‘Ave Maria’ is a globally recognized and deeply moving piece of music, often associated with serene and spiritual moments. Many know it as a standalone song of devotion, but its origins are rooted in a different context altogether. While universally referred to as ‘Ave Maria’, the history and lyrics are richer and more nuanced than a simple prayer. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this iconic melody, uncover the true ‘Ave Maria Song Words’, and explore why it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Originally composed in 1825 by the Austrian composer Franz Schubert, this celebrated piece wasn’t initially conceived as ‘Ave Maria’ at all. Schubert’s original title was ‘Ellens dritter Gesang’ – or ‘Ellen’s Third Song’ in English. It was part of a larger song cycle based on Sir Walter Scott’s popular epic poem, The Lady of the Lake. In Scott’s poem, Ellen Douglas is taking refuge in the Goblin’s Cave and sings this song as a prayer to the Virgin Mary. Schubert set this scene to music, incorporating the ‘Ave Maria’ prayer within the German lyrics of the song.
Singer performing Ave Maria in a train station.
Over time, and due to its profound beauty, ‘Ellens dritter Gesang’ transcended its original context. It became widely adopted as a setting for the traditional Latin ‘Ave Maria’ prayer. This adaptation is so prevalent that most performances and recordings today use the Latin prayer lyrics instead of Schubert’s original German setting or Scott’s English poem. The melody’s inherent sacred quality made it a seamless fit for the well-known Catholic prayer, cementing its place in both concert halls and religious settings.
The popularity of Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’ is undeniable. It has been performed and recorded by a diverse range of world-renowned artists, spanning genres from classical to pop. Opera legends like Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas have lent their voices to its soaring melody, while contemporary artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion have brought it to even wider audiences. Each artist brings their unique interpretation to the ‘Ave Maria song words’, further enriching its legacy.
The Latin ‘Ave Maria Song Words’
Here are the traditional Latin lyrics, most commonly sung with Schubert’s melody:
Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave Dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave MariaEnglish Translation of ‘Ave Maria’ Lyrics
For those unfamiliar with Latin, here is the English translation of the ‘Ave Maria song words’:
Hail Mary, full of grace,
Mary, full of grace,
Mary, full of grace,
Hail, Hail, the Lord.
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed,
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Thy womb, Jesus.
Hail Mary!Hail Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Pray, pray for us;
Pray, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death,
The hour of our death
The hour of our death,
The hour of our death
Hail Mary.
In conclusion, while originally ‘Ellen’s Third Song’, Schubert’s composition is now inextricably linked with the ‘Ave Maria’ prayer. The ‘Ave Maria song words’, whether in Latin or translated, carry a message of hope, supplication, and reverence that resonates deeply across cultures and faiths. The enduring appeal of Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’ lies not only in its breathtaking melody but also in the timeless and universal themes embodied within its heartfelt lyrics.
