“Ave Maria,” set to Bach’s Prelude in C Major, was composed by Charles Gounod in 1859. Gounod skillfully layered his own melody over Bach’s harmony, creating a piece filled with reverence and grace. This beautiful adaptation remains one of the most beloved versions of “Ave Maria,” often performed in weddings, services, and concerts worldwide. As a cellist, I hope to bring out the piece’s deep emotion and peaceful resonance, capturing its essence.