Mozart knew a lot of Freemasons. Lorenzo Da Ponte, Emanuel Schikaneder, the Esterhazys and Joseph Haydn were all Freemasons, and it is estimated that at least one in four subscribers to Mozart’s concerts in Vienna in the 1780s was a documented lodge member.
It comes as no great surprise therefore, that on December 14th, 1784, Mozart joined the ranks of the masons. Not only did Freemasonry appeal to his belief in brotherhood, human dignity and the ideals of the Enlightenment, but it also expanded his circle of friends and supporters and broadened his professional opportunities. And, perhaps most importantly, it provided him a means for financial support.
In the later years of his life, Mozart accumulated significant debts and became so desperate that he had to turn to friends and acquaintances for loans. His Freemason friends came to his aid providing him with loans, both big and small.
On this episode of Mozart Snapshots, pianist Katie Mahan takes us to Schloss Aigen, once an important meeting place for the Freemasons and the Illuminati, where we meet with a present-day Freemason.
See all episodes of Katie's Mozart Snapshots, where she walks in the footsteps of Mozart in his hometown of Salzburg.
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