I'm interested in opinions on this as well. I guess there could be several categories as to what is defined as "best", though. What is best in the context of using for Mass, a concert, meditation, etc. My choir has been at odds trying to decide which Ave Maria is "best"
There are two popular versions of the Ave Maria, so I thought to include one of each, male and female: Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!
This is one of my absolute favorite songs ever! It is so beautiful. I feel that this song truly touches my soul. Thank you for posting these different versions. I listened to them while doing the dishes this evening and it made my chore much more pleasant.
There is a beautiful setting of "Ave Maria" by the sixteenth-century composer Jacques Arcadelt. This is a fine version: