November 19, 1786:
Carl Maria Friedrich Ernst von Weber is born at Lübeckerstraße 48 in Eutin, part of the Free Imperial City of Lübeck, the first of two children born to Franz Anton von Weber, kapellmeister to the Prince-Bishop of Lübeck, and Genovefa Brenner, a singer and actress, daughter of a cabinet maker. Franz Anton has eight children by a previous marriage. (The date could be 18 November)
November 24, 1800:
Das Waldmädchen, a romantic comic-opera by Carl Maria von Weber (14) to words of von Steinsberg, is performed for the first time, in the Buttermarkt, Freiberg.
May 8, 1804:
Carl Maria von Weber (17) is appointed Kapellmeister at the theatre in Breslau (Wroclaw).
May 28, 1804:
Carl Maria von Weber (17) departs Vienna to travel to take up his new position in Breslau (Wroclaw).
June 11, 1804:
Carl Maria von Weber (17) arrives in Breslau (Wroclaw) to take up duties as kapellmeister.
August 1, 1804:
Carl Maria von Weber (17) makes his first appearance in Breslau (Wroclaw) conducting Mozart’s (†12) La clemenza di Tito.
June 21, 1806:
Carl Maria von Weber (19) closes his career in Breslau (Wroclaw) with a farewell concert.
July 1, 1806:
Overtura Chinesa by Carl Maria von Weber (19) is performed for the first time, in Breslau (Wroclaw).
February 23, 1807:
Carl Maria von Weber (20) leaves Carlsruhe for an extended tour to the west.
July 17, 1807:
Carl Maria von Weber (20) arrives in Stuttgart where a position awaits him. He has been spending the last five months since leaving Carlsruhe on an impromptu concert tour.
August 17, 1807:
Carl Maria von Weber (20) is appointed “Geheimer Sekretär” to Duke Ludwig Friedrich Alexander in Württemberg, the brother of King Friedrich. He is responsible to administer the Duke’s affairs and instruct his children in music.
September 20, 1809:
An overture and marches for Turandot, Prinzessin von China, a play by Schiller after Gozzi, by Carl Maria von Weber (22) are performed for the first time, in Stuttgart.
February 9, 1810:
While conducting rehearsals for Silvanna in Stuttgart, Carl Maria von Weber (23) is arrested by the police along with his father. He will be held incommunicado in an inn for 16 days under three charges: 1. theft of silver articles, 2. embezzlement of Duke Ludwig’s money (actually done by his father--the amount was repaid but with borrowed money and the lender is demanding his money back) and 3. bribery and “association with plots for military exemption.”
February 10, 1810:
King Friedrich of Württemberg dismisses criminal charges against Carl Maria von Weber (23) and his father. The case is referred to a civil court where Weber’s creditors wait.
February 18, 1810:
King Friedrich of Württemberg is about to banish Carl Maria von Weber (23) for theft when 42 creditors press their cases against him, causing the duke to re-arrest the composer at the expense of the creditors. He will finish Silvana during his imprisonment.
February 22, 1810:
In Stuttgart, it is determined that Carl Maria von Weber (23) owes three times his assets. Weber agrees to a debt payment arrangement to placate the creditors. They petition for his release.
February 23, 1810:
King Friedrich of Württemberg orders the release of Carl Maria von Weber (23) as well as his banishment. He has worked out a debt payment agreement with his creditors.
February 26, 1810:
Carl Maria von Weber (23) and his father are awakened in the morning by a police officer and escorted to the border at Fürfeld. They are banished from Württemberg forever for their enormous debts. From this day, Weber keeps a diary. On the first page he writes, “Born again for the second time.”
February 27, 1810:
Carl Maria von Weber (23) arrives in Mannheim.
April 4, 1810:
Carl Maria von Weber (23) arrives in Darmstadt for studies with Georg Joseph Vogler (60).
May 30, 1810:
Variations for cello J.94 by Carl Maria von Weber (23) is performed for the first time, in Heidelberg.
