Potpourri

Although the Würzburg court musician and violin soloist Joseph Küffner (1776–1856) had to deal with military music for professional reasons, he had also written a series of symphonies, orchestral works and concertos. In the field of chamber music, he liked to compose potpourris on popular opera melodies: In the days of no CDs in the 19th century, playing opera highlights at home was the most important occupation with new works – if they were not seen on the stage itself. Küffner made the highlights of Weber's 'Freischütz' into a potpourri for flute (or violin) and piano – with pleasant music-making guaranteed!