2004-2005 LODGE PROGRAM LEO #8

Brother Haydn & Brother Mozart

 Mon. Sept 12, 2005

               

 

                        The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

IDEA Format:.

Instruction -- Bro. Joseph Haydn lived 77 years from 1732-1809, while Bro. Mozart had less than 36 years from 1756-1791. Haydn had an amiable personality and an admirable benevolence toward all younger colleagues.  When they first met, Haydn spontaneously acknowledged Mozart as the finest composer he knew.  Both later rejoiced in each other’s success in a manner symbolic of the Brotherhood of Free Masonry.

 

. Demonstration  --Art and Masonry can bridge the gap between generations, since Haydn was born 24 years before Mozart, and outlived him by about 18 years.  While some have said that Haydn stimulated Mozart’s interest in Free Masonry, Both Brother Andrew M Bergman (South Africa) and Brother Eric Smith, (Grand Organist to the Grand Lodge of Scotland) tell us (1996-2005) on the internet that Mozart became an Entered Apprentice Dec 14, 1784, and Haydn was initiated the next year Dec 28, 1785. 

 

Experience -- The Masonic Lodges enjoyed considerable prestige when our two Brothers joined (although from 1790 to WWI, Masonry “dedicated to the Brotherhood of man...” was outlawed as a “Secret Society” and threat to the Royal Austrian Government!)  There were at least two philosophies of Free Masonry in Austria.  The one was rational with considerable interest in the skills of the public arts & knowledge of modern science, while the alternative lodges were more allied to supernatural. It is important that Haydn and Mozart were members in the modern tradition of public art & modern science.  The basic French word Mysteries referred to the skill and knowledge of a profession and not to supernatural magic.  Haydn wrote 104 symphonies and invented the modern form, while Mozart contributed great insights to music.  Both were fascinated by the new instrument the “piano” (about 1720), and skilled in composing for all instruments.  Bro. Smith (Scotland) quotes the scholar Percy Scholes  “In the history of music the mutual relation of Mozart...and Haydn...is probably unique.” Mozart’s mature style shows the influence of Haydn.  And Haydn’s music of the 1790's reveals the enriching exposure to Mozart’s music of the 1780's. The Brotherly interaction stimulated the talents of both men. As a last note, Haydn was taught by Emmanuel Bach (of the great Bach family), and in the 1890's, he himself taught Bro. Beethoven!

 

Assessment: Do we still find that Masonic Brotherhood can open the door to worthy efforts and personal growth?  Brother Tom Easter who edits the final form of our newsletter, also contributes to the Oriental band.  What other activities are brothers engaged in?

 

References: http:web.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masonry/Essays/music.html  

 http://www,grandlodgescotland.com/glos/Literature/Articles/J_Haydn.html

Levy, Kenneth. Music: A Listener’s Introduction. Harper & Rowe, 1983.