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.
Rex Tremendae
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me, fons pietatis.
The Latin phrase "Rex Tremendae Maiestatis" means "King of Tremendous Majesty" and refers to the majesty and power of God. The lyrics continue with "Qui salvandos salvas gratis" which means "Who saves those worthy of salvation for the sake of His own mercy". This suggests that salvation is not earned or deserved but is a gift bestowed by God's mercy alone.
The final line "Salva me, fons pietatis" translates to "Save me, fount of mercy." This is a prayer for salvation and emphasizes the idea that only God's mercy can provide true salvation. The repetition of the word "salva" or "save" emphasizes the urgency of the plea for salvation.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rex Tremendae" reflect the reverence and awe that people feel towards God's immense power and mercy. It's a powerful prayer that emphasizes our need for salvation and our dependence on God's grace.
Line by Line Meaning
Rex tremandae maiestatis,
Oh, King of awesome majesty,
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
Who saves freely those who are to be saved,
salva me, fons pietatis.
Save me, O fount of mercy.
Contributed by Joshua Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@battlehard8939
Rex tremendæ maiestatis
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me, fons pietatis!
Rei de tremenda majestade
que ao salvares, salvas gratuitamente,
salva-me, fonte de piedade!
King of tremendous majesty
who when saving, freely save,
save me, source of piety!
@LaidbackLost
I simply cannot believe Mozart composed this while he was dogfighting Eurasian Flankers in a F-22.
What an absolute musical prodigy
@sfs2040
I was looking for the AC4 comment. Thank you, sir.
@davlor86
this my favourite requiem part
@hibamaksoud7475
same!
@aqil12347
Same too!
@polyminutes8788
For a 11 year old comment
Same
@flashedarden1060
This is ground control to Major Tom!
@sabahghiasvand
Same …
@syluxv2398
Makes me want to destroy a giant missile launch facility taken over by young Erusean officers...
@yahboisquishy5561
Took me far too long to find an ace combat reference. So glad they took from Mozart to write music such an impactful scene