This is a very famous setting of the classic text "Hail Mary" which forms the basis for the Rosary.  The music was originally written with a text in German, from Walter Scott's famous epic poem, The Lady of the Lake.  Later, the melody was adapted to this prayer, and this is the version that is well known around the world, often sung at weddings, memorials, and other sacred services.

The traditional prayer is based on verses found in the gospels of Luke often translated as "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you."  The occasion of this greeting was described as Angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she rejoice in the knowledge that she had been chosen to bear Jesus.

The word Mary was added in the thirteenth century, possibly by St Thomas Aquinas who was responsible for many extraordinary prayers and hymns of that era.


Composer: Franz Schubert, Op.52
Image: Madonna and Child by Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787)