An exploration of Mozart’s strong ties to Freemasonry and how its principles profoundly shaped his musical work
• Reveals how Mozart structured his music on Masonic ritual and ceremony to provide a musical lexicon of Masonic symbols
• Shows that Freemasonry plays the same role in Mozart’s work as Lutheran Christianity plays in that of Bach
Thanks to recently discovered documents, we now have a fuller picture of the esoteric influences on the life and work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Musicologist Jacques Henry shows that the Masonic influence on Mozart goes beyond those pieces, such as The Magic Flute, that fulfilled a ritual purpose for the composer. His works actually provide a complete musical lexicon of Masonic symbols inspired by the principles of the craft and the spirit of the Masonic quest. Mozart constructed his Masonic compositions by creating auditory correspondences to the symbols present in the rituals, choosing keys and tempos that transpose their content into harmony. His understanding of the use of symbol allowed him to create music that would lead the listener into a harmony that transcended earthly existence.
A number of musicologists believe that the place of the Masonic spiritual vision in Mozart’s work is comparable to that held by Lutheran Christianity in the work of Johann Sebastian Bach. Mozart wed his deep understanding of music to the esoteric wisdom he gained as a Freemason. He shows that when we lose ourselves in the expression of pure harmony, it is the same as the symbol being lost in what it symbolizes. Jacques Henry provides a rigorous and original analysis of Mozart’s works that reveals their inner meaning as shaped by the composer’s profound embrace of the spiritual principles of Freemasonry.
By:
Jacques Henry
Imprint: Bear & Co
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 152mm,
Width: 228mm,
Spine: 11mm
ISBN: 9781594771286
ISBN 10: 1594771286
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 28 August 2006
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Out of Stock Indefinitely
Foreword by Brigitte Massin Preface Part 1 Mozart and the Masonic Enlightenment 1 Mozart, Masonic Brother 2 The Symbolism 3 From Symbols to Music The Number Three Steps Toward the Altar Space From the Unformed to Rigor, From Darkness to Light 4 Short Incidental Works for Masonic Occasions 5 Works of a Masonic Character That Are Not Ritualistic Thamos (K. 345) The Funeral Ode (K. 477) Part 2 The Great Works Inspired by Symbolism Introduction 6 The First Period: 1785 Quartet in A major (K. 464) Quartet in C major (K. 465) Concerto for Piano in D minor , No. 20 (K. 466) Concerto for Piano in E flat major , No. 22 (K. 482) 7 The Second Period: 1788 Symphony No. 39 in E flat major (K. 543) Symphony No. 40 in G minor (K. 550) Symphony No. 41 in C major, “Jupiter” (K. 551) Di vertimento in E flat major, “Puchberg Trio” (K. 563) 8 The Third Period: 1791 Quintet for strings in D major (K. 593) Quintet for strings in E flat major (K. 614) Concerto for clarinet in A major (K. 622) The Magic Flute (K. 620) 9 Wolfgang’s Legacy Appendix 1 The List: Works Officially Recognized as Masonic Appendix 2 Mozart’s Attendance in the Lodges of Vienna Notes Bibliography Index of musical works cited Index
Reviews for Mozart the Freemason: The Masonic Influence on His Musical Genius
This is a book that no mason would want to miss. --Wr. Elliot Burns, American Mason, Sept 2006 Whether you are coming from the world of music, or the world of Freemasonry, this is a book that will appeal to you, will inform you, and will act as an excellent resource towards Mozart, his music and his life. --Bonnie Cehovet, Angelfire, October 2006 With Mozart the Freemason, Jacques Henry, a Mozart authority and a high-ranking Freemason, explores the influence of Masonry on Mozart's life and music. . . . One could hardly ask for a better poster child for Masonry than Mozart, or a better biographer than Jacques Henry. --Kenaz Filan, Mysteries Magazine, Issue 18, Fall 2007 Mozart the Freemason is a wonderful book, well written, and ideal for the musician as well as non-specialist. --Mark Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, Feb 2007
