I was watching a DVD of the “Magic Flute” by Brother Mozart the other night; I was stunned by the Masonic Symbolism found in the actual opera and story line. But, more intriguing to me was I was watching this performance with my son Justin, who is currently studying to be a music teacher (his major is Classical Voice and Education). Justin is a DeMolay (State Master Councilor for New York), and as been around the Craft all his life. Needless to say, throughout the performance he was analyzing the music, breaking down the rhythm patterns and describing chord progressions, and several other techniques that was used, confusing me completely…. yet causing me to pause and contemplate on some of the “esoteric” properties in the musical score that only someone versed in music theory and Masonic Symbolism would “see”. My son explained to me chord progressions of 1/3, 1/5, and 1/7 … 3-5-7 hmm! He asked me about that and I mumbled something about a staircase. He also was saying something about the timing of the movements and how they also break down into 3-5-7 and that at other times the music felt to swirl around in a circle with the main character at the center! Always starting at a baseline and climbing methodically through progressions ever onward and upward. Was Brother Mozart giving a hint about the purpose of Freemasonry?

Among the valuable discussions about Freemasonry, insights concerning the philosophy as well as the applications of our Great Fraternity, what is the significance of the 7 Liberal Arts and Sciences in our Ancient Craft?

This short essay will explore my speculation concerning the seventh; Music. The Art I believe is the least understood by the Brethren of the 21st Century. Surely Brothers Mozart, Haydn, Souza, Gershwin and Irving Berlin all knew the impact of Music!

It is mentioned in our Second Degree that we are encouraged to study Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, and Music. Why Music? Our founding brethren from years ago were far wiser than we can conceive. “It breathes to the ear the clearest intimations… it touches and gently agitates sublime passions… it wraps us in tenderness…. and excites us to War! It dissolves and inflames! Pretty powerful stuff! Modern psychology and educational theory is recognizing the power of music and tones check out Music Therapy and recommendations of educators on the use of music as study aids. Interesting! Modern society and science is finally approaching in the last 4 decades what our founders apparently discerned hundreds of years ago!

Now what does music have to do with Freemasonry?

We can not dictate what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it. I remember reading about a world famous violinist who stepped on stage at Lincoln Center in front of a packed house, only to discover the instrument he carried was not his violin at all, but a worn out imitation. Realizing that his Stradivarius must have been stolen and replaced with this one, he thought for a moment and confidently walked onstage once again to speak to the audience. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I will play for you now with this old and damaged violin. But keep in mind, the music is not in the instrument, it is in the heart and soul.” With that the violinist played brilliantly. The exquisite music flowed throughout the entire building and the audience was breathless. At the conclusion of the performance, the applause was deafening with a standing ovation. What does this allude to? I remember hearing that it is the internal not the external qualities of a man that is important. You can have an old, worn or imperfect instrument and still make music which touches the soul! If a man has “all the faith to move mountains… but has not love he is but an empty bell or a clanging cymbal!” That is why music is revered by Masons… it can bring out the best in men!

Life can be compared to a Symphony. At the beginning of life you could start with a few plaintive strains reaching out for assistance and sustenance, which would be provided by your family. The movement eventually through sustenance and repetition takes on a melodic statement reoccurring throughout the piece. (EA) Later as you are venturing out into the world this basic movement takes firmer shape, developing into a strong, dynamic, and confident sound treading into new dynamics and schemes, exploring if you will; new ideas, themes, but always integral with the original melodic movement. Returning somewhat changed; matured to the original theme! This section of a symphony is usually vibrant, inquisitive and sometimes revolutionary, introducing new musical themes to the genre of the times! (FC) In the final movement you have the integration of all, from the first plaintive strains of the need for support, the strength, rebellion and exuberance of youth; all consolidated in a beautiful finale which either gently and sublimely fades to an end or ends abruptly! So like life! So like our journey through time! So like the purposes of our Craft!

Remember, my brothers, the music of our lives lies not within our external circumstances; but as apparently believed by our brothers of old, within our own beautiful heart and soul! We have a choice to be enlightened, uplifted and strengthened by the beauty of life and our Ancient Craft, or not. When we think right and act right we are right! One encouraging word can touch the heart and turn thoughts and actions around. Affirmative beliefs create positive actions which can assist us in managing events in our lives. Obstacles do not have to stop us but can be overcome or used by us to strengthen our character. Trials do occur, difficulties happen, all trying to steal our zest for living. Let us turn our back on the negative and direct our attention to the Great Architect. We know He is a well of creativity and triumph! As Pope Gregory the Great stated “Music breathes life to the words”.

So Mote It Be!