When Margarita Theresa, Emperor Leopold's first wife, died on 12 March 1673, it was a bitter loss for the 33-year-old monarch. He tried to process his grief through music and the intense Missa pro defunctis was composed. This requiem is one of Leopold's most elaborate and personal works, composed for five singing voices and a large instrumental ensemble consisting of two silent tines, three trombones, four violas, and basso continuo. Leopold chose as the key the so-called second tone (related to the modern G minor), as it has been used since the 16th century for "afflicted and sad things." As was common in 17th century music, the musical figures that interpret the text are also numerous. Impressive! And even in the case of the Tres Lectiones, it could not be due to reverence alone if these pieces were still played by the court orchestra well into the second half of the 18th century.