Carl Maria von Weber Opera Der Freischutz

The Romantic opera Der Freischtz (The Freeshooter or The Marksman) by German composer Carl
Maria von Weber is based on a folk tale by J.A. Apel and F. Laun.
Composer: C.M. von Weber (1786-1826).Libretto: Johann Friedrich Kind. Based on a folk tale in the
"gespentsterbuch" (book of ghosts) by Johann August Apel and Friedrich Laun.Language:
GermanFirst Performance: Berlin,Schauspielhaus, June 18, 1821Setting: Bohemian forest in the 17th
centuryOpera (Romantic Tale) in 3 Acts.Cast of Characters Kaspar, First huntsman (bassbaritone)Max, Second huntsman (tenor)Kilian, A villager (baritone or tenor)A Hermit, a religious
man of the forest (bass)Samiel, The black huntsman (Speaking part)Kuno, Head forester
(baritone)Agathe, Kuno's daughter (soprano)nnchen, Her cousin (soprano)Prince Ottokar, Prince of
Bohemia (baritone)Der Freischtz
is based on an old German tradition that seven unerring bullets may be obtained by selling one's
soul to the Demon Hunter. Redemption can only be achieved by providing another victim within the
appointed term. It has always been a popular favorite in Germanic countries. There is charm in its
fresh melodies while the sophisticated listener will enjoy the romantic flavor for that period and
notice the novelty of Carl Maria von Weber's approach and orchestration. Agathe's two arias, for
instance, especially in Act 3, are in a poetic manner unthinkable at the earlier date. The famous
Wolf's Glen provides some powerful ensembles.
The Overture, incorporating extensive melodies from the opera itself, at that point in time, was a
new operatic practice established by Carl Maria von Weber.
Plot Synopsis / SummaryAct 1
Before a forest inn. Kilian's win over Max in a shooting contest is being celebrated. Max has lost his
skill as a marksman. Kuno reminds Max that if he fails again in the trial test shot in the Prince's
tournament at dawn, he will lose both his job and the hand of Agathe. Max loves Agathe. Max
bemoans his situation. Kaspar feigns friendship and gives him wine to drink. He gives Max his own
gun and instructs Max to fire and bring down an eagle from a great height. The bullet, according to
Kaspar, is a magic one and it will secure his win in the tournament. He asks Max to meet him at
midnight in the Wolf's Glen to get more bullets. Max agrees. Left alone, Kaspar, who has sold his

soul to the devil Samiel, rejoices at his ploy and sings a gloating aria.
Act 2
Scene 1. Agathe's room.
nnchen is re-hanging a portrait that has fallen on Agathe. Agathe shares her worries to her cousin
nnchen who in turn tries to cheer her anxious spirits. Agathe, after alluding to a warning of great
danger given her that morning by the Hermit, sings the first of her two arias, consisting of a prayer,
followed by a joyful melody already heard in the Overture. She also sights Max approaching. Max is
agitated and worried and says he must hurry to get to the haunted Wolf's Glen. Agathe begs Max to
be careful. The trio of Max, Agathe and nnchen sing in which the girls attempt to hold him back.
Max rushes into the night.
Scene 2. The Wolf's Glen
Kaspar calls up Samiel who insists he will claim Kaspar the next day unless he brings a new victim.
Kaspar promises to do so, with Max as his victim. Max is to receive seven bullets of which six will hit
the desired mark but the seventh, Agathe, his love. For this Kaspar will have three year's respite.
Samiel vanishes and Max arrives. Seven bullets are cast in a crucible, with magic rites. By
entrapping Max with the seven magic bullets, Kasper purchases three more years of life.
Act 3
Scene 1. Agathe's room.
Agathe sings her second aria about her faith in heaven. She had an ominous dream that she was a
dove and Max shot her... (nnchen dispels her mood with a recitative followed by a cheerful aria.)
nnchen and the bridesmaids try to cheer up Agathe. The portrait has fallen again and when
nnchen opens the box with the bridal wreath, she finds a funeral wreath. So Agathe wears instead
the white roses given her by the Hermit earlier.
Scene 2. Prince Otokar's camp in the forest.
After the hunting-chorus the Prince orders Max to bring down a white dove perched on a tree before
he will approve his betrothal to Kuno's daughter. Max fires but hits Agathe who appears from behind
the tree and also wounds Kaspar. After all the commotion, Agathe revives. Samiel appears and
claims Kaspar, whose body is thrown into the Wolf's Glen. Max confesses to the magic bullets and
the Prince passes sentence of banishment. The Hermit appears and urges the Prince for clemency,
let Max marry Agathe and to discontinue the trial of the free shot giving Max one year to redeem
himself. The Prince agrees and the opera ends amid thanksgiving, with the joyful tune already heard
in the overture and in Agathe's Act II aria.
Carl Maria von Weber's Other OperasAbu Hassan 1811Euryanthe 1823Oberon 1826
Resources:
The Harrap Opera Guide by Sir Alexander F. Morley (1970)
Opera by Alan Riding and Leslie Dunton-Downer, DK (2006)

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