June 1, 1810:
Meyer Beer (Giacomo Meyerbeer) (18) arrives in Darmstadt with his brother Heinrich, his tutor Aron Wolfssohn and a servant. He has come to study with Georg Joseph Vogler (60). One of his fellow students is Carl Maria von Weber (23).
June 15, 1810:
Zur Feier des 15ten Juni for solo voice, chorus and piano by Giacomo Meyerbeer (19) to words of Carl Maria von Weber (23) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt. The work celebrates the birthday today of their teacher, Georg Joseph Vogler (61).
September 16, 1810:
Silvana, a romantic opera by Carl Maria von Weber (23) to words of Heimer after Steinsberg, is performed for the first time, in Frankfurt-am-Main, conducted by the composer. The work is a moderate success but is overshadowed by a balloon ascent made today by Mme Madeleine-Sophie Blanchard, first female professional balloonist and widow of balloon pioneer Jean-Pierre Blanchard. Everyone at the theatre, including the singers, can talk of nothing else.
November 19, 1810:
Piano Concerto no.1 by Carl Maria von Weber is performed for the first time, in Mannheim, the composer at the keyboard, on what might be his 24th birthday.
November 30, 1810:
A private musical association called the Harmonischer Verein is founded in Darmstadt by Carl Maria von Weber (24), Meyer Beer (Giacomo Meyerbeer) (19), and three others. Weber (24) draws up the statutes.
February 6, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) performs a farewell concert in Darmstadt at the palace of Grand Duke Ludwig. In need of funds, he is leaving the tutelage of Georg Joseph Vogler (61).
February 14, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) leaves Darmstadt, intending to engage in a long concert tour.
March 3, 1811:
In Bamberg, Carl Maria von Weber (24) meets the music director and scene painter of the local theatre, ETA Hoffmann for the first time.
March 14, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) reaches Munich.
April 5, 1811:
Heinrich Baermann performs the premiere of Carl Maria von Weber’s (24) Clarinet Concerto J.109 in Munich. It is well received and King Maximilian, in attendance, orders two clarinet concertos from the composer.
June 4, 1811:
Abu Hassan, a singspiel by Carl Maria von Weber (24) to words of Heimer after A Thousand and One Nights, is performed for the first time, at the Residenz, Munich. The work enjoys a good success in spite of the fact that a fire alarm is sounded during the first act, requiring the hall to be emptied.
June 9, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (24) four guitar songs (J.110-113) for Kotzebue’s stage play Der arme Minnesinger are performed for the first time, in Munich.
June 13, 1811:
Clarinet Concerto no.1 J.114 by Carl Maria von Weber (24) is performed for the first time, in Munich along with the premiere of Weber’s Adagio and Rondo for harmonichord and orchestra J.115.
August 3, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24), in Munich, hears from Wiesbaden that the salary he proposed for the post of Kapellmeister is too high. He decides against pursuing the position.
August 9, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) leaves Munich for Switzerland.
August 11, 1811:
As Carl Maria von Weber (24) travels to Switzerland from Munich, he passes through the Kingdom of Württemberg from which he was banished in 1810. He is discovered at the border and arrested.
August 15, 1811:
Instructions from the Württemberg capital Stuttgart are that Carl Maria von Weber (24) is to be deported, placed on a boat for Constanz. This was his original plan.
August 19, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) reaches Schaffhausen in Switzerland to attend the music festival.
October 24, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (24) returns to Munich from Switzerland.
November 11, 1811:
Two works by Carl Maria von Weber (24) are performed for the first time, at his farewell concert in Munich: The overture Der Beherrscher der Geister J.122 and the concert aria Misera me! J.121.
November 25, 1811:
Two works by Carl Maria von Weber (25) are performed for the first time, in Munich: The Clarinet Concerto no.2 J.118 and the concert aria Qual altro attendi J.126.
December 1, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (25), dissatisfied with his situation in Munich, leaves on a concert tour with the clarinetist Heinrich Baermann.
December 4, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann reach Prague on their concert tour.
December 14, 1811:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann perform the premiere of Weber’s Seven Variations on a Theme from Silvanna J.128 at the home of Count Firmian in Prague.
