Overture to Oberon (1826)

Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)

Weber is primarily know today for his operas (especially Der Freischütz) and his wind concerti. Oberon was his last opera, commissioned by Covent Garden and premiered in London just before Weber’s death from tuberculosis a few days before his 40th birthday. Oberon depicts images of elfland and the life of spirits and was an abject failure. However, opening with its magic horn call, the overture vividly evokes the opera’s action and is regarded as a masterpiece of orchestration and Weber’s best orchestral work.

Performed: 1987, Sep 2013