Home > Der Freischutz Weber, C. M. v. (1786-1826) Der Freischutz The Marksman (The magic bullets) Composed 1817-1821. First performed June 18, 1821. Libretto by Johann Friedrich Kind (in German), after Johann August Apel and Friedrich Laun. A Summary of “Der Freischutz (The magic bullets)” Act 1 In the middle of the 17th century, in the Bohemian Region, Czech Republic, Max who is a huntsman falls in love with Agathe who is a daughter of the head forester, Cuno. Max must promise to become the head forester following Cuno’s retirement in the future in order to marry Agathe. The champion of the shooting contest becomes the head forester. So, Max applies for it. However, he feels in bad shape on the day before the contest. Casper, who is another huntsman and a friend of Max, tempts Max to use magic bullets. Someone can gain seven magic bullets, if he sells his soul to the devil. His shots never miss the target, but the last bullet hits the target that the devil states. Max refuses to use those cursed bullets, but he is anxious about the shooting contest. Act 2 In the evening, Agathe is so worried about Max that Annchen who is an Agathe’s cousin encourages her. Max secretly decides to go to get magic bullets, knowing Agathe doesn’t want him to. Casper takes Max to the Wolf's Glen. At the stroke of midnight, Casper calls the devil. They get the seven magic bullets, and divide them - Max takes 4 and Casper takes 3. Act 3 The next day, Max shows his skill in front of the feudal lord. Max has used three magic bullets, and Casper has already finished using his three magic bullets. Casper requests of the devil for the last magic bullet to hit Agathe. The feudal lord requests Max to shoot a white pigeon. Max shoots it with the last magic bullet. At the same time, Agathe falls down, too. The surrounding people run up to Agathe, but she is unwounded. Casper falls down and dies instead of Agathe. Max confides his secret to all the people. A hermit appears from the woods, and urges the lord and the others to permit Max to marry Agathe one year later. A Comment on “Der Freischutz (The magic bullets)” “Opera” was created in Italy, and mainstream opera was in Italy. But, there was a growing tendency for Germany to create its own opera in those days. Mozart composed his opera, “The magic flute” in German, and Beethoven composed his only opera, “Fidelio” in German. In addition, Carl Maria von Weber composed this opera, “Der Freischutz (The magic bullets)” in German. This opera established the national opera culture in Germany. A lot of masterpieces of German opera were created following that. The first performance of this opera succeeded, and then, it was performed at many opera houses around Germany. Wagner, the great German opera composer, when he was nine years old, saw this opera which was conducted by Weber. Wagner appreciated it. This opera’s overture consists of many kinds of “Leitmotiv.” This sets up the basic musical feeling for the opera. Some arias sung by Agathe, Max, and Casper are so wonderful that I’m sure you will enjoy listening to them. The most famous number in this opera is the “Chorus of the huntsmen.” You will probably pick up this melody after just one time. The melody of this chorus is very cheerful, as if it is celebrating the birth of the national opera in Germany. Gluck, C. W. (1714-1787) 　- Orpheus and Eurydice Mozart, W. A. (1756-1791) 　- The Marriage of Figaro 　- Don Giovanni 　- Cosi fan tutte 　- The Magic Flute Beethoven, L. v. (1770-1827) 　- Fidelio Weber, C. M. v. (1786-1826) 　- The Magic Bullets Rossini, G. (1792-1868) 　- The Barber of Seville Donizetti, G. (1797-1848) 　- The Elixir of Love Verdi, G. (1813-1901) 　- Macbeth 　- Rigoletto 　- Il trovatore 　- La Traviata 　- Un ballo in maschera 　- Don Carlo 　- Aida 　- Otello 　- Falstaff Wagner, R. (1813-1883) 　- The Flying Dutchman 　- Tannhauser 　- Lohengrin 　- Tristan und Isolde 　- Die Meistersinger von Nuernberg 　- The Rhinegold 　- Die Walkure 　- Siegfried 　- Twilight of the Gods 　- Parsifal Offenbach, J. (1819-1880) 　- The Tales of Hoffmann Strauss, J. (1825-1899) 　- Die Fledermaus (The Bat) Bizet, G. (1838-1875) 　- Carmen Tchaikovsky, P. J. (1840-1893) 　- Eugene Onegin Massenet, J. (1842-1912) 　- Werther Humperdinck, E. (1854-1921) 　- Hansel and Gretel Puccini, G. (1858-1924) 　- La Boheme 　- Tosca 　- Madama Butterfly 　- Turandot Leoncavallo, R. (1858-1919) 　- Pagliacci Mascagni, P. (1863-1945) 　- Cavalleria Rusticana Debussy, C. (1862-1918) 　- Pelleas et Melisande Strauss, R. (1864-1949) 　- Salome 　- The Cavalier of the Rose Copyright (C) 2005-2014 Yusuke Kamiki. All Rights Reserved.