Western Musiz

Masterworks of Western Music

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) - born and died in Vienna, Austria - “Erl King,” Opus 1 – a fourth revised version was published in 1821

Franz Schubert admired Beethoven above other composers, and attended his burial in 1827; Schubert died himself two years later, and was buried in the same cemetery. He was taught by his father until he received a scholarship to study at the seminary school. Schubert was of the middle class, and hung out with his friends in coffee houses, sharing interests in politics, art, music and culture. He contracted syphilis, and became ill and eventually died of the disease at age 31, having composed a large number of works including symphonies and art songs; and chamber music for many different combinations of instruments.

Schubert admired the poetry of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) and during his short life, wrote over 100 songs using his poems.

In this poem by Goethe (who also wrote the ballad upon which Dukas based his music for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”) there are four characters, sung by one singer using different voices and vocal registers: the narrator, the father, the son, and the Erl King.

Original German English Translation

Narrator

Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind? Who rides here so late through night and wind? Es ist der Vater mit seinem Kind; It is a father with his small child. Er hat den Knaben wohl in dem Arm, He holds his son firm in his arms Er faßt ihn sicher, er hält ihn warm. He clasps him safely, he keeps him warm.

Father "Mein Sohn, was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht?" "My son, oh why do you look so afraid?" Son

"Siehst, Vater, du den Erlkönig nicht? "See Father, don't you see the Erlking is there? Den Erlenkönig mit Kron und Schweif?" The Erlking, with crown and cloak?" Father

"Mein Sohn, es ist ein Nebelstreif." "My son, it's a wisp of mist." Erl King "Du liebes Kind, komm, geh mit mir! "My dearest child, come, go with me! Gar schöne Spiele spiel' ich mit dir; all kinds of games I'll play with you; Manch' bunte Blumen sind an dem Strand, such lovely flowers bloom on the bank, Meine Mutter hat manch gülden Gewand." and my mother has many golden clothes for you."

Son "Mein Vater, mein Vater, und hörest du nicht, "My father, my father, and do you not hear, Was Erlenkönig mir leise verspricht?" What erlking promises sweetly to me?" Father

"Sei ruhig, bleibe ruhig, mein Kind; "Stay peaceful, oh stay calm, dearest child; In dürren Blättern säuselt der Wind." In leaves so dry there rustles the wind." Erl King "Willst, feiner Knabe, du mit mir gehn? "Will you dear boy, will you come with me Meine Töchter sollen dich warten schön; My daughters soon they will wait on you; Meine Töchter führen den nächtlichen Reihn, My daughters lead in the nightly dance Und wiegen und tanzen und singen dich ein." And sway and dance and beckon to you." Son "Mein Vater, mein Vater, und siehst du nicht dort "My father, my father, and do you not see, Erlkönigs Töchter am düstern Ort?" The Erlking’s daughters in that dark place?" Father

"Mein Sohn, mein Sohn, ich seh es genau: "My son, my son, I see it so clear: Es scheinen die alten Weiden so grau." Tis only the ancient willows so grey." Erl King "Ich liebe dich, mich reizt deine schöne Gestalt; "I love you, your fine figure attracts me so much; Und bist du nicht willig, so brauch ich Gewalt." And if you're not willing, I'll take you by force." Son

"Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt faßt er mich an! "My father, my father, he's grasping me now! Erlkönig hat mir ein Leids getan!" Erlking has hurt me, has hurt me!" Narrator

Dem Vater grauset's, er reitet geschwind, The father shudders, he quickens his pace, Er hält in Armen das ächzende Kind, He holds in his arms the groaning child. Erreicht den Hof mit Müh' und Not; He reaches home with haste and dread; In seinen Armen das Kind war tot. In his arms, the child was dead.