Ave Maria

Gounod's melody over Bach's C major Prelude is a favorite in piano and vocal arrangements.

Gounod's soaring melody laid over Bach's Prelude in C is one of the most cherished sacred pieces ever written, endlessly performed at weddings and services worldwide.

The continuous arpeggiated accompaniment demands evenness and stamina, while balancing the melody over it requires intermediate control.

• Keep Bach's underlying broken-chord figuration smooth, even, and never rushed.
• Voice the Gounod melody warmly above the flowing accompaniment.
• Change pedal cleanly with each harmony to avoid blurring.

The accompaniment must remain calm while the melody sings.

Public-domain scores are usually available for this piece. Compare editions for fingering and layout before choosing one.

Public domain availability varies by country. Always confirm copyright rules where you live.