Today I Listened To (Day 2):

Requiem: O Nata Lux by Mac Wilberg

I tried writing a story for this piece, but I think that the lyrics themselves tell the most important story that everyone can relate to:

O Light born from Light; Jesus Redeemer of the world; Lenient, Look down upon our supplication; Our prayers and Praise; Thou that wast once flesh; Look down for the sake of those who are lost; Bring us as members of thy happy body.

This prayer is so powerful, especially in the latin language it is sung in . Mac Wilberg composed this as a part of a larger work, his Requiem. A Requiem is a traditional Latin Mass for the dead, the full name being “Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine” (Grant to them eternal rest, O Lord). Religious by nature, these vocal, and in this instance orchestral works are intended to convey grief and supplication to God in behalf of the diseased. This has become a standard in the Catholic Liturgy since the 16th century. I find that the use of the ancient latin, along with the harmonies of that time period almost transport oneself back in time. And such is the purpose of these pieces. Although Wilberg composed this primarily as a performance work, not solely intended for Mass worship, you can imagine what a vocal work like this would sound like in a massive stone cathedral. It almost sounds as if the heavens themselves have opened for the hosts of heaven to join in. Such an experience for parishioners in 1600 would surly be a respite from the pains and aguish of the mortal world.

Wether you are a believer in Jesus Christ or not, I feel that we have all felt so lost that we have had to turn to someone else for help and comfort. Wether that help be from a higher power, or a trusted friend or parent, we all have times in life that we need to rely on someone else. We cannot go through this life alone. We must rely on those we trust. I personally have found great trust in my Heavenly Father. I believe that music helps us to connect to a higher power.

Rating: 5/5- Listen to all the time. This is one of my all time favorite pieces to listen to. It is so meditative that it just washes over you. There was a hard period of my life where this was something I would listen to every day to help me feel happy.

For more performances, Visit my YouTube channel: Maucotel Music