Mozart Requiem “Lacrimosa” Analysis Assignment William Wieland
Print Mozart Requiem “Lacrimosa”, first 8 bars.

Interesting manuscript — Mozart Requiem “Lacrimosa”, first 8 bars — his handwriting!
First determine the facts.
  1. On your printed music, write the English translation of each Latin word immediately below the Latin word—a literal, word-for-word translation. 20 pts – 2 per Latin word
  2. Copy a good English translation (by a human being) of the first 8 bars and cite your source. (See the liner notes of a recording or go online.) 8 pts for the translation, 4 pts for citing the source
  3. Perform a Roman numeral analysis of bars 3 – 8 of the choral music. Because string basses sound an octave lower than written, F is the lowest note on beat 2 of bars 3 and 4. This does not change the Roman numeral, but it does invert the chord. Straightforward chords are worth more points. 37 pts
Next, analyze. Analysis is the art of understanding music. These are perhaps the last 8 measures Mozart composed for his Requiem and among the most beautiful. How does Mozart achieve such beauty? Consider the following musical elements:
  • harmony — major or minor? simple or complex? diatonic or chromatic?
  • melody — ascending or descending? conjunt or disjunct? diatonic or chromatic?
  • rhythm — same or different each measure?
  • articulation — legato or staccato?
  • dynamics — soft or loud?
  • orchestration — few or many?
  • conclusion — include form and insight about the relationship of the music to the lyrics
Write at least one sentence for each bullet. BIG HINT: When writing about each musical element, consider the Latin text. 28 pts – 4 per sentence
3 points for submitting the assignment on time.
Listen to the 8 bars repeatedly. You will hear things you do not see.