Ave Maria (Schubert) (Duet)

About This Song

Ave Maria (“Hail Mary!”) was initially titled “Ellens dritter Gesang” and officially listed as “Ellens Gesang III, D. 839, Op. 52, No. 6.” Franz Schubert composed this work in 1825 as part of his Op. 52, a setting of seven songs from Walter Scott’s famous narrative poem The Lady of the Lake. Even in Schubert’s brief lifetime (he died in 1828 at age 31), “Ave Maria” was considered a masterpiece, and, unlike the vast majority of his compositions, it was published before his death. Mr. Pasero has transcribed two arrangements of the work, one for solo guitar (to be recorded on his upcoming album–see sheet music on this website) and this version for two guitars (as recorded on his album Christmas Classics for Guitar) in 1986. (Please note that Mr. Pasero has edited this duet transcription and some harmonies and fingerings have been modified for this sheet music score. These revisions reflect Schubert’s original piano score.)