Weber - The Spirit of German Romanticism (CD18)

CD1-3

1. ORCHESTRAL MUSIC & CONCERTANTE MUSIC - Overtures / Invitation to the Dance; Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 / Konzertstück for piano / Horn Concertino / Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Clarinet Concertino / Bassoon Concerto / Andante and Rondo ungarese

CD4

1. PIANO MUSIC - Piano Sonatas Nos. 2 & 4 / “La Gaîté” / Aufforderung zum Tanze / Polacca brillante

CD5-6

1. CHAMBER MUSIC - Clarinet Quintet / Variations on a theme from “Silvana” / Grand duo concertant / Violin Sonata Op. 10b No. 3 (exc.) / Trio for flute, cello and piano / Adagio and rondo for 2 clarinets, 2 horns, 2 bassoons and double bass / Four Songs by Duke Leopold August of Gotha; Concertino for wind instruments (exc.)

CD7

1. TRANSCRIPTIONS & ARRANGEMENTS

CD8

1. WORKS AFTER WEBER - by Liszt, Wagner, Taffanel & Hindemith

CD9

1. LIEDER

CD10

1. CHORAL MUSIC - Missa sancta Nos. 1 & 2

CD11-15

1. OPERAS - Abu Hassan / Der Freischütz / Oberon

CD16-18

1. HISTORICAL RECORDINGS from 1914-1958

A Cosmopolitan Artist vs. Nationalistic Labeling: Although history often labels Weber as the “inventor of German national opera”– fueled by the massive success of Der Freischütz and later nationalistic praise from figures like Richard Wagner – he was actually a worldly, open-minded person. He avoided nationalistic thinking, learned multiple languages (French, Italian, English, Czech), and drew musical inspiration from diverse cultures, including Spain, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Path to Professional Mastery: Weber’s early life was difficult, marked by a physical hip deformity and a father who tried to market him as a “new Mozart”. Despite this rocky start and early reputation as a “conceited brat”, he developed into a disciplined professional through rigorous training under Abbé Vogler and years of practical experience managing theaters in Breslau, Prague, and Dresden.

Success through the Clarinet and Opera: Weber’s breakthrough was closely tied to his collaboration with clarinetist Heinrich Joseph Baermann. His mastery of the clarinet’s technical possibilities led to famous concertos that paved the way for his operatic triumphs. His masterpiece, Der Freischütz, became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its “Wolf’s Glen” scene and its balance between romantic nature and demonic forces.

A Life of Discipline Amidst Adversity: Weber’s career was defined by “passion and discipline”. He balanced a high-pressure professional life with personal challenges, including legal and financial troubles in Stuttgart, a long-pursued marriage to Caroline Brandt, and a lifelong battle with tuberculosis. He died in London at only 39 years old, shortly after the successful premiere of his final opera, Oberon.