On This Day

Weber's opera "Oberon" premieres in London

Oberon, or The Elf-King's Oath (J. 306) is a 3-act romantic opera with spoken dialogue composed in 1825–26 by Carl Maria von Weber.

Oberon, or The Elf-King's Oath (J. 306) is a 3-act romantic opera with spoken dialogue composed in 1825–26 by Carl Maria von Weber. The only English opera ever set by Weber, the libretto by James Robinson Planché was based on the German poem Oberon by Christoph Martin Wieland, which itself was based on the epic romance Huon de Bordeaux, a French medieval tale. It was premiered in London on 12 April 1826.

Against his doctor's advice, Weber undertook the project commissioned by the actor-impresario Charles Kemble for financial reasons. Having been offered the choice of Faust or Oberon as subject matter, he travelled to London to complete the music, learning English to be better able to follow the libretto, before the premiere of the opera.

Historical Significance

Oberon, or The Elf-King's Oath (J.

Events Before

  1. US President James Monroe urges Congress to approve creation of Indian Territory, west of the Mississippi River, for the

    US President James Monroe urges Congress to approve creation of Indian Territory, west of the Mississippi River, for the relocation of Eastern Indian tribes to 'promote their welfare and happiness" [1]

  2. Russia and Britain establish the Alaska-Canada boundary

    The Alaska boundary dispute was a territorial dispute between the United States and the British Empire over the Canada–United States border regarding Alaska between the 1890s and 1900s.

  3. Author and scholar Wilhelm Grimm (39) weds Henriette Dorothea

    Author and scholar Wilhelm Grimm (39) weds Henriette Dorothea

  4. Prince Willem FK marries Louise AWA of Prussia

    Prince Willem FK marries Louise AWA of Prussia

  5. Portugal recognizes the independence of its former colony Brazil

    Portugal recognizes the independence of its former colony Brazil

Events After

  1. The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

    The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

  2. Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

    Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

  3. American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbrid

    American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbridge, New York, until his death in 1844

  4. Father of U.S. History George Bancroft (26) weds first wife Sarah Dwight

    Father of U.S. History George Bancroft (26) weds first wife Sarah Dwight

  5. Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee

    Future US President Andrew Johnson (18) weds Eliza McCardle (16) in Warrenton, Tennessee

More from the 1820s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 12, 1826?
Oberon, or The Elf-King's Oath (J. 306) is a 3-act romantic opera with spoken dialogue composed in 1825–26 by Carl Maria von Weber. The only English opera ever set by Weber, the libretto by James Robinson Planché was based on the German poem Oberon by Christoph Martin Wieland, which itself was based on the epic romance Huon de Bordeaux, a French medieval tale.
Why is Weber's opera "Oberon" premieres in London significant?
Oberon, or The Elf-King's Oath (J.

Explore More