Includes versions for High Medium or Low Voice (G F or E flat) with Piano accompaniment. Performance note by Gordon Stewart.Preface:The words for Panis Angelicus are from a longer hymn text Sacris Solemnis written by St Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth century for the newly established Feast of Corpus Christi and would originally have been sung to a plainchant. César Franck set this verse of seven lines in 1872. His deep religious feelings fashioned a memorable melody one which is within the scope of all singers - its range is only a seventh and if you follow the word patterns the breathing sits comfortably. It is in its way simple and direct but with the chance to use the voice to its full. The Latin words are not hard to sing but if you prefer to perform it in English the translation conveys the essential meaning. Franck originally wrote Panis Angelicus for Tenor Cello Harp Organ and Double Bass but it slips easily into the Keyboard arrangement. The colours of the original scoring are evident the Organ's sustained chords the semi-staccato notes for the Harp and the Cello's countermelody beginning in bar 38 (which could be transferred to another melodic instrument if that suits the occasion). Some discreet repetition of the long tied notes and doubling of the bass at the octave can give the Piano more resonance. The accompaniment probably works best with a minimum pedalling and an Organist's style of fingering. The dynamics ask for a triumphant final statement of the words 'pauper servus' in bar 53. It makes complete musical sense to make a diminuendo for the word 'humilis' in bar 56 leading to a thoughtful postlude.

Masterpiece Edition-Franz Schubert was born in Vienna in 1797. He was involved in music at an early age learning music theory and many different instruments including piano violin organ and voice. During his brief but prolific life he wrote a wide variety of music. His compositions included symphonies piano sonatas piano duets operas masses chamber works and several hundred songs. Among the hundreds of songs the most loved and revered is Ave Maria. Ave Maria was first published in 1826 under the German title Ellen's Gesang 111: Hymne and die Jungfrau (Ellen's Song 111: Hymn to the Virgin). The text used was taken from a novel written by Sir Walter Scott entitled 'Lady of the Lake'. It was then translated into German as it appeared in Schubert's song. After Schubert's death in 1828 the Latin text began being used and eventually surpassed either the use of the German or English text. 'Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin' is a text which has been used in religious contexts since the beginning of Christianity. This vocal classic was originally envisioned as a devotional piece but over time the magnificent beauty of both music and text has made this song equally popular for secular performances. Schubert's Ave Maria arranged for High Voice is recommended for Soprano or Tenor ranges. We have included a separate vocal line with lyrics written in Latin just above the piano accompaniment stave(s). The English translation is also included to explain this fabled story. This Minstrel Press Edition of Schubert's Ave Maria for High Voice is exclusively distributed by Santorella Publications.

A setting of Francis Chestertonâ??s poem for upper voices and piano or organ accompaniment.