Carl Maria von Weber - 7 Variations sur un thème original, Op. 9 (1808)

Carl Maria Friedrich Ernst von Weber (18 or 19 November 1786 - 5 June 1826) was a German composer, conductor, pianist, guitarist and critic, one of the first significant composers of the Romantic school.
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7 Variations sur un thème original, Op. 9 (1808)
Michael Endres, piano
Opus 9 was written when von Weber served from 1807 to 1810 in Stuttgart as private secretary to Duke Ludwig, brother of King Frederick I of Württemberg. Weber's time in Württemberg was plagued with troubles. He fell deeply into debt and became entangled in the financial manipulations of his employer, e.g. the sale of confirmations of ducal service which exempted the purchaser from military service. Weber was arrested and charged with embezzlement and bribery. As he could disprove the allegations, the case was brought under civil law to avoid compromising the de facto manipulator, the brother of the king. Weber agreed to pay the costs (the last payment was made in 1816) and was banished from Württemberg together with his father.
As a sobering side effect, Weber started to keep a diary to list his expenses and correspondence, and make occasional comments on special events.
Weber remained prolific as a composer during this period, writing a quantity of religious music, mainly for the Catholic mass. This, however, earned him the hostility of conservatives working for the re-establishment of traditional chant in liturgy. In his biography of Weber, Warrack notes that Weber was an accomplished guitarist. It was in this year that his first song with guitar accompaniment, "Liebeszauber", was printed. Some of his most original and innovative songs were written during the following years, including "Er an Sie" (1808) and "Was zieht zu deinem Zauberkreise" (1809).

[@erika6651]

I used to dismiss Weber as a B-grade composer, but getting to know him musically, he has become one of my favorite composers from that era! The Romantic poetry, delicate at times, possibly opium induced lol mixed with fiery operatic drama and occasional waltz rhythms, all backed by a solid Classical structuring. He was a brilliant guy. ❤

[@vicb4901]

Evergreen sounds from the post-Classical era...

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne Interpretation dieser frühromantischen und fein komponierten Variationen im veränderlichen Tempo mit klarem doch warmherzigem Klang des technisch perfekten Klaviers und mit künstlerisch kontrollierter Dynamik. Echt intelligenter und talentierter Pianist!

[@daniloapostolov-dacatv1536]

Now there's more like actually good

[@Rockingbart]

Great upload! These variations are excellently performed by Michael Endres. It seems Weber lost interest by the 7th Variation, that one seems to be lacking the creativity and verve of the others.

[@JanCarlComposer]

admittedly it sounds a little generic

[@gabrielkaz5250]

Despite dating from 1808 there is already all the romantism in this piece...

[@erika6651]

Weber had that "Romantic Dreams" quality to his music from early on. Check out Dussek's later piano sonatas and Hummel's fantasy from that decade. Their music has Romantic leanings as well!

[@daniloapostolov-dacatv1536]

Why no one likes and I'm the only like even tho you say it's great I don't get that.