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Freemasonry in Music
Scope
Music has always been present in freemason rituals. Given this, masonic music certainly
did not originate with Mozart, nor is he the only prominent composer to compose masonic
works. Just as masonic music has a long history outside of Mozart’s work, Mozart has many
compositions prior to his initiation as a freemason, and many afterward that seem to have no
affiliation with freemasonry. The list of works I have complied provide information on
freemasons and Mozart more generally. Give these resources, a potential researcher can glean
more information on freemasonry and its relationship with music. More specifically, with the
provided list of works a potential researcher can gain a better understanding of Mozart’s
relationship with music, and how it impacted his works.
Introduction
History
Mozart’s music tends to be thought of as florid, robust, and of course a product of the
composing style in practice during his lifetime. In Cliff Eisen’s article “Mozart,” Mozart’s style
is described as thus:
His style essentially represents a synthesis of many different elements, which
coalesced in his Viennese years, from 1781 on, into an idiom now regarded as a
peak of Viennese Classicism. The mature music, distinguished by its melodic
beauty, its formal elegance and its richness of harmony and texture, is deeply
coloured by Italian opera though also rooted in Austrian and south German
instrumental traditions.
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Certainly one of the aspects of Mozart that made him so famous was his versatility, and his
ability to excel in various genres of music, and for various instruments. Mozart composed his
first piece of Music “Andante in C (K.1a) when he was just 5 years old, in 1761.
Mozart became a member of the freemason brotherhood in 1784. It interesting to note
that in the time period in which Mozart was a freemason, freemasonry was actually illegal in
most of europe. From 1738 to 1751 papal edicts were issued banning free masonry. In Austria,
Mozart’s country of birth, it was not illegal under the reign of Joseph II (1765 - 1790), neither
freemasonry nor the illuminati (a society thought to be fashioned after the freemasons) were
banned. Eventually, in several countries, secret societies were banned all together. Many arrests
of freemasons were made during this time period. Any books, documents, or artifacts were
seized if discovered. Due to this, few of Mozart’s letters contain any mention of freemasonry.
His wife Constanze destroyed many of his documents that could be considered incriminating.
Thus, most of the primary evidence available regarding Mozart’s relationship to freemasonry is
in the compositions themselves.
The Impact of Freemasonry in Mozart’s Compositions
Due to the nature of secret societies, it is impossible for the uninitiated to fully
understand all of the freemasonry present in Mozart’s compositions. A comparison of Mozart’s
freemason works with his other works can provide more understanding in this arena. Mozart
began composing long before he was a freemason, being a child prodigy this certainly is true,
and certainly composed many works that do not contain freemason symbolism after his initiation
into said order. This being said, many of his most popular works, and some of the most famous,
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do include freemason references. These references appear in the form of freemason symbolism.
Mozart devised his own method converting freemason symbols into his musical compositions.
Thus, certain intervals, pitches, and themes, were representative of the freemason order. The
freemasons also have specific musical tonalities, numerology, and structures which are present in
their symbolism. All of these can be incorporated into masonic music.
One of Mozart’s earliest works associated with freemasonry is König Thamos (K. 345)
for which Mozart wrote music between 1773 and 1780. This predate s Mozart’s initiation into
the masonic brotherhood, which took place in 1784. His work The play was written by a
freemason named Gebler. A few of the choruses present in this play reflect ideas present in
those of The Magic Flute. Mozart composed several works which were expressly for masonic
rituals. The first of these was “Gesellenrise” (K.68), which was written for his father’s transition
into the second level of freemasonry. Many of the songs Mozart wrote for freemason rituals
were for a three part choir for male voices. This is because the freemasons would sing the songs
during the rituals themselves.
Some symbolism notated in masonic songbooks is certainly present in Mozart’s
compositions. As Catherine Thomson notes in her article “Mozart and Freemasonry”:
Certain characteristics found in Masonic song-books may be noted:
suspensions and slurred notes in pairs were used to denote the idea of a
'chain of brothers': dotted rhythms were intended to promote courage and
resolution; descending parallel sixths are a common feature, as are
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feminine endings. The songs are in a simple, popular style, derived from
folksong(29).
This stye of composition is certainly not akin to the Mozart’s usual style of composition. While
he certainly is no stranger to creating themes and variations on folksongs, such as "Ah vous
dirai-je, Maman" (K. 265/300e), it is not typical for his composition style. It is interesting to
note that "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman," was composed around between 1781 and 1782. Composers
often use themes an variations as studies, in order to hone their craft. It certainly is not out of the
realm of possibility to consider that this foray into children’s folksongs (the piece includes
themes and variations on many popular children’s song such as “Twinkle twinkle little star”;
“Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”; and “The Alphabet Song) could have been in preparation for Mozart’s
initiation into the masonic brotherhood.
