Product Description
Schwencke
There are two popular versions of the Bach-Gounod Ave Maria to consider. Firstly, we have the version that strictly follows the harmonic scheme set forth by J. S. Bach in his Prelude #1 in C Major from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. Secondly, the arrangement introduced by the Choirmaster Christian Friedrich Gottlieb Schwencke in 1783 presents a controversial added measure designed to intensify the harmony in measure 27. Both versions employ Charles Gounod's melody to overlay Bach's theme. In either case, the convenient 1st & 2nd endings provide options for extended performance. The duration with the repeat runs about 4:50. The score is seven pages long.
This version features the Schwencke measure (ms 27).
Ave Maria
Ave Maria is a Catholic prayer that consequently asks for the mother of Jesus (Mary) to intercede. Charles Gounod composed a famous version of the Ave Maria. He was a French Romantic composer who overlaid a new melody on an existing Bach chord progression. This and Schubert's versions have become essential at weddings, masses, and funerals.
Bach Overview
Johann Sebastian Bach was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. People are probably most familiar with instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and the Art of Fugue. His most famous vocal works seem to include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, the St. John Passion and the Christmas Oratorio are the most memorable.
Bach History
Bach came from a long line of musicians and, above all, composers. Consequently, he first of all pursued a career as a church organist. As a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. He worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen for a while. Here, he probably developed his organ style and, likewise, his chamber music style. Eventually, he gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here, he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.
Bach Style
It seems like Bach created an engaging new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his unique style. This unique style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top.
Bach Revival
Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach's works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will use an "S" (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for "BWV".
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