December 22, 1811:
After a successful concert last night, in spite of a blizzard, Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann leave Prague for Dresden.
December 27, 1811:
Heinrich Baermann and Carl Maria von Weber (25) arrive in Leipzig on their concert tour, having passed up Dresden. The Saxon court is absent.
January 17, 1812:
After a successful performance in Leipzig, Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann leave the city following an invitation to Gotha.
February 5, 1812:
After some private performances and one public concert in Weimar, Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann arrive in Dresden on their concert tour.
February 18, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) and Heinrich Baermann perform a private recital for the royal family in Dresden. Their public performance in Dresden is not successful, as Weber’s music is compared to that of Louis Spohr (27) and found lacking.
February 20, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) arrives in Berlin on his concert tour with Heinrich Joseph Baermann and stays at the home of the parents of his fellow student Meyer Beer (Giacomo Meyerbeer) (20).
August 31, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) leaves Berlin for Gotha.
September 6, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (25) arrives in Gotha from Leipzig and Berlin. He is alone, as Heinrich Baermann has given up the tour, leaving Weber in Berlin.
December 17, 1812:
The Piano Concerto no.2 J.155 by Carl Maria von Weber (26) is performed for the first time, in Gotha, the composer at the keyboard. Weber reports that everything “went excellently.”
December 20, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) leaves Gotha intending to undertake another concert tour.
December 26, 1812:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) reaches Leipzig from Gotha.
January 1, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (26) cantata In seiner Ordnung schafft der Herr for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra to words of Rochlitz is performed for the first time, in Leipzig.
January 12, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) arrives in Prague from Leipzig to find that he is offered the post of Director of the Opera. He will eventually sign a three-year contract with unlimited powers.
February 19, 1813:
Andante e Rondo Ungarese for bassoon J.158 by Carl Maria von Weber (26), a reworking of a piece for viola, J.79, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
March 6, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) gives his first performance in Prague since becoming opera director. He enjoys a good success, but is not without enemies.
March 27, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) arrives in Vienna to search for musicians and music for the Prague opera.
August 12, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) begins rehearsals for the first production in Prague with his reconstituted company: Gaspare Spontini’s (38) Fernand Cortez. It is the first of 62 operas Weber will produce in Prague.
September 9, 1813:
Carl Maria von Weber (26) conducts his first performance with the Estates Theatre in Prague with a performance of Spontini’s (38) Fernand Cortez.
October 24, 1813:
Incidental music for Das österreichische Feldlager, a play by Schmidt after Schiller, by Carl Maria von Weber (26), is performed for the first time, in Prague.
December 9, 1813:
A chorus for a production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Carl Maria von Weber (27), is performed for the first time, in Prague.
December 11, 1813:
Soprano Caroline Brandt arrives in Prague. She is the first outside musician hired by Carl Maria von Weber (27) for his new company, and his future wife.
July 9, 1814:
Carl Maria von Weber (27) arrives in Bad Liebenwerda, north of Dresden, for a cure. He has been struck recently with unexplained vomiting.
July 31, 1814:
Carl Maria von Weber (27) arrives in Berlin and finds the city in a state of nationalistic excitement with the defeat of Napoléon.
August 7, 1814:
During celebrations for the return of the King of Prussia in Berlin, Carl Maria von Weber (27) is thrown by the crush of the crowd under the wheels of an oncoming carriage. He is saved just in time by his friend Ludwig Tieck.
June 6, 1815:
After falling out with Caroline Brandt (she was jealous of an actress), Carl Maria von Weber (28) leaves Prague sooner than expected. He goes to Munich.
June 18, 1815:
Carl Maria von Weber (28) arrives in Munich.
August 24, 1815:
Two numbers for a farce called Der traverstirte Aeneas by Carl Maria von Weber (28), Mein Weib ist capores J.183 and Frau Lieserl, juhe! J.184, are performed for the first time, in Prague.
August 26, 1815:
The Clarinet Quintet J.182 by Carl Maria von Weber (28) is performed for the first time, in Munich.
