Ave Maria

In 1979, on the cover of the "Florence" album, I first encountered the Spanish Baroque artist Esteban Bartolome Murillo's "Virgin and Child," painted in 1650 in Seville, Spain. For the first time, I admired the astonishing combination of both divine and earthly beauty captured in this picture.

In 1996, I composed the initial version of my musical arrangement of Ave Maria. I recorded it on a Korg X5D synthesizer and included it in my album "Starry Room," recorded in 1997.

In 2019, I orchestrated the piece, adapting it for soprano, choir, and orchestra, and recorded it in 2020 with the talented Canadian soprano, Holly Chaplin. I also had American poet Adam Swift write an English middle section to complement the canonical Latin text. The full text is presented below.

This piece is available in two distinct formats. The first rendition is a delicate and soul-stirring piano version, where the keys of the piano resonate with profound emotion, creating a serene and introspective atmosphere. The second rendition showcases the grandeur of an orchestral arrangement, weaving a tapestry of symphonic magnificence. Both versions are readily accessible on YouTube, each amassing an impressive view count exceeding 100,000.

Below, you can find several "behind-the-scenes" photos taken in audio and video studios.

I've also created a special version of my 'Ave Maria' with simplified piano accompaniment, which is available for those who wish to sing or play it at home or on other occasions. Feel free to download it as a .pdf file from here.