Lovely classics

[Weber] Masterpieces by the founder of German opera

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.

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!

[Weber] Masterpieces by the founder of German opera (51–60)

Overture to the opera ‘Der Freischütz’Carl Maria von Weber

[Long Version] Der Freischütz Overture (Weber) Piano: Takashi Sato | Zen-On Piano Piece #084 ▶ Performance starts at 1:00 ▶ A landmark work of German national opera ▶ Based on a folktale featuring magic bullets ▶ It’s a masterpiece, but the length made it quite challenging

Overture to the opera 'Der Freischütz'Carl Maria von Weber

Carl Maria von Weber, known as a key composer of the German Romantic tradition.

The overture to his opera Der Freischütz is widely loved in its piano arrangement as a masterpiece that presents the opera’s principal musical themes in a short span.

It begins with an orchestral swell that seems to pose a choice between good and evil, followed by a beautiful chorale reminiscent of hunting horns and the devil’s theme rendered in ominous tremolos—an impressively dramatic progression.

The protagonist’s inner feelings are deftly depicted, and the music, which hints at a love that triumphs over dark forces, moves the listener’s heart.

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Second movement from the Clarinet QuintetCarl Maria von Weber

Weber Clarinet Quintet: Fantasia – Adagio II

Second movement from the Clarinet QuintetCarl Maria von Weber

From Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op.

34: II.

Fantasia, Adagio ma non troppo (slowly, but not too much).

Clarinet: Elisha Willinger.

Performed at Mazzoleni Concert Hall, Toronto, Canada.

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Second Movement from Clarinet Concerto No. 2Carl Maria von Weber

M. v. Weber Clarinet Concerto No.2, 2mvt

Second Movement from Clarinet Concerto No. 2Carl Maria von Weber

“Clarinet Concerto No.

2 in E-flat major, Op.

74: II.

Romance, Andante con moto (moderately slow, with motion).” Clarinetist Wenzel Fuchs delivers an expressively sung line.

The orchestra is the KBS Symphony Orchestra of Korea.

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In conclusion

We introduced Weber’s famous and representative works.

Since he was from the early Romantic period, many of his pieces strike a balance—neither overly romantic nor too classical.

While he wrote many operas and orchestral works, he actually composed numerous piano pieces and songs as well.

There are many works we couldn’t cover in this article, so please be sure to give them a listen!