Carl Maria von Weber

Carl Maria Friedrich Ernst von Weber (November 18, 1786 – June 5, 1826) was a German composer, conductor, pianist, and critic. He is recognized as one of the earliest and most significant composers of the Romantic era, profoundly shaping the development of German opera and influencing instrumental music.

Weber's operas, particularly Der Freischütz, Euryanthe, and Oberon, established a new standard for German Romantic opera. His innovative approach extended to instrumental music, with his compositions for the clarinet—including two concertos, a concertino, a quintet, and a duo concertante—remaining staples of the repertoire. His piano works, such as the four sonatas, two concertos, and the renowned Konzertstück in F minor, served as inspiration for later composers like Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Felix Mendelssohn. Liszt frequently performed the Konzertstück, and Igor Stravinsky acknowledged it as a model for his own Capriccio for piano and orchestra.