Description
Gounod's Ave Maria was created by layering a new melody over the Prelude in C major from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1. The result is a flowing, song-like line above rippling broken-chord accompaniment, widely performed at weddings and other celebrations. In this solo piano arrangement, the pianist must balance melody and accompaniment single-handedly, calling for the careful voicing expected at an advanced level.
A collection of preludes not tied to a specific set, featuring short, evocative works by composers from Bach to more modern voices.
Browse all songs in Preludes →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Charles Gounod (1818-1893)
Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was a French composer who achieved international fame with his opera 'Faust.' His 'Ave Maria,' a melody set over Bach's C major prelude from the Well-Tempered Clavier, remains one of the most widely performed sacred pieces today. This site includes that meditation.
View all works by Gounod →