Dies Irae - Gregorian and Mozart...

[88Devin12]

I was looking through classical music and noticed Mozart did a composition for the hymn "Dies Irae". I must say, it is a lot different from a traditional Gregorian version. I had heard his work was a little controversial and I can see why. It's beautiful and a masterpiece, but I still prefer the Gregorian version...

The hymn dates to the thirteenth century (1200s) and is about the day of judgement.

First verse:
Dies iræ! dies illa
Solvet sæclum in favilla:
Teste David cum Sibylla!

Day of wrath! O day of mourning!
See fulfilled the prophets' warning,
Heaven and earth in ashes burning!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dies_Irae


Gregorian Chant version: http://youtu.be/Dlr90NLDp-0
http://youtu.be/-fMHms5Cvsw

Mozart's version: http://youtu.be/pqaARDsiJv4

I just thought it was interesting. I had heard that Mozart was a church composer and had composed entire services, didn't realize it would have included this hymn.

[akimori makoto]

Devin, as I understand things, the Dies Irae was a set part of the Roman requiem mass during the classical and baroque periods, so any composer who set his hand to composition of a setting for requiem mass would have composed a version of this hymn.

Most composers of the period created settings for the Roman mass or early protestant divine services. Not sure how many of them composed requiem settings, though.

See also the much later-composed version by Verdi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDFFHaz9GsY

I agree that Mozart's requiem mass is a masterwork of great genius. Still, it does not stir my soul the way the Cherubic Hymn can.

[akimori makoto]

PS: have you checked out the other parts of Mozart's requiem? They are all floating around youtube.

[88Devin12]

PS: have you checked out the other parts of Mozart's requiem? They are all floating around youtube.

I have not yet... I love Mozart, but I definitely prefer more calm compositions, lol.

Morning Mood is actually my alarm, lol...

[deusveritasest]

Still, it does not stir my soul the way the Cherubic Hymn can.

I get that feeling with the traditional Dies Irae, but not with Mozart's version. It's too busy. It just winds up an aesthetic exercise/entertainment for me.

[deusveritasest]

Verdi's version actually seemed more spiritual to me than Mozart's.

[akimori makoto]

Agreed on all counts.

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