This work is the composer's own piano solo version of the piece known today as "Ave Maria." It is a famous piece that everyone has heard at least once, featuring a melody superimposed on Bach's Prelude No. 1 from Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier.

Gounod's relationship with the piano was not particularly deep; he merely received instruction from his mother and used it as a means to try out compositions. Nevertheless, his published works alone include over 30 pieces for two hands, 5 duets, and 1 concerto for pedal piano. Including unpublished works, the number increases further.

Regarding his connection to the piano, it is important to note that his father-in-law, P.-J.-G. Zimmerman (1785–1853), was a renowned professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire. Gounod married Zimmerman's third daughter, Anna, in 1852. At the time, Zimmerman was a professor who trained French pianists and composers of the 1810s, such as Alkan, Marmontel, Prudent, Ravina, Lacombe, and Goria. His home was a salon frequented by international musicians. This work was also dedicated to his pupil, Alexandre Goria.