Der Freischuetz, Op. 77, J.277: Overture

Der Freischuetz (The Marksman), Op. 77, J.277 has come to be considered the first German Romantic opera. Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) composed Der Freischuetz between 1817 and 1821, based on Johann August Apel's tale, "Der Freischuetz" from the Gespensterbuch (Ghost Book). Der Freischuetz tells the story of a marksman, Max, who must prove himself as a marksman before his marriage to Agathe. Max makes a deal with the devil to forge seven magic bullets that will hit whatever target regardless of where he aims except for the seventh bullet which is controlled by the devil. Der Freischuetz premiered June 18, 1821 in Berlin and is still regularly performed today. The overture also remains a regular part of the concert repertoire. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2 : 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-9-5 in set).