... powerful feelings that he would die early. He also tended to be superstitious, so when a mysterious messenger arrived bearing a letter asking him to compose a Requiem Mass -- a mass for the dead -- Mozart took it as an omen of his own imminent departure from the world. What made the episode even more mysterious is that the letter was unsigned. The truth ... in the 17th century, by G.B. Bassani, Cazzati, J.K. Kerll, Johann Stadlmayr, Viadana and others. Many were for special occasions. In the 18th century Jommelli, Paisiello and others wrote requiems. Mozart's unfinished Requiem (1791) i...

• Word Count: 1854
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School