Carl Maria von Weber

Carl Maria Friedrich Ernest von Weber (?November 19 1786 – June 5 1826) was a German composer, born in the town of Eutin, near Lübeck. He was a critical figure in the development of musical Romanticism, and influenced many composers of his and of subsequent generations, including Wagner, Liszt and Berlioz. He was best known in the 19th century for his operas, including Der Freischütz, an international sensation at the time, and Euryanthe, Oberon, King of the Fairies, Silvana, and Die drei Pintos. His numerous overtures, with their adventurous use of tone color, influenced the development of the symphonic poem.

Berlin

As a consequence of the unsatisfactory state of affairs in Dresden, it had been arranged that both Preciosa and Der Freischütz, no longer known by its original title, Des Jägers Braut, should be produced in Berlin. In February 1821, Sir Julius Benedict was accepted by Weber as a pupil; and to his pen we owe a delightful account of the rehearsals and first performance of his master's chef-d'oeuvre. Preciosa was produced with great success at the old Berlin opera house on the June 14, 1821. On June 18, the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, the opening of the new Schauspielhaus was celebrated by the production of Der Freischütz. Much anxiety was caused by unforeseen difficulties at the rehearsals; yet, so calm was Weber's mind that he devoted his leisure time to the composition of his Concertstück in F minor, one of his finest pianoforte pieces. Until the last moment his friends were anxious; the author was not; and the result justified his confidence in his own powers.

Related Topics:
Berlin - 1821 - Julius Benedict - June 14 - June 18 - Battle of Waterloo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The success of the piece was triumphant. The work was received with equal enthusiasm in Vienna on October 3, and in Dresden on January 26, 1822. Yet Weber's position as Kapellmeister was not much improved by his success, though, in order to remain faithful to his engagements, he had refused tempting offers at Berlin and Kassel, and, at the last-named place, had installed Ludwig Spohr in a position much more advantageous than his own.

Related Topics:
October 3 - January 26 - 1822 - Kassel - Ludwig Spohr

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~