Mozart was admitted as an apprentice to the Viennese Masonic
lodge called "Zur Wohltätigkeit" ("Beneficence") on 14 December
1784. He was promoted to journeyman Mason on 7 January 1785, and
became a master Mason "shortly thereafter". Mozart also attended
the meetings of another lodge, called "Zur wahren Eintracht"
("True Concord"). According to Otto Erich Deutsch, this lodge
was "the largest and most aristocratic in Vienna. ... Mozart, as
the best of the musical 'Brothers,' was welcome in all the
lodges." It was headed by the naturalist Ignaz von Born.
Freemasonry played an important role in the remainder of
Mozart's life: he attended many meetings, a number of his
friends were Masons, and on various occasions he composed
Masonic music. At least as far as surviving Masonic documents
can tell us, Mozart was well regarded by his fellow Masons. Many
of his friends were Masons. During his visit to Vienna in 1785,
Mozart's father Leopold also became a Mason.