17/03/2018
"Mozart's Requiem is a lofty expression of faith that is well acquainted with the tragedy of human existence and is not silent about its dramatic aspects. It is thus an expression of a truly Christian faith, aware that the whole of human life is illumined by God's love." (Benedict XVI, 2010)
During last night's Learning from Beauty, Emma Colesanti introduced us to the piece. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Some of us were only superficially familiar with Mozart's Requiem - the opening lines of the "Lacrimosa", or the majestic beginning of the "Rex". But it's in the softer parts that we hear Mozart's faith and hope. There is the terrifying judgment and we become aware of all our limits, but man also begs, gently, for God's mercy. We can hear it especially in the "Rex tremendae majestis" (13:50 in this recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PQOz4o0M4)
In Emma’s words (about the Rex tremendae):
In this terrible scenario something changes. The powerful and frightening power of God is still there, but there is also a place for the begging man. At the same time, in the same sentence the liturgy says: “King of tremendous majesty,” whom no man can touch, and then, suddenly, adds: “who saves for free those who are to be saved, save me, source of mercy.”
Rex tremendae majestatis, qui salvandos salvas gratis, SALVA ME, fons pietatis.
This is what man needs, this is what I need today, a “fons pietatis”, a source, a fountain of mercy. In front of such mercy, I can start to be myself.
The music very effectively underlines the two elements in this passage. The majesty of God, “Rex” repeated three times, almost shouted. And, then, the sweet invocation: “salva me”.
In Mozart's letters, we saw a man with an unexpected humility and faith:
From Mozart’s letter of 7 March 1778:
Always bear in mind that nothing ever happens as we want, or at least never exactly how we want it to [...]. I hope in God, I pray to Him for what I think I need and we all need. But I always trust in Him. Lord, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven! We men often believe that things are going badly; when in reality... they are going well. God always knows better than we do how it should be.
From Mozart’s letter to his father right after the death of Mozart’s mother, 3 July 1778:
I have entrusted myself completely to God's will, and I hope that you and my dear sister do the same. Is there any other way of being serene? Relatively serene, I mean, because it is not possible to be completely so. I am of good cheer, no matter what comes, knowing that in any case the will of God will be done, and He arranges everything for our good, even when it seems that all is falling apart.
From Mozart’s letter of 25 October 1777:
I have God constantly before my eyes. I recognize His omnipotence and fear His wrath; but I also acknowledge His love, His compassion and mercy for His creatures: He will never abandon those who serve Him. If all goes according to His will, then it is also mine; thus I cannot help being happy and content.
From Mozart’s last letter to his dying father, 4 April 1781:.. for some years I have become so familiar with this sincere and most beloved friend of man (death), whose image, for me, not only has nothing terrifying about it but even appears very tranquillizing and comforting! And I thank my God for granting me the good fortune of having the opportunity to recognize in it the key to our happiness.
I never go to bed without thinking that I might perhaps be dead on the morrow. Yet not one of those who know me would be able to say that in company I am sad or in a bad mood. And for this good fortune I thank my Creator every day, and I wish for it with all my heart for all my peers.