Articles:
Cassel, Russell N. "The role of Freemasonry in Mozart's humanism that served as a
precursor to democracy." Journal Of Instructional Psychology 18, no. 4 (December
1991): 219. MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed November 6, 2011).
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This article provides a quick and easy to read overview on the Mozart’s history with
freemasonry. It discusses the state of freemasonry in Mozart’s time, such as its illegal
status. It gives insights into some of the secrets of freemasonry. This item also discusses
music composed for free masonry.
Cecil Hill and Roger J.V. Cotte. "Masonic music." In Grove Music Online. Oxford
Music Online, http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/
17993 (accessed November 7, 2011).
This article provides a concise and easy to read introduction to masonic music. It also
give an explanation of what ritualistic masonic music is. In this explanation, some of
Mozart’s works are cited as examples. It also features a section which focuses solely on
Mozart’s masonic works. It does however, mention several other composers who
composed masonic works, such a Beethoven, Haydn, and Liszt to name a few other
prominent composers.
Cliff Eisen, et al. "Mozart." In Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online,
http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/40258pg3
(accessed November 8, 2011).
A thorough yet succinct biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This article includes
information on Mozart’s travels, ancestry, and a chronological biography of his life. It is
broken down into several time periods: Ancestry and early childhood; Travels, 1763–73;
The break with Salzburg and the early Viennese years, 1780–83; and Vienna, 1784–8.
This chronological breakdown makes it easy for one to refer to this article for contexntual
information when researching Mozart.
Thomson, Katherine. "Mozart and Freemasonry." Music & Letters 57, no. 1
(February 1976): 25. EDS Foundation Index, EBSCOhost (accessed November 7,
2011).
This item compares some of Mozart’s masonic music to some of his non-masonic music.
This comparison allows one to more readily see the impact of the masonic society on
Mozart’s compositions.
Books:
Gutman, Robert W. Mozart: A Cultural Biography. New York: Harcourt Brace,
1999.
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Gutman argues that Mozart’s catholicism, rather than his status as a freemason, was more
predominant in his life. This book offers an in depth look into the culture and influences
present in Mozart’s life. Illustrating more aspects of his sundry influences in one easy to
navigate tome provides one with the opportunity to juxtapose said influences.
Branscombe, Peter. W.A. Mozart, Die Zauberflöte. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press 1991.
This book provides an in-depth look at Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. It provides a basic
background on freemasonry. Additionally it gives a detail description of the opera itself,
including a synopsis of the opera,the writing of the opera, and information about the
libretto. Finally, this item provides a look at the performance and reception of the opera.
Henry, Jacques, Jack Cain, and Brigitte Massin. Mozart the Freemason: The
Masonic Influence on His Musical Genius. Rochester, Vt: Inner Traditions, 2006.
This book goes into detail about the musical symbols fashioned by Mozart to represent
the masonic symbols in his compositions. It also illustrates that his masonic works go
beyond the ritualistic works (such as The Magic Flute) to include a broader scope which
still features masonic symbolism.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. The letters of Mozart and his family/ chronologically
arranged, translated and edited with an introduction, notes and indexes by Emily
Anderson. London: Macmillan, 1985.
This is a primary resource detailing Mozart’s correspondence. Mozart has a fairly prolific
amount of letters. These letters have been translated into English and are easy to read and
digest.
Nettl, Paul. Mozart and Masonry. New York: Philosophical Library, 1957.6
This item brings to light the various periods in which Mozart composed freemason music.
It breaks these periods down, highlighting the differences between them, in addition to
providing a list of works composed during them. It also discusses Mozart as a freemason.
Additionally this item goes into detail describing the symbolism used, and the differences
between ritualistic and non-ritualistic freemason works.
Thomson, Katharine. The Masonic Thread in Mozart. London: Lawrence &
Wishart, 1977.
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This item provides an in depth view on the freemason order in Mozart’s time. This
information gives a valuable glimpse of the impact masonry had on Mozart’s life in
general. This item also provides some brief background on the masonic society. It is easy
to read and understand. It is also concise and to the point.
Book Reviews:
Conyers, John. "The Masonic Thread in Mozart (Book Review)." Library Journal
104, no. 7: 832. EDS Foundation Index, EBSCOhost (accessed November 5,
2011), 1979.
MacArdle, Donald W. "Mozart and Masonry [book review]." Notes 15, no. 2: 215.
JSTOR Arts & Sciences III, EBSCOhost (accessed November 5, 2011), 1958.
Paterson, Anthony. "REVIEWS." Contemporary Review 276, no. 1612 (May
2000): 278. Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost (accessed November 5, 2011).
Dictionaries and Encyclopedias:
Clive, H. P.Mozart and his circle : a biographical dictionary. New Haven, CT :
Yale University Press, 1993.
This item includes which specific masonic lodges Mozart attended. It also includes
listings and details about important people in Mozart’s life. One of the more interesting
aspects of this resource is that its dated index of works allows one to make associations
with certain works to the specific people in his life at the time in which they were
composed.
