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Masonic
Music
composed by
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Freemasonry has rightly been called a system of morality,
veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. But it can also
be seen as an approach to God. It is not a religion, yet it is
religious in nature. This is because it validates the spiritual
nature of Man - the reality underlying all religions.
During the late 17th and 18th centuries, this movement was in
the vanguard of progressive thought in Europe, and included some
of the founders of our tradition of organised science. Newton,
Hooke, Boyle, Ashmole and other members of the original Royal
Society were Freemasons.
So were many composers of that period - most notably Mozart, who
wrote songs and ceremonial music for use in lodges. His opera
Die Zauberflöte was a collaboration with the former Mason
Emanuel Schickaneder and makes witty (but never mocking) use of
Masonic symbolism.
Zerfließet heut', geliebte Brüder K.483
for the opening of a lodge
Ihr unsre neuen Leiter K.484
for the closing of a lodge
O Heiliges Band K.148
The hallowed bond of friendship.
Gesellenreise K.468
a Fellowcraft's journey through life to greater knowledge.
Die ihr des unermesslichen Weltalls K.619
Maurerische Trauermusik K.477
A funeral march for two of Mozart's brother Masons.
From Die Zauberflöte, K.620
Zum Ziele führt dich diese Bahn In which the hero is
admonished to be steadfast, tolerant and discreet.
Wenn Tugend
und Gerechtigkeit "When virtue and justice spread the path
of the great with fame.."
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