September 7, 1815:
Carl Maria von Weber (28) arrives back in Prague intent on ending his relationship with the Estates Theatre.
October 17, 1815:
Two numbers for a play celebrating the Battle of Leipzig by Carl Maria von Weber (28), Wer stets hinter’n ofen kroch J.186 and Wie wir voll Glut J.187, are performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 11, 1815:
Was stürmet die Haide herauf?, a song for baritone and keyboard by Carl Maria von Weber (28), is performed for the first time, as a part of Gordon und Montrose, oder Der Kampf der Gefühle, a play by Reinbeck after von Diericke, in Prague.
December 22, 1815:
A cantata by Carl Maria von Weber (29), Kampf und Sieg, composed after the Battle of Waterloo, is performed for the first time, in Prague. The audience is small owing to a storm and the Christmas season, but they applaud loudly.
July 13, 1816:
On his way back to Prague from Berlin, Carl Maria von Weber (29) stops in Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) where he will stay until 17 July. While there he will meet Count Heinrich Vitzthum von Eckstädt, Intendant of the royal Saxon Theatre. Vitzthum will propose that Weber direct a new German language opera company in Dresden.
August 19, 1816:
Carl Maria von Weber (29) accepts the terms of Count Heinrich Vitzthum von Eckstädt and will be appointed Kapellmeister in Dresden. His primary duties will be to direct the German opera but will also include church music at court and the Italian opera.
September 1, 1816:
Faust, an opera by Louis Spohr (32) to words of Bernhard, is performed for the first time, in Prague, conducted by Carl Maria von Weber (29). See 11 December 1814.
September 30, 1816:
Carl Maria von Weber (29) conducts his last opera performance in Prague.
October 7, 1816:
Carl Maria von Weber (29), having resigned his position as opera director, leaves Prague for Berlin. Soprano Caroline Brandt and her mother travel with him.
October 13, 1816:
Carl Maria von Weber (29) and Caroline Brandt arrive in Berlin from Prague.
November 10, 1816:
Piano Sonata J.199 by Carl Maria von Weber (29) is performed for the first time, in a private home in Berlin, by the composer.
November 19, 1816:
On the eve of her departure from Berlin, soprano Caroline Brandt becomes engaged to Carl Maria von Weber (30).
December 25, 1816:
Carl Maria von Weber (30) is informed by letter in Berlin that he has been appointed Kapellmeister to King Friedrich August I of Saxony in Dresden. He is appointed in an attempt to equate German opera with the Italian opera dominant in the city.
January 13, 1817:
Carl Maria von Weber (30) arrives in Dresden from Berlin to take up his position as Kapellmeister.
January 16, 1817:
Carl Maria von Weber (30) learns that he has not been appointed Kapellmeister in Dresden after all but music director, an inferior position. He immediately resigns. King Friedrich August I of Saxony thereupon rules that Weber may have the higher position.
January 30, 1817:
Carl Maria von Weber (30) opens the German Opera in Dresden with Étienne-Nicholas Méhul’s (53) Joseph. It is a great success, particularly with King Friedrich August.
April 14, 1817:
Incidental music to Müllner’s play König Yngard by Carl Maria von Weber (30) is performed for the first time, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
September 18, 1817:
Incidental music for Grillparzer's play Die Ahnfrau by Carl Maria von Weber (30) is performed for the first time, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
October 29, 1817:
L’Accoglienza J.221, a cantata by Carl Maria von Weber (30), is performed for the first time, in Dresden to celebrate the wedding of Princess Maria Carolina of Saxony to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Since the wedding has been postponed several times, the court music director has been required to postpone his own wedding several times.
November 4, 1817:
Carl Maria von Weber (30) marries the celebrated soprano Caroline Brandt in Prague.
November 15, 1817:
Hold ist der Cyanendranz, a song for solo voices and chorus by Carl Maria von Weber (30), is performed for the first time, as part of Der Weinberg an der Elbe, a play by Kind, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
December 20, 1817:
After a honeymoon of six weeks, Carl Maria von Weber (31) and his wife, Caroline Brandt, arrive at their new home in Dresden.
