Page "Opera" Paragraph 23

Mozart's Singspiele, Die Entführung aus dem Serail ( 1782 ) and Die Zauberflöte ( 1791 ) were an important breakthrough in achieving international recognition for German opera.

The tradition was developed in the 19th century by Beethoven with his Fidelio, inspired by the climate of the French Revolution.

Carl Maria von Weber established German Romantic opera in opposition to the dominance of Italian bel canto.

His Der Freischütz ( 1821 ) shows his genius for creating a supernatural atmosphere.

Other opera composers of the time include Marschner, Schubert, Schumann and Lortzing, but the most significant figure was undoubtedly Wagner.