The enlightenment culture further stresses the idea of individualism while also
emphasizing reason in its musical compositions. This philosophy means that each line of lyrics
or its music compositions must follow a logical guideline that is reasonably interconnected. The
vast majority of the audience or listeners should be able to understand and reflect on their own
lives. The political climate is also leaning towards a constitutional monarchy. Due to this shift in
the political climate, people are no longer referring to themselves as statesmen but instead as the
country’s politically participating and law-abiding citizens. However, Joseph II of the Holy
Roman Empire did not feel that way. Although Joseph II tries to reform and modernize its
society to a more secular state, it is still within the philosophical frame of the absolute monarchy.
Therefore, when Joseph II met with Mozart, he respected him as a talented musician. However,
the emperor was only trying to be modest in front of him. He did not particularly enjoy Mozart’s
piece because it glorified collectivism. This philosophical idea poses an immediate danger to that
Joseph II’s absolute monarchy philosophy. Joseph II could not let collectivism spread in his
empire because it directly threatened his reign. What Mozart was trying to emphasize is for their
people to pursue their own happiness through dance, music, or other artistic expressions.
Therefore, he did not at all agree with Joseph II’s criticism. He felt that the emperor favored a
much more serious style of music, likely portrayed in a minor chord.