangement! I love Soundgarden, and Audioslave. I love everything Cornell. I don't like the "Beats" in the background! Happy holidays everyone!

[maxmercury]

i love Chris, love his voice, but the artificial quality of the synthy backing track lets this down. The arrangement is way too busy. Should have been stripped down to highlight the vocals.

[adanley]

Bingo!

[thewilk1961]

word

[jettisom]

i love Natasha Shneider's performance on this cut. Her harmony to Chris's vocals is chilling. Amazing performance from both artists.

[capitandelrock]

admirable!

[lroam5]

Nobody has a voice like Chris...

[virtuazoso]

Amazing

[PassionPartiesByTess]

His voice is just heavenly. As many times as I've heard his version of Ave Maria I still get the chills when I listen to it!

[kiwiwarriors]

champion

[morriscornell]

micidale!!!

[incubus317]

chris is too talented. i saw him live twice. once with audioslave and once in his solo band. amazing.

[bkayefoo]

I absolutely love this. I had it on casette. I lost it some time back. Thank you for posting this. I've searched for it a few times with no luck 'til now.

[MatthiasGeorgi]

can anybody send me this version of the song at icq 425 722 232

[papasalahuancaina]

go to google and search for: "index of chris cornell lost and found" and then click on the 1st link that appears and.. voila!

[MatthiasGeorgi]

and how can i download it there

[papasalahuancaina]

you can right click on any of the songs of the list and then choose: "save target as"

[stibanovic]

What a voice, absolutely one of the best voices of all times.

[VMRiewer]

Almost gothic, but well worth the listen. I've always enjoyed his voice, both with Soundgarden and Audioslave

[HeartlessEnigma]

Nice, very spooky

[dawnabw]

i love the way he sings this song... thnxs for the post :-)

[audioslave15031993]

omg,this is great,awesome

[PsychoticHypnotic]

Chris Cornell has a beautiful voice and I LOVE his version of this song

[fuddy21]

loove cc verson of this