Therefore, this piece has great cultural value. When the piece was conceived, Mozart's cultural context was one of turmoil. As it is a mass, the cultural and the spiritual are closely linked. The text of the mass provided the spiritual framework, while Mozart's creative nature brought the cultural to life. Spiritual Value: The spiritual significance of this piece is enormous. Mozart, himself, was not well known for his choral productions; however, this piece can testify to Mozart's faith. Woven through this mass, the listener can perceive the turmoil that Mozart was going through. Each section is a dramatic interpretation of a classic text. The emphasis is on the dramatic as well as the dark. However, being a requiem, the dramatic side suits the text perfectly. The sudden mood swings, from joy to sadness, from hope to despair, are constantly felt by the listener. It nonetheless remains a frightening piece that deserves a place among choral masterpieces. Steinberg says, "Mozart begins the tuba mirum with a stern call from the trombone voice," which is quite indicative of the Last Trumpet calling the dead to judgment. From the beginning of the piece, it is a somewhat contrasting piece. The text calls for an eternal piece, but Mozart contrasts this with a dark beginning. This type of contrasting elements can be observed throughout the