January 22, 1818:
Leise weht es, a romanze for voice and guitar by Carl Maria von Weber (31) is performed for the first time, as part of Das Nachtlager von Granada, a play by Kind, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
March 3, 1818:
Sei gegrüsst, Frau Sonne, mir, a lied by Carl Maria von Weber (31), is performed for the first time, as part of Das Turnier zu Kronstein, oder Die drei Wahrzeichen, a play by Holbein, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
April 13, 1818:
Im Provence blüht die Liebe, a dance and song for tenor, chorus, and orchestra by Carl Maria von Weber (31), is performed for the first time, as part of Das Haus Anglade, oder Die Vorsehung erwacht, a play by Hell, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
June 6, 1818:
Incidental music to Gehe’s play Heinrich IV, König von Frankreich by Carl Maria von Weber (31) is performed for the first time, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
June 18, 1818:
Carl Maria von Weber (31) and his wife move into a cottage in the village of Hosterwitz, upstream from Dresden. He is worried about his deteriorating health.
July 18, 1818:
Heil dir, Sappho!, for chorus, winds and percussion by Carl Maria von Weber (31) is performed for the first time, as part of Sappho, a play by Grillparzer, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
August 3, 1818:
Natur und Liebe J.241, a cantata for mixed voices and piano by Carl Maria von Weber (31) to words of Kind, is performed for the first time, in Dresden, for the name day of the King of Saxony.
August 18, 1818:
Incidental music for Klinger’s play Die Zwillinge, by Carl Maria von Weber (31) is performed for the first time, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
September 20, 1818:
Two works by Carl Maria von Weber (31) are performed for the first time, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the accession of King Friedrich August of Saxony, in Dresden: Jubel-Cantate J.244 to words of Kind, and Jubel-Ouvertüre J.245.
January 11, 1819:
Ein Mädchen ging die Wies’ entlang, a lied by Carl Maria von Weber (32), is performed for the first time, as part of Der Abend am Waldbrunnen, a play by Kind, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
February 17, 1819:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (32) Mass in G is performed for the first time, in Dresden, to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of the Saxon royal couple.
March 18, 1819:
Carl Maria von Weber (32) is confined to bed with fever, in Dresden. Because of his illness, his wife does not inform him of the illness of their three-month-old daughter. Later this month the child will die.
April 5, 1820:
A setting of the Agnus Dei by Carl Maria von Weber (33) is performed for the first time, as part of Carlo, a play by von Blankensee, in Berlin.
April 24, 1820:
Four pieces for harp by Carl Maria von Weber (33) are performed for the first time, as part of Der Leuchtthurm, a play by von Houwald, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
July 31, 1820:
The overture to Carl Maria von Weber’s (33) Der Freischütz is performed for the first time, in Halle. The opera is completely composed, but the premiere has been postponed due to construction delays at the new Schauspielhaus in Berlin. Also heard for the first time is the overture to Weber’s incidental music to Preciosa.
October 4, 1820:
Carl Maria von Weber (33) performs before the King and Queen of Denmark at Fredriksborg.
November 4, 1820:
Carl Maria von Weber (33) and his wife Caroline Brandt return to Dresden after a successful concert tour of Germany.
February 1, 1821:
Sagt, woher stammt Liebeslust, a lied for soprano, alto, female chorus, and guitar by Carl Maria von Weber (34), is performed for the first time, as part of Der Kaufmann von Venedig, a play by Schlegel after Shakespeare, in the Dresden Hoftheater.
March 14, 1821:
Incidental music to Wolff’s play Preciosa by Carl Maria von Weber (34) is performed for the first time, in the Königliche Hofbühne, Berlin to great success with the public.
May 2, 1821:
Carl Maria von Weber (34) and his wife, Caroline Brandt, arrive in Berlin from Dresden for the premiere of Der Freischütz.
