The eighteenth century is considered the pinnacle of Masonic development. In England and France Freemasonry already had a social character along with its moral and ethical sides, and during th Age of Reason many of the ablest men in Europe joined its ranks. Its converts were largely aristocrats and, to a lesser extent, philosophers and poets. But most important for the intellectual history of Masonry was Mozart, because The Magic Flute, one of the greatest art works of all time, was the direct result of Mozart's Masonic associations.

In Mozart and Masonry, Paul Nettl, an internationally recognized musical authority, analyzes Mozart's Masonic career and his Masonic compositions with special emphasis on The Magic Flute. Professor Nettl uses as his background material the general history of Freemasonry. The book deals as well with the Masonic connections of other great composers such as Beethoven, Wagner and Sibelius. Under this novel interpretation Masonry assumes a new and most illuminating role in music history. Nettl finds even a Masonic style in the music of the eighteenth century, a style which embodies the ideas of liberalism and humanity found at the core of Freemasonry. Masonic song-books, cantatas and operas are also brought to light and analyzed.