During the last seven years of his life, Wolfgang Amadé Mozart seems to have developed friendships in the circle frequented by Viennese Free Masons that brought him emotional ties and intellectual sources of inspiration. As far as we may gather from the extant minutes and attendance lists of the Viennese lodge, Mozart was very active as a Free Mason: ten days after his acceptance (reception on 14 December 1784) we find him in attendance at another reception, and a mere two weeks later he was promoted to an associate rank. It was Mozart who produced what are beyond doubt the most precious Masonic musical treasures. Along with The Magic Flute, he composed a series of single songs and cantatas for his lodge. Mozart’s Masonic Funeral Music K477 is one of his most concentrated works, and it was above all this piece that moved Wolfgang Brunner to decide to use solo strings: “My winds were grateful that in this funeral music they finally had the chance to play in piano and nonetheless could be heard.” Mozart is thought to have composed this music in 1785 for a ceremony involving elevation to the rank of master, and it focuses on the theme of human mortality. During its mere sixty-nine measures the composition evolves from the opening sighing motifs in the despondent key of C minor, and dark wind colours to a more peaceful, serene and consoling conclusion.