May 14, 1821:
Olympia, an opera by Gaspare Spontini (46) to words of Dieulafoy and Briffaut, translated by Hoffmann, is performed for the first time, in the Berlin Opera. The audience includes Carl Maria von Weber (34), in town for the premiere of Der Freischütz. This is the German version of Olympie. See 22 December 1818.
June 18, 1821:
19:00 Carl Maria von Weber’s (34) romantic opera Der Freischütz to words of Kind after Apel and Laun is performed for the first time, at the opening of the rebuilt Berlin Schauspielhaus to great success. In the audience is an interested 12-year-old named Felix Mendelssohn. Within the next two years, Der Freischütz will be staged in all the important theatres of Germany.
June 25, 1821:
Konzertstück J.282 for piano and orchestra by Carl Maria von Weber (34) is performed for the first time, in Berlin. During this program, Weber accompanies the renowned French violinist Alexandre Boucher in his Variations on a Norwegian Air, but after beginning, Boucher motions Weber to stop playing and he takes off into a lengthy and bizarre solo flight. Unable to get back to the original piece, he drops his violin, embraces Weber and shouts “Ah grand maître! que j'aime, que j'admire!”
July 21, 1821:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (34) deteriorating health prompts him to make a last will and testament in Dresden.
February 10, 1822:
Carl Maria von Weber (35) leaves Dresden for Vienna, worried enough about his health to leave a farewell note for his wife in a sealed envelope in case he does not return.
November 28, 1822:
An overture and five choral numbers for Den Sachsen-Sogn vermählet heute J.289, a festspiel by Robert, by Carl Maria von Weber (36), are performed for the first time, to celebrate the wedding of Prince Johann of Saxony to Princess Amalie August of Bavaria, at the Dresden Hoftheater.
September 16, 1823:
Carl Maria von Weber (36) travels to Vienna for the premiere of Euryanthe.
October 5, 1823:
While in Vienna for the premiere of Euryanthe, Carl Maria von Weber (36) travels to Baden to visit Ludwig van Beethoven (52).
October 25, 1823:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (36) grand Romantic opera Euryanthe to words of von Chézy after Gerbert de Montreuil, is performed for the first time, in the Kärntnertortheater, Vienna, conducted by the composer. The work is enthusiastically received, although some find it confusing, including Franz Schubert (26) who expresses dislike for the work. Unable to gain her reserved seat through the crowd, the librettist, Helmina von Chézy is passed over the heads of the audience.
November 29, 1823:
After several unsuccessful attempts, Carl Maria von Weber’s (37) request for an assistant is granted by the Dresden court. He desires that his friend, Johann Gänsbacher be appointed but Gänsbacher has just been appointed Kapellmeister at St. Stephen’s in Vienna. The post will go to someone not in favor with Weber, Heinrich August Marschner (28).
May 30, 1824:
Heinrich August Marschner’s (28) duties as assistant to Carl Maria von Weber (37) begin as he conducts Päer’s Wie gerufen in Dresden.
July 8, 1824:
Carl Maria von Weber (37) visits Marienbad seeking a cure for his malady.
August 18, 1824:
Carl Maria von Weber (37) receives an offer from Charles Kemble for a new opera for Covent Garden. The Englishman would also like Weber to come to London to produce Der Freischütz and Preciosa.
August 21, 1824:
Carl Maria von Weber (37) decides to accept the offer by Charles Kemble he received three days ago for a new opera for Covent Garden.
September 11, 1824:
Due to Carl Maria von Weber’s (37) increasing debilitation from tuberculosis, Heinrich August Marschner (29) is appointed director of the German and Italian opera companies in Dresden.
December 7, 1824:
A hack version of Carl Maria von Weber’s (38) Der Freischütz called Robin des bois ou les trois balles opens at the Théâtre de l’Odéon in Paris. It will run for over 300 performances.
July 15, 1825:
Carl Maria von Weber (38) arrives in Bad Ems, near Koblenz, to take the cure. His tuberculosis continues to get worse.
February 16, 1826:
Against the advice of his wife and friends, Carl Maria von Weber (39), ill with tuberculosis, departs Dresden for London to direct the premiere of Oberon. As he leaves, his wife believes that she will never see him again.
