Tuba mirum

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Tuba Mirum is part of the Liturgy of a Requiem Mass, but frequently refers to the fourth movement of Mozart's Requiem, in which all four parts Bass, Tenor, Alto and Soprano have solo passages. The bass soloist opens with a glorious duet with the lead trombone, and is given an opportunity to showcase his full vocal range, with the lowest note being the F two octaves below middle C. Upon finishing the slow and stately bass solo, the lead is handed over to the tenor, who metaphorically 'explodes' over the bass's last note with a powerful, yet light and melodic strain. This is amplified by the increasing off-beat ostinati from the strings underneath. The Alto then takes over for a short solo, which is a tranquil interlude between the tenor and soprano parts, both of which exhibit anxious and tense melodic ideas. The soprano soars over the alto with her entry, truly showcasing the soloist's range and vocal maneuverability. The movement sees all four parts singing in harmony for the final verse, ending in a lulled and melodically complete timbre.

The text:

• Bass ::Tuba mirum spargens sonum,

Per sepulcra regionum,

Coget omnes ante thronum.

• Tenor ::Mors stupebit et natura,

Cum resurget creatura,

Judicanti responsura.

Liber scriptus proferetur,

In quo totum continetur,

• Alto ::Unde mundus judicetur.

Judex ergo cum sedebit,

• Soprano ::Quidquid latet apparebit:

Nil inultum remanebit.

• All ::Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?

Quem patronum rogaturus,

Cum vix justus sit securus?

Which is translated (paraphrased, in the case of the first two verses):

The trumpet casts a wondrous sound,

Through the tombs of all around,

Making them the throne surround.

Death is struck and nature quaking,

All creation is awaking,

To its Judge an answer making.

The written book shall be brought forth,

In which is contained all

From which the world is to be judged.

So when the Judge shall sit,

Whatever is hidden shall be seen,

Nothing shall remain unpunished.

What am I, wretched one, to say?

What protector implore,

When a just person will scarcely be confident?