Since I mentioned it in the tags of my previous post, I thought I’d share some info on “Der Erlkönig” in case y’all haven’t heard this incredible story and song!
It’s based on a Germanic folktale which has its roots in the Wild Hunt. The most famous version is set down in a 1782 poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (of Faust fame), which really plays up the psychopomp aspect. You can read the original poem in both German and English here.
(I highly recommend any and all Wikipedia clickholes that may come of this.)
In the early 1800s, Franz Schubert set Goethe’s poem to music arranged for piano and solo voice. Both parts are notoriously difficult, but when done correctly, it produces an amazing, haunting effect (and will probably be stuck in your head for the rest of recorded time).
The first version I want to share with you, sung by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, is probably the definitive rendition of this piece. Between the impressive accompaniment, his smooth voice, and the facial expressions he makes for the different characters, it brings out the best aspects of the music while still effectively communicating the text.
The second rendition I wish to share features Samuel Ramey, the voice of The Beast in Over the Garden Wall. This version is audio-only, but for fans of the show and/or really deep voices, it’s a treat nonetheless. This version is actually performed in an even lower key than the original.
Mooncustafer 