Dies Irae

American  

[dee-eys eer-ey] / ˈdi eɪs ˈɪər eɪ /

noun

1. a Latin hymn on the Day of Judgment, commonly sung in a Requiem Mass.

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Dies Irae British  

/ ˈdiːeɪz ˈɪəraɪ /

noun

1. Christianity a famous Latin hymn of the 13th century, describing the Last Judgment. It is used in the Mass for the dead

2. a musical setting of this hymn, usually part of a setting of the Requiem

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Etymology

Origin of Dies Irae

literally: day of wrath

Example Sentences

Still, the books wouldn’t have to face that Dies Irae for a while yet.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2020

Throughout, Adès marvelously distorts the Dies Irae motif that has been used throughout the history of Western music as death’s awful sound.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2017

Even if not every section is equally successful – the Dies Irae registers as surprisingly jolly for the day of judgment – the best is bold and distinctive.

From The Guardian • Jul. 6, 2011

Mr. Kalmar led his players in a taut, passionate account, with superb woodwind and brass playing and pointed percussion in the Dies Irae and a haunting string tone in the closing Requiem Aeternam.

From New York Times • May 13, 2011

It was the birthplace of Thomas of Celano, the author of the Dies Irae.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various