Requiem - Dies Irae Lyrics
Karl Jenkins
Lyrics
Dies irae, dies illa,
Solvet saeclum in favilla,
Teste David cum Sibylla.
Quantus tremor est futurus,
Quando Judex est venturus,
Cuncta stricte discussurus!
Dies irae, dies illa
Tuba mirum spargens sonum,
Per sepulchra regionum,
Coget omnes ante thronum.
Mors stupebit et natura
Cum resurget creatura,
ludicanti responsura.
Liber scriptus proferetur
in quo totum continetur,
Unde mundus judicetur.
Dies irae, dies illa
Judex ergo cum sedebit
Quidquid latet apparebit.
Nil inultum remanebit.
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
Cum vix justus sit securus?
Dies irae, dies illa
Tuba mirum spargens sonum,
Per sepulchra regionum,
Coget omnes ante thronum.
Song & Lyrics Facts
Karl Jenkins - Requiem - Dies Irae is a song from the album, Requiem (2005), composed by Karl Jenkins. It was released on July 25th, 2005 and features lyrics written by Latin poet Thomas of Celano.
The music was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with additional vocals provided by soprano soloist, Miriam Stockley. Karl Jenkins also served as producer for the track. The song contains an ominous tone, as it deals with themes of death and judgement in its lyrics. Its structure follows the traditional Gregorian chant form, however, Jenkins’s modernized version adds some contemporary elements to the composition. This makes it stand out amongst other pieces of classical music, giving it a unique sound that has resonated with audiences across the world. Lyrics such as “Dies irae, dies illa / Solvet saeclum in favilla / Teste David cum Sibylla” have become iconic within the genre.