From Wikipedia: Carl Maria von Weber “(18 or 19 November 1786 – 5 June 1826) was a German composer, conductor, virtuoso pianist, guitarist, and critic who was one of the first significant composers of the Romantic era. Best known for his operas, he was a crucial figure in the development of German Romantic opera.”
Carl Maria von Webber’s operas led to some great overtures, many that stand alone as great music without the opera. “He had a modest output of non-operatic music, which includes two symphonies; a bassoon concerto; [some great] piano pieces such as Konzertstuck in f-minor and Invitation to the Dance; and many pieces that featured the clarinet.”
“Weber’s contribution to vocal and choral music is also significant. His body of Catholic religious music was highly popular in 19th-century Germany, and he composed one of the earliest song cycles, Die Temperamente beim Verluste der Geliebten ([Four] Temperaments on the Loss of a Lover). Weber was also notable as one of the first conductors to conduct without a piano or violin.”
As this Thursday, November 18 is Carl Maria von Webber’s 235th Birthday, this blog would like to celebrate it with some of his great melodic music. Please turn up the volume, play in full screen and enjoy some great music from Carl Maria von Webber.
C.M. von Webber: Clarinet Concerto #1 in f minor:
C.M. von Webber: Konzerstuck for piano and orchestra in f minor:
C.M. von Webber: Oberon Overture:
C.M. von Webber: Clarinet Quintet in B Flat Major:
C.M. von Webber: Piano Sonata #1 in C Major, Rondo-Presto:
Happy Birthday Carl Maria von Webber!
Classical Music With Big Mike 