String Trio - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.552111 Composed by Bach-Gounod. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Instructional,Standards,Wedding. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #6120335. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.552111). SchwenckeThere are two popular versions of the Bach-Gounod Ave Maria to consider. Firstly, we have the version that exactly 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, we have the arrangement introduced by the Choirmaster Christian Friedrich Gottlieb Schwencke in 1783 that introduces a controversial added measure designed to intensify the harmony in measure 27. Both versions employ the melody that Charles Gounod provided as an overlay to the Bach harmony. In either case, the convenient 1st & 2nd endings provide options for extended performance. The duration with the repeat runs about 4:50.  This version features the Schwencke measure (ms 27). Ave MariaAve 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 version, as well as Schubert’s version, have become essential items at weddings, masses, and funerals.Bach OverviewJohann Sebastian Bach was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like 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. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio. Bach HistoryBach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. 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 StyleIt seems like Bach created an engaging new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new 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 simply use an S (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for BWV.
