Ave Maria, D. 839, by Franz Schubert is a globally treasured piece of music. Its origin and musical theory are quite fascinating. Schubert originally wrote the piece in 1825 as part of his composition Seven Songs from Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake, more specifically as a musical setting for Scott's poem Ellen's Third Song. The lyrics of the traditional Catholic prayer were adapted to fit later.The piece has transcended genre boundaries and has become a firm favourite at weddings, funerals, and Christmas concerts. Musically, the song is characterized by its fluid melody, elegantly simple harmonies, and graspable structure, making it loved by performers and listeners alike.
From a musical theory perspective, Ave Maria is set in 4/4 time. The song is written for piano and voice. The melody itself is full of expressiveness, with wide-ranging pitches and smooth contours. The gradually building intensity throughout the song calls for precise control over dynamics and phrasing from the performer.
For intermediate piano players eager to perform this beautiful piece, we offer a specially arranged version of Ave Maria, D. 839. After purchasing, you can easily download the sheet music. Add it to your repertoire and enjoy the journey of expressing its pure and heartfelt beauty.