Gounod/Bach Ave Maria for violin and piano (Schott)

Ave Maria by Charles Gounod, based on the Prelude in C major from Johann Sebastian Bach and presented here in an arrangement for violin and piano published by Schott Music, is one of the most beloved sacred melodies in Western music; floating a serene, vocal-inspired violin line above Bach’s timeless harmonic foundation, this piece invites the performer to focus on purity of tone, expressive legato, and heartfelt simplicity, creating a moment of calm devotion and luminous beauty that resonates deeply with audiences in both concert and ceremonial settings.

Key features:

• Celebrated for its pure, prayer-like lyricism, emphasizing musical sincerity over virtuosity
• Encourages a vocal approach to violin playing, with long-breathed phrasing and seamless legato
• Bach’s harmonic underpinning provides a sense of timeless stability and serenity
• Ideal for weddings, sacred services, memorials, and reflective recital moments
• Rewards refined tone control, bow distribution, and expressive restraint
• A work whose emotional impact lies in simplicity, balance, and inner calm
• Universally recognized and deeply moving across musical and cultural boundaries