Mozart As A Freemason.

" The visit of Mozart ' s father lasted six weeks [ 1785 ) . He Avas UOAV in declining health , much afflicted with the gout , and , during bis -vhole stay , almost constantly indisposed . However , what could be clone to make the time pass cheerfully was done ;

he heard music at home and abroad , and was carried by his son to the Lodge of Freemasons , and initiated into the mysteries of that Fraternity . "In the middle of this year [ 1785 ] he composed several songs , an orchestral dirge

for the Freemasons' Lodge , on occasion of the death of a distinguished brother of the house of Mecklenburg and Esterhazy , and the pianoforte quartette in G minor . " The plan of the ' Zauberilote' originated about May in this year [ 1791 ] , with Schickaneder , Mozart ' s old acquaintance , and the companion of his revels . The theatre of Avhich this man Avas the

manager Avas fast falling into a ruinous condition , partly from his own carelessness , partly from the absence of public patronage ; and in a half-distracted state he came to Mozart , telling Mm that he was the only man Avho could relieve him from bis embarrassment . ' I ! ' replied Mozart

, ' how can that be ? ' 'By composing for me an opera to suit the taste of the description of people Avho attend my theatre . To a certain point you may consult that of the connoisseurs and your own glory ; but have a particular regard to that class of

persons Avho are not judges of good music . I Avill take care that you shall have tbe poem shortly , and that the decorations shall be handsome : in a word , that everything shall be agreeable to the present mode . ' Touched by the entreaties of Schickaneder , Mozart promised to undertake the business for him . ' What

remuneration do you require V asked tbe manager , ' Why , it seems that you have nothing to give me , ' returned Mozart ; ' hoAvever , we will so arrange the matter that I may not quite lose my labour , ancl yet enable you to extricate yourself from your difficulties .

You shall have the score , and give me Avhat you please for it , on condition that you will not alloAv any copies to be taken . If the opera succeeds , I will dispose of it to other theatres , and that Avill repay me . ' "The deli ghted manager closed this advantageous bargain with the most solemn assurances of good faith . Mozart soon set to work , ancl so far kindl y consulted the

taste , or rather interest , of Schickaneder , who Avas constantly with him during the progress of the ' Zauberilote , ' as to strike out Avhole scenes that displeased him , and to compose one duet five times over in order to satisfy him . In a few Aveeks the

opera was produced ; its reputation spread throughout Germany , and it was soon performed by several provincial companies ; but , alas ! not one of them receiA'ed the score from Mozart 1 The cruelty which Schickaneder in this instance superadded

to his black ingratitude was chiefly shown in his being fully aware of the necessitous condition of tbe man whom he thus basely defrauded . Mozart did not permit conduct of this kind to disturb his equanimity . When made fully aware of the manager ' s treachery , he exclaimed , ' The Avretcb ! ancl dismissed the matter from his

thoughts . " It was during the composition of the ' Zauberilote' that the eruption of those symptoms which portend decay of the vital powers and a general breaking up of the constitution first appeared . As usual , he grew interested in his workand wrote by

, clay and night , but not , as formerly , Avith impunity . He sunk over his composition into frequent swoons , in which he remained for several minutes before consciousness returned . His health suffered so much , that in the month of June he suspended

for a time his labours on the ' Zauberflote , ' ancl made a short excursion to Baden . It is entered in Ms catalogue as finished in July , though it was not performed till the 30 th of September . That it Avas not quite

finished , liOAvever , at that time , but submitted to various alterations and additions , will presently appear . "While engaged in the hurried composition of ' La Clemenza di Tito , ' his last opera , he was in the daily habit of visiting

a neighbouring coffee-house Avith some friends , for the purpose of recreating himself with billiards . One clay , they observed that he drew a book at intervals from his pocket , in the midst of his game , and bumming as he made some hasty

memoranda in it , pursued his play . The company at Dussek ' s house ( where he was living ) were soon after astonished to hear him perform the beautiful quintette in the first act of the ' Zauberflote , ' Hm , hm , hm , which he had completed in this manner .