February 25, 1826:
On the way to London, Carl Maria von Weber (39) arrives in Paris. During his stay in the city he will meet Luigi Cherubini (65), Daniel Auber (44), Gioacchino Rossini (33), Ferdinando Paer, and Charles-Simon Catel. Hector Berlioz (22), who idolizes Weber, seeks out the German but is unable to find him. Rossini, observing Weber’s terrible health, tries to talk him out of going on to London.
March 3, 1826:
On his way to London, Carl Maria von Weber (39) suffers a seizure in Calais due to wet weather.
March 4, 1826:
Carl Maria von Weber (39) crosses the Channel from Calais to Dover.
March 5, 1826:
Carl Maria von Weber (39) reaches London.
March 6, 1826:
Carl Maria von Weber (39) makes his first public appearance in London, at Covent Garden for a production of Rob Roy. Recognized by the crowd he is greeted by cheers and cries of "viva."
March 9, 1826:
Rehearsals for Oberon begin at Covent Garden under the direction of the composer, Carl Maria von Weber (39).
March 18, 1826:
After a concert in London, Carl Maria von Weber (39) is invited to a supper. He coughs a considerable amount of blood in the carriage and is carried up the steps.
March 26, 1826:
Through the agency of Sir George Smart, a Dr. Severin goes to see Carl Maria von Weber (39) in London. The doctor tells Weber not to worry and prescribes pills and a rabbit skin to be put on his chest.
April 6, 1826:
The Philharmonic Society elects Carl Maria von Weber (39) its first honorary member.
April 12, 1826:
Oberon, a romantic opera by Carl Maria von Weber (39) to words of Planché after Wieland, is performed for the first time, in Covent Garden, London. As the composer arrives to conduct the premiere he receives a standing ovation with cheering and waving. The overture and each number are encored, some twice.
April 29, 1826:
Aladdin, a romantic fairy opera by Henry R. Bishop (39) to words of Soane, is performed for the first time, in Drury Lane Theatre, London. A seriously ill Carl Maria von Weber (39) attends the premiere. As he enters, the house rises. During the “Huntsmen’s Chorus” the audience whistles Weber’s chorus of the same name.
May 26, 1826:
Carl Maria von Weber’s (39) song From Chindara’s Warbling Fount I Come J.308 to words of Moore is performed for the first time, in London. It is his last composition. The composer was too ill to finish the accompaniment so he improvises it as it is performed. Ignaz Moscheles will later write down what he remembers of Weber’s interpolation. After the concert, Weber collapses on a sofa. A mustard plaster will be applied to his chest.
May 30, 1826:
Carl Maria von Weber (39) makes his last public appearance, at a benefit for Mary Anne Paton, in London.
June 5, 1826:
One day before his planned return home to Dresden, servants in the house of Sir George Smart, (103 Great Portland Street, London) call to wake their guest, Carl Maria von Weber. They can not raise him, so the door is broken in. The composer is found dead in his bed, at the age of 39 years, six months, and approximately 18 days, the victim of the effects of tuberculosis.
June 9, 1826:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (34), in Paris, learns of the death of his old friend, Carl Maria von Weber (†0). Weber’s family will entrust his unfinished Die drei Pintos to Meyerbeer, asking him to finish it.
June 17, 1826:
Twelve days after the death of Carl Maria von Weber, Heinrich August Marschner (30) applies to King Friedrich August I of Saxony for his position. He will not get it.
June 21, 1826:
A funeral procession for Carl Maria von Weber winds through London. All important singers in London offer their services. The composer’s mortal remains are laid to rest in Moorfields Chapel. See 14 December 1844.
May 2, 1827:
The Allgemeine muskalische Zeitung publishes a report that Johann Nepomuk Hummel (48) will be succeeding Carl Maria von Weber (†0) as Kapellmeister in Dresden. It will be widely reported elsewhere. The report is erroneous.
May 30, 1829:
Felix Mendelssohn (20) performs Carl Maria von Weber’s (†2) Conzertstück in f minor in the Argyll Rooms, London. His performance without music causes amazement among his listeners.
