Mozart's Requiem at Safeco Field

On Wednesday, in memory of the one-year anniversary of the al Qaida attacks, Wendy and I went to Safeco field to hear a symphony and chorale performance of Mozart's Requiem. The performance was coordinated with performances in 23 other time zones that were scheduled to start when the first plane hit the first tower. I had heard on the radio that this was Mozart's last piece, and that it was commissioned by a count who had just lost his wife. Mozart himself was in ill health while writing it and actually died before he could complete it. A student of his finished the last movement from the notes that Mozart left behind. What moved me most about the piece was the liturgy--I'm not sure who wrote that, but I suppose I should find out. They had both the Latin text and the English translation on the screen. The text pleads for redemption in a very desperate, childlike way. Things like, "Please God, call me up from the grave when you call the righteous others" and "Jesus, remember that you blessed Mary and heard the thief's prayer." More than just about any art I've experienced, this feels like an authentic expression of the fear of death.

The experience was amazing, except for the three leathery soccer moms who sat behind me and periodically whispered behind me. People talking during a movie or performance really bothers me because that's why they build lobbies!