We have a collection of 33 arrangements for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Requiem in D minor, K.626
Did Mozart really finish his Requiem before his death? Learn!
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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 masterpiece:
Commission and Incompletion: Mozart received a commission for the Requiem from an anonymous patron, later revealed to be Count Franz von Walsegg. However, Mozart died before completing the work, leading to various legends and mysteries surrounding the circumstances of its composition.
Mozart's Death: Mozart's health was deteriorating while he was working on the Requiem. He passed away on December 5, 1791, leaving the composition unfinished. His student, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, completed the Requiem based on Mozart's sketches.
Multiple Versions: Due to the incomplete nature of the composition, there have been various completions and arrangements of the Requiem by different composers. Süssmayr's version is the most well-known and widely performed.
Mysterious Commission: Count Franz von Walsegg commissioned the Requiem anonymously. He intended to pass it off as his own composition to commemorate the anniversary of his wife's death. This secrecy added to the mystique surrounding the work.
The Lacrimosa Myth: The story goes that Mozart became convinced he was writing the Requiem for his own funeral. He supposedly believed he was composing the music that would accompany his own death. While there is no conclusive evidence to support this, it adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Symbolism in the Score: Some musicologists and historians believe that Mozart may have embedded symbolism in the score, reflecting his own emotional and spiritual struggles. However, this remains a matter of interpretation.
Mozart's Health: Mozart's health was declining during the composition of the Requiem. There are conflicting theories about the cause of his death, ranging from rheumatic fever to poisoning. The exact circumstances remain a historical mystery.
Mozart's Requiem continues to be a poignant and powerful work that captivates audiences with its emotional depth and rich musicality.