Various Artists - Weber : Weber -The Spirit of German Romanticism (18CD) - Import 18 CD Box Set

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Various Artists

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200th Anniversary of the Death of Carl Maria von Weber An Artist as a Cosmopolitan: This collection features Weber’s masterful performances—from symphonies that transcend the label of nationalism to his operas. Let us listen, feel, and uncover all the distinctive characteristics of his works for ourselves. Carl Maria von Weber (1786–1826) is often described in music history as the “founder of German national opera” due to the record-breaking success of his opera *Der Freischütz* and the later praise he received from Richard Wagner. However, in reality, he was an extremely cosmopolitan and enlightened figure. He shunned nationalistic thinking, spoke multiple languages (French, Italian, English, and Czech), and drew musical inspiration from diverse cultures, including Spain, Asia, and the Middle East. [The Path of Study: Toward True Professionalism] Weber’s early years were fraught with difficulties, including a hip condition and conflicts with his father, who sought to market him as a “second Mozart.” Overcoming this turbulent start and his reputation as a “conceited young man,” he matured into a disciplined professional through rigorous training under his mentor, Abe Fögler, and practical experience managing theaters in Breslau, Prague, and Dresden. [Breakthrough with the Clarinet and Opera] His rise to prominence was deeply linked to his collaboration with the renowned clarinetist Heinrich Joseph Bärmann. Having mastered the techniques of the clarinet, Weber composed a series of masterpiece concertos that laid the foundation for his subsequent great successes in opera. His magnum opus, *Der Freischütz*, achieved such phenomenal success that it became a social phenomenon, thanks to the balance between “Romantic nature” and “diabolical power” symbolized by the legendary “Valley of the Wolves” scene. [Discipline Amid Adversity: A Life Devoted to Passion] Weber’s career was defined by “passion and discipline.” Legal troubles and financial difficulties in Stuttgart, his long-awaited marriage to Caroline Brandt, and the tuberculosis that plagued him throughout his life… Even amidst these personal hardships and pressures, he maintained the highest level of professionalism. Shortly after the successful London premiere of his final opera, *Oberon*, he passed away at the age of just 39. This box set offers representative performances ranging from symphonies to operas, allowing each listener to explore and unravel the full characteristics of his work. Furthermore, the historical recordings section features a magnificent lineup of legendary maestros, including Nikisch, Toscanini, Furtwängler, Kleiber, Böhm, Barbirolli, and Szell. The paper sleeves for each disc feature paintings by 19th-century Romantic artists who were contemporaries of Weber. Warner Music Japan