If you were in Berlin in 1821 for the premiere of Der Freischütz, you would have witnessed the birth of true German Romantic opera. The plot has everything: folk legends, magic bullets, and a high stakes deal with the devil. Weber didn’t just write a simple intro for the opera; he crafted a brilliant mini tone poem that sets up the battle between good and evil before the curtain even rises.

The music moves directly through contrast. It starts in the quiet depth of the German forest, played by a beautiful quartet of French horns. But that peace doesn't last long, low woodwinds and agitated strings suddenly pull us into the Wolf's Glen, a place full of supernatural danger. Weber builds the tension until the darkness breaks apart, handing the final word to a soaring, joyful melody that promises love will win in the end.

– Juan-David Domínguez-Rincón