This past Thursday, I attended a performance of Brahm's Symphony No. 3 and Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K. 626 by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Requiem is meaningful to me in many ways – not only is it tragic and incredibly dynamic, but I am equally intrigued by its creation. In the late 18th century, an anonymous messenger approached Mozart, requesting a Requiem, a mass for the dead. Mozart was disconcerted by the request, fearing it was a bad omen! The composer began his work on the Requiem, Kyrie, and Dies irae movements before passing away at 35 in 1791. The person who commissioned Requiem was a count seeking to commemorate his wife, and the majority of the remaining piece is said to have been completed by Mozart’s pupil, whom his wife had turned to for help. It is rather unclear where Mozart’s work ends, and his fellow musician's additions begin. 

Although many may consider Mozart’s completed Concerto for the Clarinet to be his swan song, Requiem was too – though it was unfinished at his death [his last piece is not to be confused with the recently-discovered composition in Leipzig – yes, Mozart just dropped a new single!]. A swan song refers to an artist’s last work before their death. This term derives from the folk belief that the usually mute swan sings a lovely, mournful song before dying. Despite this legend being disproved time and time again,from the Roman Empire to modern-day nature documentaries, swan songs are powerful, and sometimes eerie, testaments to the artist’s identity and devotion to their craft. Mozart’s story calls to mind the interconnectedness of art and life.

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Here are a few famous swan songs that hold their power to this day:

“Pink Moon,” Pink Moon, Nick Drake

Nick Drake recorded his third studio album while struggling with depression. Two years after the release of the record, Drake overdosed and was discovered dead at 26 years old. I have always loved the title track, “Pink Moon,” for its duality: the artist conveys both a struggle between rebirth and death through instrumentals and lyrics. The song, in a major key, is lightly built up with sparse guitar strumming and the twinkle of piano keys like stars. The pink moon – also known as the April Moon – is recognized as a symbol of rebirth. The Old Farmers' Almanac ties the event to the early bloom of pink wildflowers in the Spring. Yet, Nick Drake conveys an ominous threat in the lines “And none of you stand so tall / Pink moon gonna get ye all.”

“You Know You’re Right,” Nirvana, Nirvana

Some people debate whether this song hints at suicide – there are plenty of interpretations of this track. One may suggest that the opening lines address Courtney Love. All would agree, however, that the track conveys bleak anguish: “I have never failed to fail / Pain / Pain!”. Kurt died at 27 in 1994. 

“You Want it Darker,” You Want it Darker, Leonard Cohen

Cohen’s fourteenth album was released a few weeks before he passed. Cohen anticipated death as he battled cancer, yet his dying in his sleep was unexpected. The title track, “You Want it Darker,” contains much religious imagery in contemplation of life, death, suffering, and God: “I struggled with some demons / They were middle class and tame / / Vilified, crucified / In the human frame.” Cohen is known for his spoken singing style and I think the track resembles prayer. “Hineni," “here I am!,” he says, seemingly addressing God or death itself. 

Of course, not all swan songs express tragedy or suffering – but those that do, intimately expose the artist's aching soul to the listener.