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.

V. Sanctus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

SANCTUS, Domine Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt ceeli et terra gloria tua.
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's song "Sanctus: Sanctus" are taken from the Latin text of the Mass, specifically from the Sanctus portion. It is a hymn of praise and adoration, expressing reverence to God. The song begins with the words "Sanctus, Domine Deus Sabaoth," which can be translated as "Holy, Lord God of Hosts." This phrase acknowledges the divine nature of God, referring to Him as holy and the ruler of all creation.

The following line, "Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua," means "Heaven and earth are full of thy glory." This is an acknowledgment of the abundance of God's glory that is present throughout the universe. It recognizes that His glory is not limited to any particular place but is all-encompassing.

The next line, "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini," translates to "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." This phrase refers to the coming of Jesus, who is seen as the blessed one sent by God. It speaks of the anticipation and joy that comes with the arrival of the Messiah.

Finally, the phrase "Hosanna in excelsis" means "Hosanna in the highest." Hosanna is a word of praise and exultation, expressing adoration and worship. It signifies a cry of joy and reverence to God, acknowledging His greatness and majesty.

Overall, the lyrics of "Sanctus: Sanctus" reflect a deep sense of awe, adoration, and praise for God. They capture the reverence and joy that comes with acknowledging and worshipping the divine.

Line by Line Meaning

SANCTUS, Domine Deus Sabaoth.
Holy, Lord God of hosts.

Pleni sunt ceeli et terra gloria tua.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.

Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS