Which composer wrote the opera Der Freischütz, first performed in Berlin in 1821?

Carl Maria von Weber wrote the opera Der Freischütz, first performed in Berlin in 1821.

Der Freischütz premiered at Berlin’s Schauspielhaus on 18 June 1821, with Weber conducting. The German libretto by Friedrich Kind centers on a marksman who obtains enchanted bullets, creating a supernatural conflict involving fate, fear, and moral choice.

The opera is widely regarded as a foundational work of German Romantic opera. Its atmospheric orchestration, forest setting, folk-like melodies, and supernatural Wolf’s Glen scene helped distinguish it from the Italian and French operatic traditions that dominated many European stages.

The title is often translated as “The Freeshooter” or “The Marksman.” Editions and productions may differ in details, including spoken dialogue and cuts, but the composer and premiere remain clear. Weber’s opera strongly influenced later German composers, including Wagner.