We have a collection of 33 arrangements for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Requiem in D minor, K.626
How did Mozart's unfinished Requiem influence later completions by other composers? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Prodigy Who Defined Classical Music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K. 626, is one of his most famous and mysterious compositions. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic work:
Mystery Surrounding the Composition: Mozart began composing the Requiem in 1791 but was unable to finish it before his death on December 5 of the same year. This led to a great deal of speculation and mystery surrounding the piece's completion.
Anonymous Commission: Mozart received the commission to write the Requiem from an anonymous patron who is now believed to have been Count Franz von Walsegg-Stuppach. The count wanted to pass it off as his own composition to honor his deceased wife.
Mozart's Illness: Mozart was already in poor health when he received the commission, and his physical condition deteriorated further as he worked on the Requiem. Some have even speculated that the pressure of the project may have contributed to his decline.
Franz Xaver Süssmayr's Completion: Mozart's student and assistant, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, was entrusted with completing the Requiem after Mozart's death. While Süssmayr completed the composition, there is ongoing debate about the extent of his contributions and how much of the Requiem is truly Mozart's work.
Mysterious Mass for the Dead: The Requiem is a Mass for the Dead, a liturgical composition intended for use in funeral services. It consists of several movements, including the famous "Dies Irae" and "Lacrimosa," which are known for their dramatic and emotional intensity.
Mozart's Own Funeral: Strikingly, the Requiem was performed at Mozart's own funeral on December 10, 1791, in a modified form. His friends and family paid tribute to him by singing this poignant work during the service.
Conspiracies and Myths: Due to the circumstances surrounding Mozart's death and the anonymous commission, various conspiracy theories and myths have arisen about the Requiem. Some have suggested that composing the Requiem was cursed and led to Mozart's untimely demise.
Movie and Cultural References: Mozart's Requiem has been featured in numerous movies and cultural references, including the 1984 film "Amadeus," which dramatizes Mozart's life and the creation of the Requiem.
Musical Significance: The Requiem is considered one of Mozart's greatest choral works and a masterpiece of Western classical music. It is renowned for its emotional depth, powerful melodies, and dramatic contrasts.
Incomplete Manuscript: Mozart left an incomplete manuscript of the Requiem, which has been studied and analyzed extensively by musicologists and historians. It provides valuable insights into Mozart's composition process.
Mozart's Requiem remains a symbol of his genius and is cherished for its haunting beauty and the intrigue surrounding its creation. It continues to captivate audiences and musicians alike, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of history's greatest composers.