Konzertstuck Opus 79

Konzertstück in F minor, Op. 79 is a virtuosic concert piece for piano and orchestra composed by Carl Maria von Weber in 1821. Originally conceived as a third piano concerto, Weber ultimately decided to call it a Konzertstück (Concert Piece) due to its continuous structure and programmatic nature.

Structure & Programmatic Elements

The piece is divided into four sections, each depicting a romantic narrative:

1. Larghetto affetuoso (F minor) – A châtelaine gazes into the distance, longing for her knight who has gone on a Crusade.

2. Allegro passionato (F minor) – She imagines him wounded and forsaken on the battlefield.

3. Tempo di marcia (C major) – A triumphant march announces the knight’s return, and she rushes into his arms.

4. Presto gioioso (F major) – A joyful celebration of their reunion, filled with exuberance and love.

Performance & Legacy

• The piece was premiered by Weber himself on June 25, 1821, in Berlin.

• It requires brilliant technique, including octave glissandi, which were later revised by Franz Liszt.

• The Konzertstück became a favorite among pianists, including Felix Mendelssohn, who performed it at age 18.