What Is the Meaning of the Death Requiem? [Video]

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Introduction

Do you want to understand the astonishing beauty and heartbreak of a requiem? Do you need to know which famous composers have written them? A requiem is a major musical art form and a solemn ceremony both at the same time. Famous composers such as Mozart, Verdi, and Berlioz have written them. Keep reading What Is the Meaning of the Death Requiem? to learn more.

See section #3 to view videos of Mozart and Verdi’s funeral masses.

This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.

Meaning of the Death Requiem: How Do You Define the Word?

“What is the meaning of the death requiem?” A requiem is a mass for the dead, a funeral service in honor of the deceased.

It’s most often associated with the Roman Catholic church, though other denominations have them as well, and there are secular versions too.
The musical genre is named for the first phrase of the Introit section (“Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine”).
The text in that section asks God to give the deceased enteral rest.

A funeral mass has somber polyphonic music typically written for voices and orchestra, though other arrangements exist.

The mass has multiple sections, such as:

Introit
Kyrie
Gradual
Tract
Dies Irae
Offertory
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Communion
Pie Jesu
Libera Me
In paradisum

Each section performs a specific function in the development of the lyrics and music.

The text usually includes elements of mourning, prayer, and faith.
It’s a time for friends and loved ones to find closure through the hope of an eternal reward for the deceased.
Also, it functions as a memorial service that incorporates readings of Biblical passages as well as other ceremonies.

The next section has videos of Mozart’s and Verdi’s funeral masses.

Meaning of the Death Requiem: Celebrated Composers

Any discussion of requiems would be incomplete without the music. Many classical composers have written them, including:

I’ve included videos of the two most performed funeral masses, one from Mozart and the other from Verdi.

Video: Mozart’s Requiem

Mozart passed away before he could complete his funeral mass.

He finished the Introit and Kyrie sections and drafted eight other sections of the score.
The drafts included the parts for the singers, the bassline and harmonies for the keyboard accompaniment, and notes on the orchestration.
Franz Xaver Süssmayr worked from Mozart’s notes to finish the score.

Video: Verdi’s Requiem

Verdi’s funeral mass is the second most staged choral work after Mozart’s death mass.

It includes a full orchestra plus two choirs.
The funeral mass commemorates the life of Alessandro Manzoni, a friend whose loss Verdi mourned deeply.
It was performed on the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death.

Final Thoughts on “What Is the Meaning of the Death Requiem?”

Here’s a summary of What Is the Meaning of the Death Requiem?

A requiem is a mass for the dead containing many sections.
At the same time, it’s a major musical work for choir, vocal soloists, and orchestra.
Many distinguished classical composers have written them, including Mozart, Verdi, and Berlioz.

Related Posts

Newsletter Signup

Join me for in-person or online lessons today!

Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page

Back to the Successful Music Student Blogs page

Glossary

Please Explain Vowel Modification to Me Like I’m a 5 Year Old

“Please explain vowel modification to me like I'm a 5 year old.” Vowel modification helps you get a good vocal tone, so you can raise your singing to the next level. It’s an essential technique to master if you want to reach your full potential, because singing is all about vowels. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

GeoffJuly 20, 2023

Success Music Studio Has Been Blogging for 600 Days

Today marks a milestone for me: 600 days of blogging “The Successful Music Student!” If you want to read or sight sing music, sing in tune, write better songs, or finally get your guitar or keyboard in tune, the blog has just what you need. Estimated reading time 1 minute.

GeoffMay 28, 2022

Sing the Charming Song London Bridge Is Falling Down

Do you want to sing the charming song “London Bridge Is Falling Down?” In this article, you’ll get these essentials: 1) a sing along video of “London Bridge Is Falling Down,” 2) a lead sheet version of the lyrics, 3) easy-to-read shape note sheet music with a sing along soundtrack. Keep reading to learn more. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

GeoffOctober 28, 2024

singing chromatic solfege using shape notes - sheet music and red rose - Where Do I Start if I Want to Be Able to Sing A Cappella

Singing Chromatic Solfege Using Shape Notes: Moveable vs Fixed Do

Do you get confused about the different types of solfege? Which is better for sight singing music? Fixed or moveable Do solfege? Read “Singing Chromatic Solfege Using Shapes Notes” for practical suggestions on how to sing music with lots of sharp and flats. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

GeoffNovember 20, 2021

Guitar • Bass • Banjo • Ukulele • Mandolin • Autoharp • Keyboard • Piano | Voice #: 978-440-9966 | Text #: 508-561-9724

geoff@successmusicstudio.com