Mozart's Requiem: A Beginner's Guide

Overview

• Mozart's Requiem is a significant piece in the choral repertoire, first published in July 1800.
• At the time of his death on December 5, 1791, the work was unfinished.
• Constanze, Mozart's wife, needed the commission fee and arranged for the completion by Franz Xaver Süssmayr, a close associate of Mozart.
• Süssmayr compiled, revised, and completed the work, presenting it as Mozart's composition.

Attempts and Completion

• Initial attempts by Josef Eybler and Abbé Maximilian Stadler failed to finish the Requiem.
• Süssmayr's completion includes fabrications like a false completion date.

Structure and Analysis of the Requiem

A Requiem Mass

• It is a Catholic mass for the dead, incorporating mourning texts alongside parts of the daily mass.
• Five main sections: Introitus, Sequence, Offertorium, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Communio.
• The work features polyphonic writing, a hallmark of Mozart's later style.

Kyrie

• Homophonic texture typical of the classical period.
• Influences from Baroque music, especially evident in the use of a double fugue.

Sequence

• Features vivid, dramatic imagery like the "Day of Wrath."
• Highlights include the "Dies irae" and "Tuba mirum" movements.
• "Rex Tremendae" showcases Mozart's polyphonic expertise.

Offertorium

• Two sections: "Domine Jesu Christe" and "Hostias."
• Contrasts in style and harmonies convey themes of judgment and hope.

Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Communio

• Süssmayr claimed full authorship, though scholars question this.
• Problems in orchestration, but choral parts remain Mozartian.
• The "Communio" revisits music from the "Introitus."

Completions and Recordings

Various Completions

• Over 50 years, new editions have sought to improve upon Süssmayr's completion.
• Franz Beyer's edition adds clever changes and new measures.

Recommended Recordings

• Süssmayr Completion:
  • English Baroque Soloists & Monteverdi Choir (Gardiner)
  • Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields (Neville Marriner)
• Franz Beyer Completion:
  • Concentus Musicus Wien & Arnold Schoenberg Choir (Harnoncourt)
• H.C. Robbins Landon Completion:
  • Wiener Philharmoniker & Wiener Staatsopernchor (Solti)
• Robert Levin Completion:
  • Scottish Chamber Orchestra & Chorus (Mackerras)
• Various Completions:
  • The Academy of Ancient Music & Choir of King's College, Cambridge (Cleobury)

Conclusion

• The guide offers insights into the Requiem's history, analysis, and notable recordings.
• Encourages readers to explore recommended recordings for a deeper understanding of the piece.