Hastings, Baird. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart : a guide to research. New York :
Garland, 1989.
This item contains a geographical registration of all the towns visited by mozart. it also
provides a list of Mozart’s contemporaries. This information could provide a jumping
point into further research into the masonic influences on other composers. Finally this
item contains information on the characters and some of the locations in Mozart’s works.
Robbins, Landon. The Mozart compendium : a guide to Mozart's life and music.
New York : Schirmer Books, 1990.
This item contains information about some of primary sources on Mozart. It includes
information on portraits, letters, and documents. It also provides information on his
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musical background. Included in the information regarding Mozart as an individual is a
bit of information on Mozart’s involvement with freemasonry.
Library of Congress Classifications:
Due to the somewhat narrow nature of this topic, a wide variety of subject headings are
viable for this particular topic. Many books I have come across only feature chapters discussing
Mozart and freemasonry. I have also come across several books on freemasonry in general that
also make mention of Mozart, due to his particular notoriety. For this particular topic, perusing
classifications did not prove to be as helpful as some other methods of research.
Subclass HS—Societies: secret, benevolent, etc.
HS351-929
Freemasons
Subclass ML—Literature on Music
ML47-54.8
Librettos.
ML100-109
Dictionaries. Encyclopedias
ML159-3785
Texts. Scenarios
History and criticism
ML3880-3915
Criticism
ML3916-3918
Social and political aspects of music
ML3921-3921.8 Religious aspects of music
List of Masonic Works by Mozart:
Psalm 129 "De profundis clamavi", K. 93, for mixed choir and orchestra -Lied "O heiliges Band der Freundschaft", K. 148, for tenor and piano -Graduale "Sancta Maria, mater Dei", K. 273, for mixed choir and orchestra -Canonic adagio in F major for 2 bassett horns and bassoon, K. 410 -Adagio in B-flat major for 2 clarinets and 3 bassett horns, K. 411 --
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Cantata "Dir, Seele des Weltalls", K. 429, for boy soprano, male choir and orchestra -GesellenreiseFreimaurerlied "Die ihr einem neuen Grade", K. 468, for tenor and organ -Cantata "Die Maurerfreude", K. 471, for tenor, male choir and orchestra -Maurerische Trauermusik (Masonic funeral music), K. 477, for orchestra -Lied "Zerfliesset heut', geliebte Brüder", K. 483, for tenor, male choir and organ -Lied "Ihr unsre neuen Leiter", K. 484, for tenor, male choir and organ -Adagio and fugue in C minor, K. 546, for string quartet -Adagio and rondo in C minor/major, K. 617, for flute, oboe, viola, cello and celesta -Motet "Ave verum corpus", K. 618, for mixed choir and orchestra -Cantata "Die ihr des unermesslichenWeltalls Schöpfer ehrt", K. 619, for tenor and piano -Eine kleine Freimaurer-Kantate "Laut verkünde unsre Freude", K. 623, for 2 tenors, baritone,
male choir and orchestra -Anhang zum Schluss der Freimaurerloge Lasst uns mit geschlungnen Händen", K. 623a, for
male choir and organ.
Sound Recordings:
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, and Peter Maag. The Complete Masonic Music. [New
York]: Turnabout/Vox, 1900.
This resource provides musical recordings of all of Mozart’s music which has been
identified as having significant freemason influence. By having all of said works in one
recording, recorded under a single conductor and ensemble, one can easily identify the
similarities between the pieces.
Subject Headings:
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, -- 1756-1791 -- Freemasonry.
Freemasonry -- Songs and music.
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Freemasons--Songs and music--History and criticism.
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, -- 1756-1791. -- Zauberflöte.
Freemasonry -- Austria -- Vienna -- History -- 18th century.
Masonic music -- History and criticism.
Websites:
"European Mozart Ways." Accessed November 6, 2011.
http://www.mozartways.com.
This website provides details illustrating Mozart’s travels across Europe. It also features a
biography, and the routes taken in his travels. This information can be very helpful for
understanding Mozart as a freemason since there were differences in the masonic
organizations based on geographic location. It also provides dates on which Mozart was
in said locations.
Mozart Ways, "In Mozart's Words." Accessed November 6, 2011.
http://letters.mozartways.com/
eng/index.php.
This website offers easy to use digitized and transliterated versions of Mozart’s
correspondence. The search interface is easy to use, and allows researchers to search
chronologically, to whom letters are addressed or from, places and works mentioned, and
bibliographical information.
"Oxford Music Online." Accessed November 6, 2011.
http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com
Oxford Music online houses a plethora of information on this topic. It includes over
twenty two articles which discuss Mozart as a freemason. This website houses “The
Oxford Music Dictionary”, “Grove Music”, and “The Oxford Companion to Music”. All
of these resources provide valuable information.
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