requiem

re·qui·em

noun \ˈre-kwē-əm also ˈrā- or ˈrē-\

Definition of REQUIEM

1

: a mass for the dead

2

a : a solemn chant (as a dirge) for the repose of the dead b : something that resembles such a solemn chant

3

a : a musical setting of the mass for the dead b : a musical composition in honor of the dead

Examples of REQUIEM

1. <the choir will sing Mozart's Requiem>

Origin of REQUIEM

Middle English, from Latin (first word of the introit of the requiem mass), accusative of requies rest, from re- + quies quiet, rest — more at while

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REQUIEM

Synonyms: dirge, elegy, lament, threnody

Related Words: taps; elegiac (also elegiacal), monody

Near Antonyms: encomium, eulogy, paean, panegyric

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue