Mozart's Requiem

Here is a script I wrote for a performance of Mozart's Requiem. I had some requests to make it available, so here it is. Feel free to use is, but please include a reference to this work

A Script for the Mozart Requiem

Alan C. Elliott

Speaker 1: The requiem mass is an ancient service of worship that began in the 2^nd century to celebrate the life of faithful Christians. Beginning in the 8^th century, the mass took on a musical form. The word “Requiem” means rest in Latin, and most of these masses are written in that language.

Speaker 2: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on December 5, 1791 leaving the composition for his Requiem unfinished. Using his partially completed orchestral scores and his musical sketches on scraps of paper, other composers filled in the blanks to allow us to experience the genius and glory of this work.

Speaker 1: Although many versions of the Requiem mass have been written over the centuries, Mozart’s is considered the most influential contribution to this musical form.

Speaker 2: Mozart’s Requiem has been performed in honor and memory of many important figures throughout history including Fredric Haydn, Frédéric Chopin, and John F. Kennedy.

Speaker 1: In music and words, the intent of a Requiem is to take the listener to the sacred throne of God, seeking rest, solace, and understanding about this journey we call a lifetime. In it we celebrate our transition from this temporary earthly form into an eternal life with Him.

Speaker 2: As we listen to this music tonight, let these words of remembrance become our own prayer:

Speaker 1: We begin this sacred journey with a prayer of supplication -- a Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy on us…

Speaker 2: May Your light shine on us in the same way your grace has saved those who have gone before…

 I. Introitus: Requiem aeternam (choir and soprano solo)

  

II. Kyrie eleison (choir)

Speaker 1: A trumpet will sound and summon all to God’s throne, where everything will be made known. Death will marvel as God’s creatures arise.

Speaker 2: And even though we are miserable beings and all that we have done in life is revealed in Your light of truth; have mercy on us; grant us forgiveness of all our sins.

III. Sequentia (text based on sections of the Dies Irae):Dies irae (choir)

Tuba mirum (soprano, contralto, tenor and bass solo)

Rex tremendae majestatis (choir)

Speaker 1:  The curse of sin is rebuked and now we are with those who are blessed. Humbly and meekly we pray for healing. Tearfully we recognize our guilt, and thankfully we accept your mercy.

Speaker 2: Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, free your children from punishment, from the deep pit and the mouth of the lion, and bring us into the holy light that you promised to Abraham and his seed.

Recordare, Jesu pie (soprano, contralto, tenor and bass solo)

  

Confutatis maledictis (choir)

Lacrimosa dies illa (choir)

Speaker 1:  As an offering to you O Lord, we give You our sacrifices and prayers of praise.

Speaker 2: Accept them on behalf of those souls whom we remember today. Let those who have loved you pass from death to life eternal.

IV. Offertorium: Domine Jesu Christe (choir with solo quartet)

Speaker 1: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts; Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Speaker 2: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Versus: Hostias et preces (choir)

V. Sanctus:

Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth (choir)

Speaker 1: O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Speaker 2: May everlasting light shine upon your saints, O Lord, Grant us eternal rest, and may everlasting light shine upon us…

Together: For You are eternally merciful.

Benedictus (solo quartet, then choir) 

VI. Agnus Dei (choir)