May 1, 1833:
Variations brillantes on a march from Carl Maria von Weber’s (†6) Preciosa for two pianos by Felix Mendelssohn (24) and Ignaz Moscheles is performed for the first time, in London by the composers. The composition was completed only two days ago.
March 7, 1838:
Jenny Lind makes her debut in Stockholm in a performance of Carl Maria von Weber’s (†11) Der Freischütz.
February 5, 1842:
Felix Mendelssohn (33) writes to Ferdinand David about the playing of Franz Liszt (30), “...he sacrificed a large part of my esteem by the foolish antics he plays not just with his audience (there is no harm in that) but with the music itself as well. He played Beethoven (†14), Bach (†91), Handel (†82) and Weber (†15) with such wretched shortcomings, so untidily and ignorantly, that I had much rather have heard them played by mediocre pianists.”
May 4, 1844:
At a concert in the Théâtre-Italien, Paris where he plays many solo works, Franz Liszt (32) performs the Konzertstück of Carl Maria von Weber (†17). The orchestra is directed by Hector Berlioz (40).
October 25, 1844:
The British ship John Bull docks in Hamburg and off loads the coffin carrying the mortal remains of Carl Maria von Weber (†18). They are to be transported up the Elbe for burial at Dresden.
December 14, 1844:
Trauermusik on motifs from Weber’s “Euryanthe” WWV 73 for wind band by Richard Wagner (31) is performed for the first time, to accompany the remains of Carl Maria von Weber (†18) to reburial in Dresden. It is directed by the composer.
December 15, 1844:
An Webers Grabe WWV 72 for male chorus by Richard Wagner (31) is performed for the first time, as the mortal remains of Carl Maria von Weber (†18) are reinterred in the Alter Katolischer Friedhof, Dresden. It is directed by the composer.
December 27, 1844:
After visiting the grave of Weber (†18) in Dresden, Robert Schumann (34) is overcome with grief and suffers a “violent nervous attack.” He will seek medical help for his psychological condition.
February 18, 1845:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (53) directs a performance of Euryanthe in Berlin starring Jenny Lind for the benefit of a memorial to the composer, Carl Maria von Weber (†18).
January 25, 1852:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (60), in Berlin, receives a letter from Caroline von Weber, widow of Carl Maria von Weber (†25), threatening court action if he does not pay the 2,000 thalers indemnity he owes her. He has not completed Weber’s Die drei Pintos by the agreed deadline. He resolves to travel to Dresden to settle the matter personally.
January 27, 1852:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (60) travels to Dresden and meets with Max von Weber, son of Carl Maria von Weber (†25), to settle the Die drei Pintos dispute. He ends up paying them 4,000 thalers for the indemnity and lost royalties, and returns the unfinished opera to them. They part on friendly terms.
May 29, 1852:
Encouraged by his friend, Franz Liszt (40), Hans Christian Andersen sees a performance of Wagner’s (39) Tannhäuser in Weimar. “The text, good; the performance on the whole better than expected. The music competent with regard to idea, but lacking in melody. What Carl Maria Weber (†25) or Mozart (†60) couldn’t have done with it!”
September 28, 1866:
Bedrich Smetana (42) makes his debut as conductor of the Provisional Theatre, Prague, with a performance of Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber (†40).
January 20, 1888:
Die drei Pintos, a comic opera by Carl Maria von Weber (†61), completed by Gustav Mahler (27) to words of Hell after Seidel, is performed for the first time, in the Neues Stadttheater, Leipzig, 67 years after it was composed. It is extremely successful and gains Mahler more widespread acclaim than he has ever had before.
September 26, 1921:
While attending the second-night performance of a production of Carl Maria von Weber’s (†95) Der Freischütz in Neustrelitz directed by his son Wolfram, Engelbert Humperdinck (67) suffers a heart attack. On his return home he suffers another heart attack.
January 20, 1944:
Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber for orchestra by Paul Hindemith (48) is performed for the first time, in New York.