Tuba mirum

The 'Tuba mirum' is a section from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem in D minor (K. 626), a masterpiece of classical music composed in 1791, the final year of Mozart's life. The Requiem is a mass for the dead, and 'Tuba mirum' is part of the sequence of the Latin Requiem Mass. The lyrics, sung in Latin, describe the Day of Judgment, a common theme in Christian eschatology.

The title 'Tuba mirum' translates to 'The trumpet, spreading its wondrous sound,' which sets the scene for the Last Judgment, where the trumpet call summons all before the throne of God. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the dead rising from their graves to face judgment. The 'Liber scriptus' or 'written book' mentioned in the text refers to the Book of Life, which is believed to contain the deeds of every individual, and it is from this book that the world will be judged. The final lines express the fear and trepidation of the individual soul, questioning who could be called upon for protection when even the just are barely secure.

Mozart's setting of the 'Tuba mirum' is notable for its dramatic and powerful orchestration, which enhances the gravity of the Judgment Day narrative. The music complements the text, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence, while also conveying the fear and uncertainty of what is to come. The piece is a profound reflection on mortality, divine judgment, and the hope for mercy in the face of eternal justice.