It is tempting to say William Christie and Les Arts Florissants perform Rameau's opera "Zoroastre" the exact way the composer imagined it. Indeed, there are many riches in this performance: impeccable singing, a magnificent chorus, and an orchestra that perfectly captures the opulent beauties and complexities of French Baroque. A late work, "Zoroastre" may lack the consistent brilliance of Rameau's masterpiece "Castor et Pollux," but this composition's daring formal conception, which presages the fluidity of late nineteenth century opera, richly compensates any perceived absence of structural balance. The story, centering on Zoroastre's struggle to save his beloved Amelite from the evil Abramanr, contains Masonic references. Was Rameau a Mason? Scholars cannot answer that question. True, "Zoroastre" is about the struggle between good and evil symbolized, respectively, by light and darkness, but what fascinates the listener is not the Masonic story, but Rameau's unique ability to represent archetypal dichotomies in purely musical terms by relying on musical symbolism. Thus, in Act IV, Rameau's musical representation of sinister forces directly appeals to the listener's intuition. Indeed, the sheer variety of dark tones, along with astonishing outbursts of sheer dramatic power, bespeak Rameau's expressive genius, which reveals the unfathomable essence of evil in ways that language cannot emulate. Rameau's descriptions of elevated spiritual states, symbolized by light, are even more astonishing as demonstrated by "O lumiere vive et pure," sung by Zoroastre and the chorus in Act III. Here, as well as in the "Tout se ranime," Zorastre's duet with Amelite, the musicians reach the pinnacle of their art: with faultless phrasing, breathtaking expressive intensity, and impeccable dramatic presence, the vocal soloists capture the essence of Rameau's music. The superb orchestra plays with the compellingly primal immediacy of a living voice.

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In this classic book the author, himself a Mason, reveals the relationship between modern Masonry and the Ancient Mysteries; the philosophy and meaning of the symbols and ...

In this classic book the author, himself a Mason, reveals the relationship between modern Masonry and the Ancient Mysteries; the philosophy and meaning of the symbols and ...

Sylvester Stallone returns to the director's chair for Rocky Balboa, the fifth sequel to the film that made him a superstar 30 years before. The movie begins with Rocky (Stallone) still mourning the death of his loyal and beloved wife, Adrian, who died three years previously after losing a battle against cancer. Rocky owns an Italian restaurant and spends his days living in his working-class Philadelphia neighborhood, visiting with his customers, and telling stories about his past. His grown son has a job as a business professional, but the relationship between the two is strained. Rocky's growing dissatisfaction leads him to attempt to purge the feelings of frustration and loss by applying for a boxing license. When the current heavyweight champion, Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver), needs to rehabilitate his image as a pretty boy who has never shown any real heart in the ring, his manager offers Rocky an exhibition match. This comeback allows Rocky to get his own life back on track, while also offering him the opportunity to help those around him redeem themselves and once again be a symbol of hope for the common man. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

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In this classic book the author, himself a Mason, reveals the relationship between modern Masonry and the Ancient Mysteries; the philosophy and meaning of the symbols and ...

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Albert Pike, the Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite from 1859 to 1891, is one of the most honored and influential American Freemasons of all time. The Supreme Council exalts Pike by saying: Albert Pike remains today an inspirations for Masons everywhere. His great book, Morals and Dogma endures as the complete exposition of Scottish Rite philosophy. He will always be remembered and revered as the Master Builder of the Scottish Rite. Often referred to as the 'Masonic Bible'. CONTENTS: Apprentice; Fellow-craft; Master; Secret Master; Perfect Master; Intimate Secretary; Provost and Judge; Intendant of the Building; Elu of the Nine; Elu of the Fifteen; Elu of the Twelve; Master Architect; Royal Arch of Solomon; Perfect Elu; Knight of the East; Prince of Jerusalem; Knight of the East and West; Knight Rose Croix; pontiff; Master of the Symbolic Lodge; Noachite or Prussian Knight; Knight of the Royal Axe or Prince of Liabanus; Chief of the Tabernacle; Prince of the Tabernacle; Knight of the Brazen Serpent; Prince of Mercy; Knight Commander of the Temple; Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept; Scottish Knight of St. Andrew; Knight Kadosh; Inspector Inquisitor; Master of the Royal Secret. IF YOU READ ONLY ONE BOOK ON FREEMASONRY, THIS IS IT!

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