Ave Maria (Intermediate Violin & Cello Duet)-Franz Schubert

Schubert's Ave Maria for violin and cello, two equal voices that take turns singing the melody and join in octaves for the final "Ave Maria" — no piano needed.

• Violin: sings the famous melody in the first verse, then a gentle countermelody above the cello in the second, and leads the climb to the climax.

• Cello: opens alone with a soft pizzicato, like a harp, sings the melody in the second verse in its warm middle register, and joins the violin for the closing "Ave Maria".

• Schubert's melody note for note, with his harmonies and ornaments; two verses in D major, about 2½ minutes at a calm quarter = 54, building to a clear climax and fading to a quiet close.

• For players with about 3–4 years of experience: violin up to 3rd position; cello up to 4th position, bass clef only, with one natural harmonic.

• Fingering, bowing, dynamics and pizzicato/arco marked throughout; score 2 pages, each part on one page — no page turns.

Ideal for wedding ceremonies, signing of the register, receptions, memorials, recitals and church services.