Ave Maria: The simple prayer that has become an icon

Many composers have interpreted Ave Maria, a musical masterpiece over the centuries. In this episode, the Schubert and Gounod (after Bach) versions are explored, along with a beautiful rendition by African American composer R. Nathaniel Dett and a newly created arrangement by composer Omar Daniel for string quartet and soprano.

God's Greatest Hits is a Canadian documentary series that explores the history of some of the best-known spirituals in the world. From Christian hymns to gospel songs, each episode presents information from historical archives and features interviews with music critics, musicians and scholars.

Photo: Cecilia String Quartet © Lisa-Marie Mazzucco