[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.
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[Weber] Masterpieces by the Founder of German Opera (21–30)
Piano Concerto No. 2 (Little), F minor, Op. 79Carl Maria von Weber
Carl Maria von Weber, a major composer of the German Romantic tradition and often called the “founder of German opera.” His Konzertstück for piano and orchestra—sometimes referred to as a “concert piece in concerto style”—is cast in a single continuous movement.
Based on a romantic tale reminiscent of medieval scenes, the work vividly conveys, through passionate and virtuosic piano writing, the feelings of a lady of the castle longing for her knight while he is on campaign.
The orchestra is also employed with great finesse to heighten the narrative—truly a quintessential Weber creation.
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.
Six Pieces, Op. 3: No. 4, “Andante and Variations”Carl Maria von Weber
Carl Maria von Weber, known as an important composer of the German Romantic school.
The fourth piece, Andante and Variations, from his Six Pieces, Op.
3, begins with a gentle, lyrical Andante and then proceeds as a set of variations that repeat the theme in different guises while gradually increasing the technical demands.
While the Romantic elements are restrained and the work places greater emphasis on classical form and technique, it is highly regarded for showcasing the appeal of piano four-hands.
It is a piece that piano students are strongly encouraged to tackle.
Eight Pieces, Op. 60: No. 7 “March”Carl Maria von Weber
Carl Maria von Weber, a gifted composer who was active at the dawn of the Romantic era.
The seventh piece from his “Eight Pieces, Op.
60” is a captivating piano work reminiscent of a bold soldier’s march.
Its melody unfolds brilliantly over a powerful rhythm, dramatic like a scene from an opera.
The interplay between the hands is exquisite, showcasing expressive power that draws the listener in.
It’s a challenging piece that any pianist with experience will be eager to try.