Brahms - Ave Maria, Op.12

Composed for four-voice female choir and orchestra (strings and paired winds) with an organ part to be used in lieu of an orchestra, the Ave Maria and the contemporaneous Begräbnisgesang, Op. 13, are Brahms' first attempts to combine vocal and orchestral forces. Both were composed in the autumn of 1858. The Ave Maria was first performed on December 2, 1859 in Hamburg by Brahms' Frauenchor (Women's Chorus), under his direction.
Brahms' early preference for female voices is evident in his selection of forces for both the Ave Maria and the Begräbnisgesang. His choice of female chorus was not a practical matter dictated by his direction of his Frauenchor in Hamburg, for both of these works were written before he took that position.
Evidence suggests that Brahms conceived and wrote the organ part of the Ave Maria first, expanding it for orchestra only later. This may account for the rather calculated manner in which instruments are used, especially when compared to the Choruses, Op. 17, in which the female voices are supported by the unique combination of horns and harp. In the Ave Maria, the upper strings often double the voice parts, clouding the female vocal tone color. (AllMusic)

[@christinewendt3660]

If you love treble voices in harmony this is a piece that you will love. This recording of it is absolutely gorgeous.

[@GreenTea4]

2:28 Dumbledore's farewell :D

[@ajmillinger1]

Strange that the score shown is the orchestral version, whereas the performance is with organ. I liked it , though, gentle and unhurried.

[@yoelreuven]

The organ part is right at the bottom of the page. It isn't played if the orchestra is present

[@ajmillinger1]

@@yoelreuven Yes, I know.

[@freya5099]

doing this for contest this year 😈😈

[@organman52]

Isn't the organ a bit too prominent in the forte sections?