Der Freischütz is a German opera with spoken dialogue in three acts by Carl Maria von Weber with a libretto by Friedrich Kind, based on a story by Johann August Apel and Friedrich Laun from their 1810 collection Gespensterbuch. It premiered on 18 June 1821 at the Schauspielhaus Berlin. It is considered the first German Romantic opera.
Costume designs for Samiel and Kaspar in the original production
An 1822 illustration of Der Freischütz depicting the opening scene with Max and Kilian
Design for the Wolf's Glen (1822, Weimar)
Wir winden dir den Jungfern-Kranz
Carl Maria Friedrich Ernst von Weber was a German composer, conductor, virtuoso pianist, guitarist, and critic of the early Romantic period. Best known for his operas, he was a crucial figure in the development of German Romantische Oper.
Weber in 1821, by Caroline Bardua
Carl Maria von Weber (1814) Painting by Thomas Lawrence
Weber's summer home (1818–1824) near Dresden; the Carl Maria von Weber Museum
Weber's grave in the Old Catholic Cemetery in Dresden