Some 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