"Lacrimosa" is part of Mozart's "Requiem", one of the greatest classical pieces of all time.
It was composed in D Minor, in 1971's Vienna.
It has fourteen movements:
-Introitus, also named "Requiem Aeternam";
-Kyrie eleison;
-Sequentia, which contains Dies Irae, Tuba mirum, Rex tremendae, Recordare, Confutatis and Lacrimosa;
-Offertorium, formed from Domine Jesu and Hostias;
-Sanctus, which contains Sanctus and Benedictus;
-Agnus Dei;
-Communio.
However, only the first part, Requiem Aeternam was fully completed at the time when the great composed died.
The other movements were only having the vocal parts finished, as well as some indications on the instrumental parts. Lacrimosa, for example, broke off after eight bars and it was only finished after Mozart's death.
There are some speculations according to which the composer left behind certain indications regarding the completion of the classical piece. This is based, among others, on the similarities between Agnus Dei and Gloria, another one of Mozart's pieces. The person to be given the incredible task of finishing the score was Franz Xaver Sussmayr, at Constanze, the composer's wife's, request.
On December 10th, 1791, Requiem was played at Mozart's funeral, though probably only Kyrie and Introitus.
In December 1973, the fully completed "Requiem" is sent to Count Sussmayr, and on December 14th, the same year it is played at the church Wiener-Neustadt, during a commemoration of the count's wife.
Mozart is said to have been influenced by Handel's "And With His Stripes We Are Healed", which served as the main inspiration for Kyrie. Introitus is said to have been influenced by another Handel work, "Funeral Anthem For Queen Caroline", as well as Confutatis by Pasquale Anfossi's "Sinfonia Venezia".
"Lacrimosa" is one of the most touching parts of the Requiem. With lyrics dating back from the 18th and 19th centuries, it send a powerful message:
"Lacrimosa dies illa
Qua resurget ex favilla
Judicandus homo reus,
Huic ergo parce, Deus:
Pie Jesu Domine,
Dona eis requiem. Amen."
Mozart's "Requiem" is one of the greatest musical pieces to have ever been created and certainly, an eternal score in music history.
Coming from the hands of a classic, the piece can only be a classic.
Mozart's free Requiem piano sheet music can be downloaded below. Have Fun.
