Born in Salzburg, then in the Holy Roman Empire and currently in Austria, Mozart showed prodigious ability from his earliest childhood. Already competent on keyboard and violin, he composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. His father took him on a grand tour of Europe and then three trips to Italy. At 17, he was a musician at the Salzburg court but grew restless and traveled in search of a better position.
While visiting Vienna in 1781, Mozart was dismissed from his Salzburg position. He stayed in Vienna, where he achieved fame but little financial security. During his final years there, he composed many of his best-known symphonies, concertos, and operas. His Requiem was largely unfinished by the time of his death at the age of 35, the circumstances of which are uncertain and much mythologized.
Benedictus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics
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Hosanna in excelsis!
The lyrics are from the Latin version of the Catholic Mass, specifically the Sanctus (or Holy, Holy), which is typically sung or recited during the Eucharistic Prayer. The words "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domine" translate to "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," referring to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The following line, "Hosanna in excelsis," means "Hosanna in the highest," which was a cry of acclamation and praise that the people shouted as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey.
Mozart's setting of the Benedictus in his Mass in C major, K. 317, features a light and lilting melody that is accompanied by strings and a solo soprano. The music is filled with a sense of joy and celebration, perfectly capturing the sentiment of the lyrics. The soprano sings the first line, with the choir joining in for the "Hosanna in excelsis" refrain. Mozart's use of soaring vocal lines and intricate harmonies creates a sense of exaltation and reverence, making the Benedictus a highlight of the mass.
Line by Line Meaning
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domine.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in excelsis!
Praise be to God in the highest heaven!
Writer(s): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Copyright: Chappell Recorded Music Library, Koka Media, A-tempo Verlag Spol Sro.
Contributed by Ethan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@claymachine736
Divine. Bless Sussmayr and Mozart.
@scratvr9955
Süssmayr made a really good job in my opinion:) I think Mozart would be proud
@Lazergaz
Brave opinion but I agree, this is beautiful. The only thing that bugs me with Süssmayr's is that he copied Introit for Lux Aeterna note for note, but I think it works kinda.
@phillipanselmo8540
@Lazergaz good composers steal
@nathanbeler4874
@Phillip Anselmo great artists copy
@JASalam
No hay nada mas apacible que el solo del bajo en esta pieza. Suena cono un gigante noblisimo.
@gerzonsosa9770
Beautiful quartet.
@dallasd1282
Great Requiem i listen to it Everyday!
@savvassimitsis9090
We will always wonder how Mozart's Bebedictus would be, as we listen to this composition, but since we will never know, let us just enjoy its delightful sounds
@kf9as
Love this movement; it's probably my favorite of the quartets (though the Recordare is a very close second)! I'm singing the soprano line as I type this.