Franz Schubert was born in Vienna in 1797. He was involved in music at an early age, learning music theory and many different instruments including piano, violin, organ, and voice. During his brief, prolific life, he wrote for many ensembles and instruments including symphonies, sonatas, piano duets, operas, masses, chamber works, and classic vocals. Among the hundreds of songs, the most revered is Ave Maria. First published in 1826 under the German title “Ellen’s Gesang 111: Hymne and die Jungfrau” or “Ellen’s Song 111: Hymn to the Virgin.” The text was taken from Sir Walter Scott’s novel, “Lady of the Lake” then later translated into German as it appeared in Schubert’s song. The beauty of this vocal classic, originally envisioned as a devotional piece, has made this song equally popular for secular performances. Schubert’s Ave Maria edited for Low Voice is arranged for an alto or baritone’s vocal range. Although the Lyrics are written in Latin, we’ve included the English translation in verse to share this fabled story. Read More After Schubert’s death in 1828, the Latin text began being used and eventually surpassed either the use of the German or English text. “Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin” is a text which has been used in religious contexts since the beginning of Christianity.
