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Gidon Kremer Mischa Maisky Leonard Bernstein; Wiener Philharmoniker Lyrics

The song III, also known as "Ave Maria," performed by Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky, and the Wiener Philharmoniker, is a Latin hymn that praises the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ. The opening lines, "Ave Maria, gratia plena," translate to "Hail Mary, full of grace," which is a traditional Catholic greeting for Mary. The repetition of "gratia plena" emphasizes the idea of Mary's absolute purity and holiness. The following lines, "Ave, Ave Dominus, Dominus Tecum," which mean "Hail, hail Lord, the Lord is with you," affirm Mary's significant role in the birth of Christ and emphasize her close relationship with God.

The second half of the song continues to praise Mary's blessedness, saying, "Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus," meaning "Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus." This particular line highlights the crucial role Mary played in bringing Jesus into the world, identifying her as the mother of our savior. The closing line, "Ave Maria," reinforces the praise and devotion to Mary as the song comes to an end.