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Carl Maria von Weber: Der Freischütz, Op. 77 | Work Guide

In Der Freischütz , Weber turns the forest into a world of hunting, love and supernatural danger, as Max’s fear of losing Agathe leads him to the enchanted bullets and a decisive public trial. i Work Information Composer: Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826) Work: Der Freischütz , Op. 77, WeV C.7 (J. 277) Libretto: Friedrich Kind, drawing on the story of the same name by Johann August Apel Composition and development: 1817–1821 Premiere: 18 June 1821, Schauspielhaus, Berlin Genre: Romantic opera with spoken dialogue Period: German Romanticism Structure: Overture and three acts, with sixteen numbered musical pieces and spoken dialogue Duration: Approximately 2–2½ hours, depending on the dialogue and the production Forces: Solo voices, mixed and male choral groups, orchestra, and occasional onstage players In Der Freischütz , one trial shot could determine two lives . The young huntsman Max must hit his mark ...

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