Ave Maria

Today, August 15th, is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven, often shortened to the Assumption and also known as the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin, or the the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Dormition), according to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and parts of Anglicanism, was the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.

The Catholic Church teaches as dogma that the Virgin Mary "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory".

This wonderful "miniature" dates from 1852. Originally composed as a motet by the great Franz Liszt (22 October 1811 – 31 July 1886). it was transcribed as an organ solo by
Alexander Wilhelm Gottschalg (12 February, 1827 – 29 May, 1908), cantor, organist, and composer.

The purity of the piece is exceptional, and while I've tried to get some "color" into the performance, I've tried NOT to over do it!

There are no "loud" sections, but there are some "soft" ones, so, you may need to adjust your volume while listening.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Franz Liszt (probably one of the last taken of him), one of Alexander Wilhelm Gottschalg, and a shot of Rubens painting of the Assumption.

Hail, Mary! Full of grace!