As a child and young adult, Battle was both a good student and a good singer, but her ambitions were not grand. She was awarded a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Ohio, but she chose to major in music education rather than risk a performance career. In 1971, with both bachelor's and master's degrees, Battle set out to teach music to Cincinnati's inner-city youth. While teaching 5th and 6th grade music, she continued to study voice privately, which resulted in an audition with Thomas Schippers (then conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra). He was so moved by Battle's remarkable voice that he hired the almost totally inexperienced singer to perform at the 1972 Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
Ave Maria
Kathleen Battle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sorreggi il piè del misero che t'implora,
In sul cammin del rio dolor
E fede, e speme gl'infondi in cor.
O pietosa, tu che soffristi tanto,
Vedi, ah! vedi il mio penar.
Nelle crudeli ambasce d'un infinito pianto,
Ave Maria! In preda al duol,
Non mi lasciar, o madre mia, pietà!
O madre mia, pietà! In preda al duol,
Non mi lasciar, non mi lasciar
The lyrics of Kathleen Battle's song Ave Maria are a plea to the Virgin Mary for mercy and support. The first verse, in Italian, translates to "Ave Maria, Holy Mother, support the foot of the wretched one who implores you, on the path of painful river, and instill faith and hope in his heart." The singer is asking Mary to guide them through a difficult and trying time, and to give them the strength to endure.
The second verse continues with the theme of suffering, asking Mary to look upon the singer's pain and not abandon them in their time of need. "Merciful one, you who suffered so much, see, ah! see my pain. In the cruel troubles of endless weeping, oh, do not abandon me." The repetition of "Ave Maria" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's reliance on Mary's protection and guidance.
Overall, the lyrics of Ave Maria convey a deep sense of vulnerability and reliance on a higher power for support during times of hardship. The powerful combination of Kathleen Battle's soaring vocals and the heartfelt plea to Mary make this a moving and emotional piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Ave Maria, madre Santa,
Oh Holy Mother, hear the plea of the poor who implore you,
Sorreggi il piè del misero che t'implora,
Help guide the feet of the lowly who are seeking your aid,
In sul cammin del rio dolor
On the journey through the river of pain,
E fede, e speme gl'infondi in cor.
Plant faith and hope in their hearts.
O pietosa, tu che soffristi tanto,
Oh compassionate one, who suffered so greatly,
Vedi, ah! vedi il mio penar.
See, oh see my suffering.
Nelle crudeli ambasce d'un infinito pianto,
Amid the cruel sorrows of an endless lament,
Deh! non m'abbandonar.
Oh please! Do not abandon me.
Ave Maria! In preda al duol,
Hail Mary! In the grip of pain,
Non mi lasciar, o madre mia, pietà!
Do not leave me, oh my mother, have mercy!
O madre mia, pietà! In preda al duol,
Oh my mother, have mercy! In the grip of pain,
Non mi lasciar, non mi lasciar
Do not leave me, do not leave me.
Writer(s): BACH/GOUNOD, GIBSON MICHAEL A
Contributed by Penelope V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Up2DaRack
I too remember watching this broadcast live in 1987. Many of the numbers on the show were typically over-produced and over the top. Then, like a breath of fresh air in stark contrast to all the other production songs, the spotlight shines on a single vocalist and a classical guitarist accompanying her. Music in its purest form, sublime in its simple elegance and beauty. I was as mesmerized as the audience by this special magical moment. Glad someone captured it on tape and shared it here.
@callastoujours
As I said, Kathleen is awesome, but the guitarist is at her same level. Hear please, how he perfectly accompany her, he waits for her to express, he gives her the serenity that she needs to sing piece. He is marvelous !!!
@kinddude9555
Very glad you all enjoyed this. I think this is what true art does. It entrances us. It gives us pleasure. It feels us with the understanding of our higher selves...in some way.
@Genewms
I am mesmerized, enraptured, and inspired. Kathleen Battle's amazing gifts to interpret and minister song with such emotion, technical excellence, and gentle strength astound me. She compels me to continue to perfect my gifts of speaking, writing, performing and facilitating. Even in our imperfections, we can discover the unique and extraordinary ways in which we are smart, and it is our duty to develop and perfect those giftings to share them with humanity. Ms. Battle exemplifies that for me!
@ashcake25
This is absolutely the most beautiful rendition of Gounod's Ave Maria I have ever heard! Wow, I absolutely love Kathleen Battle, and the accompaniment was outstanding as well!!!!
@Michajeru
Perhaps I am overly emotional but I started to cry when I heard this. It is beautiful beyond description.
@soulsurrender
Her voice reminds me of an aged violin..so warm and mellow, without being overbearing on the high notes. I love the way she sort of 'embraces' the climax by holding back a bit without losing power.
@DouglasModig
When Battle keys down and avoid ornamentals she is simply enchanting. The guitarist is marvelous, Battle at her very best. And that means great ! A piece if art !
@sanguinefan
What an exquisite performance! Beautifully understated singing, and the guitar accompaniment is just perfect. A real gem.
@noragloria
Brings tears to my eyes -- the beauty of this. My God.