Bro. Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART composed “The Magic Flute” to replace the symbolic Masonic initiations that were forbidden by the emperor of Austria, – thus enabling the Brethren to instruct Masonically in spite of the edicts of a tyrannical government.
V.W. Bro. Sir Arthur SULLIVAN, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, was the Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge of England. Notable works were “H.M.S. Pinafore”, “The Mikado”, and of course “Onward Christian Soldiers” which is revered by the Order of the Knights Templar.
V.W. Bro. Jan SIBELIUS, the great composer, was the Grand Organist of Finland. He composed the ritualistic music now used by the Grand Lodge of New York, which was presented to them in appreciation for the part the Grand Lodge played in establishing Masonry in Finland.