Bach–Gounod: Ave Maria
The Ave Maria by Charles Gounod is based on the Prelude in C major from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I (1722). Gounod composed his flowing, lyrical melody in 1859, originally as a vocal line with text later adapted to the traditional Latin prayer. By combining Bach’s serene harmonic foundation with his own Romantic melodic style, Gounod created one of the most beloved sacred works in the vocal repertoire.
In this arrangement for female choir and piano, the transparent texture of Bach’s prelude is preserved in the accompaniment, while the choral writing allows the expressive melody to unfold with warmth and clarity. The use of women’s voices enhances the work’s gentle, prayerful character, making it especially suitable for concerts, liturgical use, and reflective occasions.