Ave Maria Bach/Gounod

A number of stories exist on how this particular Ave Maria came to be, and while the original text may indeed have been profane it's the sacred latin that makes it's mark on our souls. Even without the vocal line the musician must have a focal point from which to build expression upon. The melody built on Bach's prelude is lovely indeed, but when one finds an image of Mary and Jesus in the heart as they play the result is overwhelming.
Gounod was heavily influenced by sacred elements during his time at the Vatican in the 1840's and considered the priesthood. His religious compositions are many though rarely heard today. Some consider his music too theatrical for use in the church, though I would not agree with this position. Close your eyes, listen to the final scene in Faust and find a glimpse of what we must surely hear on our journey to Heaven.
And so it is with this Ave Maria - I play it much slower than most and even here it is a bit too fast. I sometimes finish this piece realizing tears have made their way down towards the violin...perhaps at that moment I have matured just a bit more toward what Gounod desired

Category:

Music

Tags:

• violin
• flute
• bach
• gounod
• ave
• maria
• catholic

[randommagnum]

Okay, religious question (hope you won't mind)... Many have said (usually in a critical way) that Catholics pray *to* Mary, but I believe I've also heard that, in actuality, they pray *with* Mary (and she prays on our behalf)...perhaps you could help clear this up for me? Thanks in advance.

[guarneriviolinaddict]

@randommagnum yes it would be better stated that Catholics ask Mary to pray for us and with us, on our behalf in order to draw us closer to her Son Jesus. The Orthodox have a saying..."Most Holy Mother of God save us" Which in reality means to ask Mary to help us toward our salvation. St Paul said in 1 Cor 9:22 " I became all things to all men, that I might save all" Paul himself could save no one...but his prayers helped them on their path to Jesus

[Pyrare1]

Hallo guarneriviolinaddict, this rendition is simply wonderful. It moves my soul. Thank you very much for uploding this!

Greatings from Germany, Pyrare1

[guarneriviolinaddict]

Best wishes to you in Germany Pyrare1...some of my family comes from Alsace Lorraine near the Rhine and Koln. I shall one day visit there again

[MrAdel007]

God bless the souls of Blessed Mother Theresa and His Holliness the servent of God Pope JohnPaul II . They are truly saints .

[jetboy33]

I swear, I just keep coming back and back for more of this. There was a time when I heard the Bach/Gounod version, I skipped over it looking for Shubert''s. Glad I stayed and listened...I play piano and keys, and JS Bach is my all-time fav of Baroque. What a combo this truly is, as if the Blessed Mother herself created it.

[avemariaclark]

Thank you so much for posting this beautiful version of Ave Maria. I've added it to my Ave Maria playlist. Thanks!

[aceofpentacles7]

Beautiful piece, but i wish i could sing it without feeling like i should love god. Cuz i don't. I love music.

[nerdyharry]

@jetboy33 oh man she must be really talented. name something by her i'll look it up on itunes.

[josparkes1]

Perfectly played, and so wonderful and beautiful it brings the tears to the eyes, as the content is Heavenly, in praise of God and His Mother Mary Our Lady !

[matis188]

and just as this music, bible, all religions... everything has been created by mind of man in hope of better understanding of world around us...

[PURPLEBEATTIE1]

Simply sublime.

[josparkes1]

So Holy it seems to come from Heaven itself, this is played so beautifully, many congratulations, to the violinist, wonderful !

[ginnymartin1]

guameriviolinaddict: Who are the musicians and where can I buy a CD? Thank-you

[Ocean482]

Pessoas que são a prova viva de que Deus as envia para ver se conseguimos enxergar as coisas, e ainda teimamos em não aceitar esse prova tão evidente.

Se as pessoas parassem para observar quem foi Jõao Paulo, Madre Thereza, Irmã Dulce, e tantos outros que dedicaram suas vidas a caridade entenderão de fato que é Deus, pois é ele quem nos envia essas pessoas de ouro

[Ocean482]

Simplismente maravilhosa...apenas isso, maravilhosa.