Sorry, I have absolutely no business in this forum as will be clear from the question, but please can you help me out?

I've been asked to accompany Gounod's Ave Maria for a soprano later this month. Obviously I know the accompaniment in C major as Bach's prelude no 1 from the Well tempered Clavier. But what key would a sop like it in please - or is impossible to know?

Thanks in advance!

Nowhere near certain on this ........ I seem to have a memory of hearing a B as the top note (near the end), which might put it in G major - but I really hope someone has a more definitive answer.

My copy's in F major.

Could be anything - I have everything from C major up to F major. The most common is Eb. Suggest you ask!

All the answers are correct - depends on what top note the singer is comfy with! (And to an extent how good the accompanist is in different keys...)

I think mine is in F or G major. The copy is in another room.

Thanks ever so much everyone. You've been very helpful. I have found a copy in F which takes it up to a top A and I will just transpose down if I need to. I did ask the bride what key her singing friend wanted it in, answer came there none but "She's a soprano"!

Thanks again all!