He became an international celebrity through his success in the world of German opera, and his explorations into novel instrumental timbres greatly enriched orchestral music, this week Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Carl Maria von Weber.

Weber's reputation as a composer was starting to rise. In 1812 he travelled to Gotha at the invitation of the Duke of Saxe-Gotha. The Duke was a colourful character who liked to shock his court by dyeing his hair different colours, and by dressing up. He also had a great passion for music and Weber found himself kept very busy, including work on his Piano Concerto No 2.

By 1813 Weber was offered a new role, and one much more to his liking, the post of Director at the Opera in Prague. Standards at the opera had declined and Weber relished the challenge ahead of him. It was during this period that Weber first encountered his future wife, the singer Caroline Brandt. She approached the opera company, looking for work in Prague, and was quickly signed up.

Eventually, Weber tired of his problems at the Opera and moved on to the royal court in Dresden. There were again many obstacles to overcome in Dresden, not least the aristocracy's preference for only Italian music, but it was here that Weber would compose his most successful opera to date, Der Freischütz. Show less