Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was a prolific … Read Full Bio ↴Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Despite his short life, his rapid pace of composition resulted in more than 800 works of virtually every Western classical genre of his time. Many of these compositions are acknowledged as pinnacles of the symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral repertoire. Mozart is widely regarded as among the greatest composers in the history of Western music, with his music admired for its "melodic beauty, its formal elegance and its richness of harmony and texture".

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.

Requiem: VII. Agnus Dei
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics

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Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem sempiternam

Overall Meaning

The Latin lyrics of "VII. Agnus Dei" in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's composition, conducted by Herbert von Karajan and performed by the Wiener Philharmoniker, are a section from the "Agnus Dei" of the Catholic Mass. "Agnus Dei" means "Lamb of God" in Latin. These lyrics are a plea to the Lamb of God, asking for mercy and forgiveness for the sins of the world and to grant eternal rest to those who have passed away.

The song opens with "Agnus Dei" followed by "qui tollis peccata mundi," which means "who takes away the sins of the world." It is a recognition of Jesus Christ's sacrificial role in providing redemption and salvation. The phrase expresses the belief that through Christ's sacrifice, the sins of humanity are forgiven.

The second line, "Dona eis requiem sempiternam," translates to "grant them eternal rest." This is a prayer for peace and eternal rest for the departed souls. It acknowledges the finality of death and expresses the hope that those who have passed away will find everlasting peace.

Overall, this section of "VII. Agnus Dei" is a profound and solemn cry for mercy, forgiveness, and eternal peace for humanity and those who have departed.

Line by Line Meaning

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world

Dona eis requiem sempiternam
Grant them eternal rest

Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons, PETER PAN MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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