The Most Popular Ave Maria, Ranked

Choose the Ave Maria you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:29
In the realm of classical music and spiritual hymns, the Ave Maria holds a special place in the hearts of listeners. Its serene melodies and profound emotional depth resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. Ranking these pieces helps clarify which versions stand out in their unique allure and interpretative richness, providing new listeners a guided path to explore. By participating in the voting process, fans contribute to a constantly updated list that reflects current preferences and discoveries in the musical community. This dynamic ranking empowers enthusiasts to share their passion and influence how these iconic tunes are perceived globally. It's an engaging way for everyone to voice their preferences and see how their choices stack up against others.

What Is the Most Popular Ave Maria?

  1. 1
    89
    votes

    Schubert's Ave Maria

    Franz Schubert
    This is perhaps the most famous and widely recognized Ave Maria. It is a beautiful melody that has been used in numerous movies, TV shows, and even pop songs.
    Schubert's Ave Maria is a timeless classical composition that has captivated audiences for centuries. It was composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his setting of seven songs from Walter Scott's epic poem, 'The Lady of the Lake.' The piece is primarily a lyrical and melodic adaptation of the traditional Latin prayer, Ave Maria (Hail Mary). It stands as one of Schubert's most celebrated works and has been widely performed and recorded by various artists throughout history.
    • Year of Composition: 1825
    • Original Language: Latin
    • Movement: Lied (Art Song)
    • Key: B-flat major
    • Form: ABA (Ternary Form)
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    This version of Ave Maria features a beautiful melody composed by Charles Gounod, set to the first prelude of Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier. It is a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
    Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria is a musical setting of the traditional Latin prayer Ave Maria, composed by Charles Gounod to a Prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is one of the most popular and iconic settings of Ave Maria.
    • Composers: Charles Gounod and Johann Sebastian Bach
    • Year of Composition: 1859
    • Original Language: Latin
    • Key: C Major
    • Voice Type: Soprano
  3. 3
    28
    votes

    Caccini's Ave Maria

    Giulio Caccini
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Italian composer Giulio Caccini in the early 1600s. It is a beautiful and haunting piece that has become a popular choice for classical singers.
    Caccini's Ave Maria is a musical composition based on the traditional Catholic prayer 'Ave Maria'. It is known for its serene and ethereal melody, which has made it one of the most beloved pieces in the Ave Maria repertoire. The piece was composed by Giulio Caccini, an Italian composer from the late Renaissance period.
    • Genre: Baroque music
    • Voice type: Originally composed for solo voice (soprano) and basso continuo
    • Key: G minor
    • Original language: Italian
    • Year of composition: Around 1600
  4. 4
    11
    votes

    Schumann's Ave Maria

    Robert Schumann
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Robert Schumann, and features a beautiful melody that is often sung by choirs.
    Schumann's Ave Maria is a musical composition that belongs to the Romantic era. It was composed by Robert Schumann, a renowned German composer and pianist. The piece is a setting of the traditional Latin prayer 'Ave Maria', commonly known as the Hail Mary. Here are ten important specifications about Schumann's Ave Maria:
    • Genre: Classical music
    • Key: C major
    • Instrumentation: Solo voice and piano or organ accompaniment
    • Form: Strophic
    • Tempo: Andante
  5. 5
    15
    votes

    Bruckner's Ave Maria

    Anton Bruckner
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, and is known for its beautiful harmonies and lush orchestration.
    Bruckner's Ave Maria is a choral composition set to the traditional Latin prayer 'Ave Maria' by Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. It is one of the most popular Ave Marias in the classical music repertoire, known for its rich harmonies, emotional depth, and powerful choral writing.
    • Composer: Anton Bruckner
    • Composition Year: 1861
    • Key: F major
    • Voice Parts: SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
    • Genre: Choral
  6. 6
    13
    votes

    Mascagni's Ave Maria

    Pietro Mascagni
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Italian composer Pietro Mascagni, and is known for its soaring melody and beautiful orchestration.
    Mascagni's Ave Maria is a musical composition based on the traditional Catholic prayer 'Ave Maria'. It was composed by Pietro Mascagni, an Italian opera composer, in the late 19th century. This Ave Maria is a beautiful and emotive piece, showcasing Mascagni's skill for creating elegant melodies and expressive harmonies. It is often performed by solo singers accompanied by organ or orchestra, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. The composition follows a traditional ABA form, where the opening and closing sections provide a heartfelt and melodic setting of the prayer, while the central section features a contrasting and more dramatic musical development. Mascagni's Ave Maria has become one of the most popular musical settings of the prayer, cherished for its poignancy and timeless beauty.
    • Year of composition: Late 19th century
    • Genre: Classical
    • Instrumentation: Solo voice, organ or orchestra
    • Form: ABA
    • Style: Elegant, emotive
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Liszt's Ave Maria

