We have a collection of 33 arrangements for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Requiem in D minor, K.626
Who completed Mozart’s Requiem after his death? 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 masterpiece:
Mysterious Commission: Mozart received the commission for the Requiem in the summer of 1791 from an anonymous patron. The identity of this patron is still a subject of speculation and debate among music historians.
Incomplete Work: Mozart died before completing the Requiem. He only managed to finish the Introit (Requiem aeternam) and Kyrie movements in their entirety, and he partially completed the Dies Irae, Tuba Mirum, Rex Tremendae, and Confutatis movements. The rest of the work was left unfinished.
Sickness and Death: Mozart's health was declining rapidly during the composition of the Requiem. He was suffering from an illness that remains unidentified to this day but is believed to have been rheumatic fever. He died on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35, leaving the Requiem incomplete.
Franz Xaver Süssmayr's Completion: Mozart's student and assistant, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, was entrusted with completing the Requiem after Mozart's death. Süssmayr completed the missing sections based on Mozart's sketches and instructions. While Süssmayr's contribution allowed the Requiem to be performed, it has been a subject of criticism and debate among musicologists for its quality and authenticity.
Dramatic Mythology: The story of Mozart composing the Requiem on his deathbed and believing it was for his own funeral has been romanticized in various plays, movies, and books. While the historical accuracy of this narrative is debatable, it has contributed to the Requiem's enduring mystique.
Musicological Analysis: Musicologists have scrutinized the Requiem extensively to distinguish Mozart's original compositions from Süssmayr's additions. Over time, various editions of the Requiem have been published, attempting to present a more authentic representation of Mozart's intentions.
Structural Complexity: The Requiem is known for its intricate and emotionally charged music. Mozart's use of counterpoint, harmonic progression, and orchestration in this work is considered some of his finest. The Dies Irae section, in particular, is known for its powerful and dramatic impact.
Pop Culture Impact: The Requiem has made numerous appearances in popular culture, including in movies, television shows, and commercials. It often serves as a symbol of death, mystery, or the supernatural in these contexts.
Legacy: Mozart's Requiem remains one of the most performed and revered works in the classical music repertoire. It is often considered a masterpiece of choral music and continues to captivate audiences and musicians alike with its depth and emotional resonance.
Mystery and Speculation: The circumstances surrounding the commission, Mozart's death, and the completion of the Requiem have given rise to various conspiracy theories and speculations. While many mysteries remain, it adds to the intrigue and allure of this iconic composition.
Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K.626, continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration for musicians, scholars, and music enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.