Carl Maria von Weber was a pioneering German composer, conductor, and pianist, widely regarded as a key figure in the early Romantic era. He is best known for his operas, particularly Der Freischütz, which helped establish German Romantic opera with its vivid orchestration and folk-inspired melodies. Weber’s innovative use of orchestral color and dramatic narrative influenced later composers and contributed significantly to the development of Romantic music. His symphonic and piano works also showcase his lyrical style and technical skill.