Carl Maria von Weber (1786 – 1826) was a German composer mainly known for his vocal repertoire and particularly his opera, Der Freischütz. The Ländler is a folk dance in three-four time that probably contributed to the evolution of the waltz. It became popular in Bavaria, Austria, German Switzerland and Slovenia at the end of the 18th century and inspired several composers including Beethoven, Schubert and Bruckner.