What are some of Mozart's notable works related to Freemasonry?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prominent Freemason, composed several notable works that reflect his Masonic beliefs and values. Some of these include:
- Die Maurerfreude (The Mason’s Joy), K.471 (1785) - A cantata for tenor male chorus and orchestra.
- Maurerische Trauermusik (The Masonic Funeral Music), K.477/479a (1785) - Composed for Masonic funerals of two aristocratic Freemasons.
- Zur Eröffnung der Freimaurerloge: Zerfliesset heut', geliebte Brüder, K.483 (1786) - A song for the opening ceremony of the Lodge.
- Zum Schluss der Freimaurerloge: Ihr unsre neuen Leiter, K.484 (1786) - A song for the closing ceremony of the Lodge.
- Eine Kleine Deutsche Kantate (The Little German Cantata), K.619 (1791) - For tenor and piano, used at meetings of the ‘Colony of the Friends of Nature’.
- Kleine Freimaurer-Kantate (The Little Masonic Cantata), K.623 (1791) - Composed shortly before his death.
- Lasst uns mit geschlungnen Händen, K.623a (1791) - Intended as the final chorus for the close of the Lodge.
- Lied Zur Gesellenreise: Die ihr einem neuen Grade, K.468 - Composed for the initiation ceremony of his father, Leopold.
- Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K.620 (1791) - An opera that integrates several Masonic themes, such as morality, enlightenment, and equality.
These works not only showcase Mozart's musical genius but also his commitment to the ideals of Freemasonry, emphasizing brotherhood, enlightenment, and moral values.