Ave Maria, D.839 - Arr. Hazell - Franz Schubert
"Ave Maria, D.839" is a beautiful piece of music composed by Franz Schubert in 1825. It is a setting of the traditional Latin prayer "Ave Maria" (Hail Mary) and is one of Schubert's most popular works. The composition features a serene and contemplative melody that is both peaceful and uplifting. The music is set in a simple and elegant style, with the voice soaring above a delicate piano accompaniment. The lyrics of the prayer are sung in Latin, adding a sense of reverence and spirituality to the piece. One notable fact about "Ave Maria, D.839" is that Schubert originally wrote it as part of his song cycle "Die schöne Müllerin" (The Beautiful Miller's Wife), where it was titled "Ellens Gesang III" (Ellen's Song III). The text was written by Sir Walter Scott and translated into German by Adam Storck. The piece has since been arranged for various instruments and ensembles, including the arrangement by Robert Hazell. Overall, "Ave Maria, D.839" is a timeless and moving composition that continues to be performed and cherished by audiences around the world. Its combination of beautiful melody and spiritual lyrics make it a truly special piece of music.
Franz Schubert
Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer born on January 31, 1797, in Vienna. He was the fourth of fourteen children in a musical family, and showed great talent from a young age. Schubert received his early music education from his father and older brother, and later studied at the Stadtkonvikt school, where he excelled in singing and playing the violin. Despite facing financial struggles throughout his life, Schubert composed over 600 works in his short 31 years, including symphonies, chamber music, operas, and over 600 lieder (German art songs). His most famous works include the "Unfinished Symphony," the "Trout Quintet," and the song cycles "Die schöne Müllerin" and "Winterreise." Schubert's music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. He was a master of the art song, setting poetry to music in a way that captured the essence of the text. His songs, in particular, have been praised for their sensitivity, expressiveness, and intimate connection to the human experience. Despite his prolific output, Schubert struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime, as his music was overshadowed by the more popular works of his contemporaries, such as Beethoven and Mozart. However, his music would later be championed by composers such as Robert Schumann and Franz Liszt, who recognized his genius and helped to establish his reputation as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Schubert's influence on music was profound, with his innovative compositions paving the way for the Romantic movement in the 19th century. His use of harmony, form, and emotional expression inspired composers such as Schumann, Brahms, and Mahler, who continued to build on his legacy. Despite his untimely death from syphilis in 1828, Schubert's music continues to be celebrated and performed around the world. His contributions to the art song genre, in particular, have had a lasting impact on music, influencing generations of composers and performers. Franz Schubert's legacy as a composer of extraordinary talent and sensitivity endures to this day, ensuring his place in the pantheon of classical music greats.