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Caspar Fürstenau’s output is almost exclusively dedicated to the flute,
and includes, among other works, two Flute Concertos, and a great number
of chamber works where the flute is often found associated with the
guitar. We do not know precisely when and where Caspar joined the
Freemasonry; but the presence in his catalogue of two collections of
Maurer Gesänge leaves no doubts as to his participation in the activities
of the lodges Zu den drei Balcken of Münster and Zur Bundeskette of
Soest. Between the end of the 1700s and the beginning of the 1800s the Freemasonry had many followers among musicians, especially in the countries of German language and in France.
The two collections of Maurer Gesänge by Caspar Fürstenau are structurally identical, each consisting of six songs for solo voice, male choir, flute and guitar. The songs have a very simple strophic structure, with passages for solo voice that are taken up in various ways by the choir.
The flute provides short introductions and contrapuntal accompaniment to the singing, while the guitar contributes with solid or arpeggiato chords. The vocal quality of these pieces, slightly recalling that of Mozart’s Masonic cantatas, is sober and syllabic, with some popular inflections. The texts offer typical 18th-century Masonic themes, with an accent on egalitarian ideals, universal brotherhood, individual virtue, and friendship. Of particular interest are the two pieces from the two collections that share the same title although they are substantially different: Schwestern Lied (Sisters’ song).
Among the numerous collections of pieces for flute and guitar composed by Caspar Fürstenau, the 12 Stücke Op.16 stand out for their pleasant writing and fresh music ideas, always expressed in very classical style.
They are dances (Ecossaises, Walzer, Pas redoublé) and simple pieces where flute and guitar dialogue amiably. It is fine Hausmusik destined for private performances by family members and friends. | |
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Six Masonic songs
for solos, male choir, flute and guitar
Dedicated to the lodge of Münster
- Zum Maurischen Jubelfest 02’59”
- Zur Freundschaft 02’57”
- Armenlied 02’32”
- Zu Ehren d H M V St 02’10”
- Zur Freude 01’46”
- Schwesternlied 01’52”
Twelve pieces Op. 16
for flute and guitar
- Andante 01’57”
- Ecossaise 00’30”
- Allegretto 02’52”
- Allegretto 01’46”
- Allegretto poco allegro 01’33”
- Andante 02’32”
- Pas redoublé 02’11”
- Walzer 02’07”
- Poco Andante 03’50”
- Ecossaise 00’30”
- Rondo, Scherzando 02’57”
- Rondo, Allegro 03’12”
Six Masonic Songs
for solos, male choir, flute and guitar
Dedicated to the lodge of Soest
- Festlied 02’39”
- Zur Tugend 02’47”
- Zur Freude (von Huner) 02’27”
- Tafellied (von Lenz) 02’25”
- Schwesternlied 02’17”
- Die Drei 03’08” | |