    Franz Liszt
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and is known for its intricate piano accompaniment and beautiful melody.
    Liszt's Ave Maria is a musical composition known as Consolation No. 3 in D-flat major, S. 172, which is often referred to as Ave Maria. It is a piano solo piece that is based on a popular prayer. The composition is known for its peaceful and contemplative nature, capturing the essence of serenity and tranquility.
    • Composition Year: 1850
    • Genre: Romantic Piano Solo
    • Key: D-flat major
    • Opus Number: S. 172
    • Form: Lied ohne Worte (Song without Words)
  8. 8
    3
    votes

    Pergolesi's Ave Maria

    Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and is known for its beautiful melody and simple, yet elegant arrangement.
    Pergolesi's Ave Maria, also known as 'The Pergolesi-Salve Regina,' is a musical composition that combines the traditional Catholic prayer 'Ave Maria' with Pergolesi's own setting of the 'Salve Regina' hymn. This rendition has become one of the most popular Ave Marias in the classical music repertoire, admired for its elegant and emotive melody.
    • Year of Composition: 1736
    • Genre: Choral music
    • Language: Latin
    • Voice Types: Soprano solo, mixed choir, and orchestra
    • Duration: Approximately 6-7 minutes
  9. 9
    10
    votes

    Rossini's Ave Maria

    Gioachino Rossini
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, and is known for its beautiful melody and lush orchestration.
    Rossini's Ave Maria is a musical composition based on the Latin prayer Ave Maria. It was composed by Gioachino Rossini, an Italian opera composer and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 19th century.
    • Date of composition: 1829
    • Musical genre: Sacred music
    • Language: Latin
    • Voice type: Soprano or tenor solo with SATB choir
    • Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    Verdi's Ave Maria

    Giuseppe Verdi
    This version of Ave Maria was composed by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, and is known for its beautiful harmonies and lush orchestration.
    Verdi's Ave Maria is a musical composition by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. It is a sacred choral work that sets the traditional Latin text of Ave Maria to music. The piece is known for its expressive melodies and rich harmonies, showcasing Verdi's skill as a composer.
    • Composition Date: 1880
    • Genre: Sacred choral music
    • Language: Latin
    • Voice Parts: SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
    • Instrumentation: Choir and organ

Missing your favorite Ave Maria?

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Ranking factors for popular Ave Maria

  1. Historical Significance
    Some versions of Ave Maria may have historical importance in the development and popularization of the composition, which could contribute to its position in a ranking.
  2. Musical Style
    Different Ave Maria versions may showcase distinct musical styles or eras, such as classical, romantic, or contemporary. The popularity of these styles with audiences can influence the ranking of a particular Ave Maria.
  3. Vocal Performance
    A key factor contributing to the popularity of an Ave Maria version is the vocal quality of the performers. A powerful and emotive vocal performance often resonates strongly with listeners and can elevate the popularity of a specific version.
  4. Instrumentation
    The choice of instruments used in the version of Ave Maria and the skill of the instrumentalists can contribute to its popularity. For example, versions with unique or well-executed instrumentation may attract attention and positive reception.
  5. Interpretation
    Each version of Ave Maria has its distinct interpretation, which may resonate with listeners in different ways. The overall artistic vision and approach to the piece can greatly impact its ranking.
  6. Recordings and Availability
    A version's popularity may be influenced by the availability and quality of its recordings or performances. High-quality, easily accessible recordings will likely garner more public attention and contribute to the ranking.
  7. Influential Performances
    Some versions of Ave Maria may have popularized or inspired iconic performances by well-known singers or ensembles, which can elevate their position in the rankings.
  8. Personal Taste
    Personal preferences will always impact how popular a version is considered among individuals, so take into account the subjective nature of evaluating the popularity of different Ave Maria versions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Ave Maria. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ave Maria is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1664 views
  • 214 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ave Maria once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ave Maria is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular ave maria

Ave Maria, which translates to "Hail Mary" in Latin, is a traditional Catholic prayer that has been set to music by numerous composers over the centuries. The prayer itself is based on the biblical greeting of the angel Gabriel to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. One of the most famous musical settings of Ave Maria is by the composer Franz Schubert, who composed his version in 1825. Schubert's melody, which features a soaring soprano line and delicate piano accompaniment, has become a beloved classic and is often performed at weddings and funerals. Other composers who have set Ave Maria to music include Johann Sebastian Bach, Charles Gounod, and Giuseppe Verdi. Despite the many different musical interpretations, the prayer's central message of seeking the intercession of Mary remains a unifying theme.

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