The songs by Belgian composer Raymond Moulaert show a striking orientation towards 'elsewhere'. His music is usually called impressionistic, but the important external referentiality invites us to approach it as a symbolist body of work. The symbolist aesthetic provides many clues that can guide the execution of the work.
An aspect of Moulaert's biography that has never been explored is that he was a Freemason. However, there are strong indications that the Lodge had an influence on his musical career, due to the strong network with the Brussels conservatoire, but also because the Grand Master Goblet d'Alviella was strongly interested in symbolism. This study aims to zoom in on this in more detail.
Finally, the case study is an excellent opportunity to pay special attention to the work of this composer in the year that he would have turned 150. We strive to crown that anniversary with the edition of at least two unpublished manuscripts from our library, with detailed scientific introductions, and a concert around his work.
