In "Musical Poetics," Viola Scheffel emphasizes that the timely reining in and mastery of all Dionysian forces is essential for the clear formal structure of a musical work—its crystallization—before these forces captivate us. Apollo holds this control.
For Igor Stravinsky, a leading figure of Russian modernism, Carl Maria von Weber's four piano sonatas were once considered outstanding works of the 19th century. He particularly valued their "instrumental form," which reflects the "careful and consistent guidance of the master." From Stravinsky's perspective, Weber achieved a condensation of the sonata structure, uniting the Dionysian and Apollonian aspects of the music. Thanks to pianists like Garrick Ohlsson and the renewed interest in early Romanticism, these pieces have experienced a resurgence in appreciation.
For Igor Stravinsky, a prominent figure of Russian modernism, Carl Maria von Weber's four piano sonatas were once considered outstanding works of the 19th century. He particularly valued their "instrumental form," which reflects the "careful and consistent guidance of the master." Although Weber's fame rested primarily on his romantic operas such as Der Freischütz, Euryanthe, and Oberon, his sonatas, polonaises, and character pieces received less attention. Nevertheless, some of his piano works, including the Konzertstück for Piano and Orchestra, the solo piece Momento capriccioso, Rondo brillante, and the Invitation to the Dance, enjoyed considerable popularity. However, these works were often underappreciated in the 20th century.
Weber's piano sonatas represent a significant contribution to 19th-century piano music. Throughout his career, Weber developed a more nuanced compositional style and brought new emotional depth to his music. His works are characterized by a balanced interplay of temperament and discipline. This testifies to Weber's artistic brilliance and his ability to reconcile the opposing forces of Dionysus and Apollo. Stravinsky concluded that Weber's compositions are both technically impressive and artistically significant.