Freischütz style
German composer
Definition
The dramatic, atmospheric orchestral style associated with Weber's opera Der Freischütz (1821) — characterised by vivid scene-painting, sudden dynamic contrasts, augmented chords and diminished seventh harmonies to suggest the supernatural, and a distinctly German Romantic colour.
Interpretive Guidance
Weber's late piano sonatas, particularly No. 3 in D minor, share the supernatural atmosphere of Der Freischütz. The diminished seventh chords and sudden dynamic contrasts should be played with theatrical conviction — Weber was a theatre composer, and his keyboard writing is inherently operatic.