Description
From the arranger:
“This publication contains the beloved musical setting of Ave Maria by Franz Schubert. It has been arranged for all harps and voice (as well as for solo harps), transposed into several different keys, and designed for accompanied or self-accompanied singing. The traditional
keyboard accompaniment has been modified so that it is within the technical capabilities of most harpists and harpers.
“The accompaniment can be played on a very small pedal harp by eliminating the left-hand doubled bass octaves. The greater range and chromatic capability of the pedal harp enabled me to offer six key options that should cover nearly every possible voice type. Five keys are
provided for the lever harp, only omitting the key of A-flat major, which does not work for most lever harp tunings. Dynamics and rubato indications have been intentionally minimized so that the harpist is free to follow the expressive nuances of the vocalist.
“The best lever-harp tuning to play all of the accompaniments is the key of Eb. However, #7, #9, and #10 can be adapted to lever harps with a C tuning with a few adjustments. See the suggestions at the top of those pages.
“The original version is written in 4/4 time; however, I have transcribed it into 12/8 time so that the visual layout on the page is more appealing and easier to read. In order to eliminate any awkward page turns, a slightly smaller staff size was used on the vocal arrangements. I have attempted to approximate the original rhythmic contours of the voice part within the confines of 12/8 time. Feel free to make rhythmic adjustments as desired.
“The Latin text version of the Roman Catholic prayer ‘Hail Mary, full of grace’ is placed under the melody line. I have also offered a singable English version that attempts to capture the spirit of the original text within the syllabic contour implied by the melody.
“The arrangements contain some left-hand intervals of a tenth, chosen for harmonic interest and also to break up the monotony of the left-hand accompaniment. Should you find this interval cumbersome to reach, feel free to substitute an octave for the tenth.”
Schubert’s Latin classic arranged for solo voice and pedal or lever harp accompaniment in six keys, voice and lever harp in five keys, and three solo harp versions in C major and D major— one for pedal harp and two for lever harp (Eb and C tunings). Keys are: C, Bb, Ab, G, F, and Eb. ALL HARPS + VOICE, EARLY ADVANCED.
