Why is the Schubert "Ave Maria" favored at weddings and the Gounod at funerals?

I have noticed that more people request the Schubert "Ave Maria" at weddings and the Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria" at funerals?

Anonymous2008-08-03T21:16:22Z

Favorite Answer

There is no such a thing - which should be play in which..
It is a matter of choice..
You can do the opposite way as well..
For example, Jesu, bleibet meine Freude can be played in both....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6-UXRic7Pg

Anonymous2008-08-03T18:41:07Z

Maybe people think that the Bach/Gounod has a more somber tone. The Schubert has a peaceful feeling to it, but so does the Bach/Gounod. But the Bach/Gounod does sound a bit more somber and with a bit more drama in it. Maybe this sounds imploring and more suitable to a funeral. I'm just hypothesizing though.

jellyfish2008-08-03T19:02:42Z

Schubert has a happier peaceful sound (just like people want to feel at a wedding) The Bach is more minor and has some negative connotations with it (it has been used in movies and soap operas as the funeral song)

Anonymous2008-08-03T19:03:16Z

I don't have the right answer. But I just want to mention that in my native country, Ave Maria has been played at funerals only. Also played at funerals is Chopin's Marche Funebre.

Edik2008-08-03T21:39:48Z

I didn't know that this was the case, but if this seems to be the general consensus, then I'd be very interested too!

Strange, huh?

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