|
The Masonic Influence on His Musical Genius
Edetions Alenea 1991 Inner Traditions 2006 ISBN #1-59477-128-6 I was very impressed with this work - it is one thing to journey through a personal connection, such as a Masonic connection, but it is something else entirely to see how the Masonic played out in someone's life. Here we are addressing Mozart, and the music that came down to us through time. Are some pieces specifically Christian influenced? Do some pieces carry a decided Masonic influence? Did Mozart move so strongly in one direction that he left his previous influences behind? This work is based on documents discovered nearly two hundred years after Mozart's death. Through these documents, we have a more in depth picture of the effect that Freemasonry had on Mozart's life and work. Some pieces, such as the "The Magic Flute", were expressly Masonic in nature. Mozart's works provide a complete range of Masonic symbols inspired by the nature and spirit of the Masonic quest. What I found fascinating is how the construction of Mozart's music can be taken apart to show the auditory correspondences to Masonic symbols present in rituals, and how the choice of keys and tempos transform musical content into harmony. Henry notes that Mozart's music can lead the listener into a state that transcends earthly existence. (Anyone who has experienced church music will understand what I am referring to here.) Henry associates this transcendence to the symbol being lost in what it symbolizes. Originally published in French in 1991, this book is an endearing study of the man, his times and his music. Henry himself entered the world of Freemasonry at about the age of forty because he wanted to share the same vision that Freemasonry opened for Mozart. We need to remember the place that Freemasonry placed in the society of that time. It was not a religion - it accepted those from all faiths. It was a place for those on a path of personal growth, and a place where members supported each others endeavors within the organization and outside of it. It was also a vehicle for intellectual society. Because of this strength, it found itself at odds with the Church, as well as targeted by heads of state. Henry is a Freemason speaking to his brothers, and to the layman public. Of importance in looking at Mozart's work is the number three (seen as the number of perfection), the superimposition of thirds (major or minor) that constitutes the perfect chord, as well as serene harmony. Moving from the unformed to the formed, from darkness to light, acts as a strong Masonic symbol in that it indicates the process of initiation. Henry indicates several specific forms that the threefold element takes, such as "the key with three sharps or three flats, the major or minor third being a symbol of ideal harmony, dotted rhythm being a symbol of time". Henry discusses the different periods in Mozart's life, his initiation into Freemasonry, the works that he wrote, and how they applied to the Freemason's. (Some of these works were written specifically to fulfill obligations towards advancing in the Freemason hierarchy.) At the end of the book is an appendix listing specific works that are officially acknowledged as being Masonic in nature, as well as an appendix listing Mozart's attendance in the Lodges if Vienna. 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
Graphics by Art for the web |
