[Weber] Masterpieces by the founder of German opera
Carl Maria von Weber was a German composer, conductor, and pianist of the early Romantic period, born in 1786.
With his opera Der Freischütz, he established the style of German Romantic opera and came to be known as the “founder of German opera.”
He is also known for leaving a profound legacy for future generations, such as reorganizing the orchestra into a layout closer to the modern arrangement and being among the first to use a baton.
While he composed many operas and orchestral works, he also performed as a pianist and was considered one of the finest of his time.
In this article, we introduce some of Weber’s masterpieces and signature works.
Be sure to give them a listen!
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[Weber] Masterpieces by the Founder of German Opera (21–30)
Trio in G minor, Op. 63, for Piano, Flute, and CelloCarl Maria von Weber
One of the chamber works left by Carl Maria von Weber, a leading composer of early German Romanticism, is the Trio in G minor for Piano, Flute, and Cello, Op.
63.
While Weber is renowned for his operas such as Der Freischütz and Oberon, he also displayed his talent in piano works.
This piece was written for his friend, the flutist Philipp Jung, and is notable for featuring the flute in place of the usual violin.
Beginning with a first movement imbued with wistful emotion, the work sustains a romantic atmosphere throughout.
The third movement, The Shepherd’s Lament, with its strikingly pastoral melody, is based on a poem by Goethe and showcases Weber’s characteristic lyricism.
Please enjoy this masterpiece of the piano trio repertoire.
Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 24Carl Maria von Weber
Carl Maria von Weber, a German composer, is one of the key figures of the early Romantic era.
His works are characterized by vivid harmony and orchestration, as well as elements of Central European folk music, and he made significant contributions to the development of German opera.
Among Weber’s piano sonatas, the Piano Sonata No.
1 in C major, Op.
24, is highly demanding technically and calls for performance techniques that take advantage of the composer’s large hand span.
Consisting of four movements, this sonata offers surprising developments in each, and the final movement in particular captivates listeners with its unending melodic flow and sense of propulsion.
With its wide-leaping scales and arpeggios, toccata-like chordal passages, and other advanced techniques, this work is a challenging entry in the Romantic piano repertoire and is recommended for advanced players.
Piano Sonata No. 2 in A-flat major, Op. 39Carl Maria von Weber
Carl Maria von Weber, a leading composer of early German Romantic music who made major contributions to the development of German opera, holds a particularly important place in his piano works with the Piano Sonata No.
2 in A-flat major, Op.
39.
This sonata belongs to the transitional period from the Classical style to Romanticism, incorporating lyricism and dramatic elements, and it captivates with its pianistic virtuosity and colorful sonorities.
Each of the four movements calls for emotionally expressive playing, and the final movement’s rondo, in particular, hinges on a performance that balances elegance with brilliance.
It is a substantial work that advanced piano students are strongly encouraged to undertake.
Turandot: Overture & MarchCarl Maria von Weber
Overture and March from “Turandot.” It premiered in 1809 in Stuttgart, Germany.
To evoke a Chinese flavor, it quotes the “Chinese Air” from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Dictionnaire de musique.
Performed by the Da’an Junior High School Band of Taiwan.
From Six Pieces for Piano Four HandsCarl Maria von Weber
From Six Pieces for Piano Four Hands, Op.
10: four movements—No.
1: Moderato, No.
2: Andantino, No.
4: Mazurka, and No.
6: Rondo.
The piano duet is performed by the Duo Lipatti: Anna Szalkucka and Aleksandra Badura.
No. 3 from Eight Pieces for Piano Four HandsCarl Maria von Weber
From Eight Pieces for Piano Four Hands, Op.
60, No.
3: Adagio.
It begins with a calm, soothing melody that evokes relaxation, then gradually increases in tempo as the emotion builds.
The piano duet is performed by Shoko Kawasaki from Tokyo and Jakub Cizmarovic from Slovakia.
No. 4 from Eight Pieces for Piano Four HandsCarl Maria von Weber
From Eight Pieces for Piano Four Hands (Op.
60), No.
4: In Gypsy Style.
Composer Paul Hindemith used this piece in the first movement of his Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Weber.
The piano duet is performed by Camelia Matei and Ana Rus Maior.