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.
Sequentia Rex tremendae
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rex tremende majestatis,
Qui salvandos salvas gratis
Salva me, fons pietatis.
The lyrics of the chorus in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem, specifically the section called "Rex tremendae," delve into the concept of a fearful and majestic king. In these lines, the singer acknowledges the awe-inspiring presence of a king of tremendous majesty. The phrase "Rex tremendae majestatis" translates to "King of tremendous majesty" or "King of awesome majesty." It emphasizes the power and authority held by this figure.
The next line, "Qui salvandos salvas gratis," means "who grants salvation freely to those to be saved." Here, the singer acknowledges the king's ability to save people without any cost or requirement. It symbolizes an element of divine grace or compassion, suggesting that this king has the power to redeem and offer salvation to those in need.
The final line, "Salva me, fons pietatis," translates to "Save me, source of mercy." In this plea, the singer directly addresses the king, asking for personal salvation and recognizing the king as the source of mercy. It illustrates the individual's need for deliverance and their reliance on the king's compassionate nature.
Overall, these lyrics in "Rex tremendae" from Mozart's Requiem depict a king of immense power and majesty, capable of granting salvation freely. They emphasize the significance of divine grace and acknowledge the personal plea for deliverance from the source of mercy.
Line by Line Meaning
Rex tremende majestatis,
Oh, awe-inspiring King of majesty,
Qui salvandos salvas gratis
Who saves freely those who are to be saved
Salva me, fons pietatis.
Save me, O source of compassion.
Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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