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 in D Minor K.626: 1. Introitus: Requiem
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion,
Et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam,
Ad te omnis caro veniet.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
The lyrics in the Introitus of Mozart's Requiem in D Minor K.626 are a solemn entreaty to God, asking for eternal rest and light for the departed souls. The words 'Requiem aeternam' (eternal rest) are repeated twice, emphasizing the sense of urgency and necessity in the prayer. The lyrics then shift to acknowledge God's place in Zion and Jerusalem, requesting that the offering of a hymn be returned with blessings. The final verse is a personal plea for God's attention and a reminder that all flesh will come to Him eventually.
The haunting melody of the Introitus adds to the overwhelming sense of sorrow and lamentation. The composer's use of the D minor key gives a sense of mournfulness and despair, while the choir's somber tones and harmonies make the piece emotionally impactful.
Line by Line Meaning
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion,
A hymn befitting you, O God, in Zion,
Et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem.
And to you shall the vow be given in Jerusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam,
Hear my prayer,
Ad te omnis caro veniet.
To you all flesh shall come.
Contributed by William L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.