[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)
Overture to Der FreischützCarl Maria von Weber
Weber’s opera Der Freischütz is counted among the masterpieces of fairy-tale opera.
Many fairy-tale operas are based on folk tales.
This work is based on a folktale in which six of seven bullets strike exactly where the marksman intends, while the remaining one hits wherever the devil desires.
Clarinet Quintet in B-flat majorCarl Maria von Weber
Weber was a German composer.
In 1815, while serving as music director and conductor at the Prague Opera, he composed his Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op.
34.
It features a solo clarinet carrying the main melody alongside a string quartet.
In the second movement, Adagio, the string quartet creates a solemn atmosphere, while the solo clarinet, tinged with melancholy, lends an elegant character.
Weber: Masterpieces by the Founder of German Opera (31–40)
First Movement from the Clarinet QuintetCarl Maria von Weber
From Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op.
34 — 1st movement, Allegro (fast).
It begins with harmony from the string quartet, and when the clarinet enters, a sense of motion emerges.
Although marked Allegro, it also features more relaxed passages that are engaging to listen to.
Clarinet: Jen-Hua Hwang.
From the Clarinet Quintet, Movement IIICarl Maria von Weber
From Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op.
34: Movement III, “Menuet-Capriccio, Presto” (courtly dance, caprice, very fast).
It begins briskly at a quick tempo, then in the Trio shifts to a gentle melody—a whimsical movement.
The clarinet is played by Julian Milkis.
4th movement from the Clarinet QuintetCarl Maria von Weber
From Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op.
34, fourth movement: Rondo, Allegro giocoso (a round dance, fast, playfully and cheerfully).
The notes flow brightly and beautifully.
Featuring Karl Leister on clarinet with the string members of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Clarinet Concerto No. 1, Third MovementCarl Maria von Weber
From Clarinet Concerto No.
1 in F minor, Op.
73 – 3rd movement: Rondo, Allegretto (round dance, somewhat fast).
The finely articulated, leaping passages make full use of the instrument’s characteristics.
Clarinet: Antanas Makštutis; orchestra: the Kaunas Symphony Orchestra of Lithuania.
Clarinet Concerto No. 2, First MovementCarl Maria von Weber
From Clarinet Concerto No.
2 in E-flat major, Op.
74 — First Movement: Allegro (Fast).
After a long introduction, the clarinet makes a dramatic leap from the high register down three octaves.
The clarinet soloist is Han Kim, and the orchestra is the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra of Korea.