Ave Maria (Schubert)
Schubert's song adapted into the widely known 'Ave Maria'.
52, No. 6), originally composed as a setting of a German translation of Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake. Although Schubert wrote the melody for Ellen Douglas's prayer to the Virgin Mary, the piece became widely known as 'Ave Maria' after its melody was adapted to the full Latin text of the Hail Mary prayer.
- Composer
- Franz Schubert
- Original title
- Ellens dritter Gesang (Ellen's Third Song)
- Opus
- 52, No. 6
- Known for
- Melody adapted as 'Ave Maria'
Lore & Background
It was arranged in three versions for piano by Franz Liszt.
Reader's Guide
Schubert's 'Ellens dritter Gesang' holds significance as a masterful Lied that, through its adaptation to the Latin 'Ave Maria' prayer, became one of the most recognizable melodies in Western music. The piece's association with the 'Ave Maria' prayer is so strong that many listeners assume Schubert originally composed it for that text, though it was actually written for a German translation of Walter Scott's poem. The work also demonstrates Schubert's skill in setting narrative poetry to music, as part of a larger cycle of seven songs from The Lady of the Lake. Its adaptation by Franz Liszt into three piano versions further cemented its place in the repertoire. The song's enduring popularity reflects its emotional directness and the universal appeal of its melody, which has been used in countless arrangements and contexts.
Did You Know?
- The song was first performed at the castle of Countess Sophie Weissenwolff in Steyregg, Austria, and dedicated to her.
- The Latin version of 'Ave Maria' is so frequently used with Schubert's melody that many believe he originally wrote it for that prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ave Maria (Schubert)?
Ave Maria (Schubert) is a celebrated vocal work by Franz Schubert, catalogued as D. 839 and published as Op. 52, No. 6. It began life as a German-language art song before its melody became inseparably linked with the Latin Hail Mary prayer.
What is the original title of Schubert's Ave Maria?
The piece was first issued under the name 'Ellens dritter Gesang' (Ellen's Third Song), drawn from a German translation of Walter Scott's novel The Lady of the Lake. Schubert set the melody to Ellen Douglas's devotional address to the Virgin Mary.
Why is the song called 'Ave Maria' when it was originally a German poem setting?
The name stuck after the melody was subsequently paired with the full Latin text of the Hail Mary prayer, and that version became the one most listeners know. The original Walter Scott–based German text gradually receded from everyday use.
Who composed Ave Maria (Schubert)?
Franz Schubert wrote the melody as part of his song cycle based on Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake. The work carries the catalogue number D. 839 and appears as the sixth piece in his Opus 52 set.
Why is Ave Maria (Schubert) so important in the classical repertoire?
It ranks among the most instantly recognizable and frequently performed vocal melodies in Western music, appearing in church services, concert halls, and popular media alike. Its lasting appeal comes from the marriage of Schubert's lyrical, highly singable line with the profound spiritual weight of the Marian text.
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