Composer: Franz Schubert
Song: Der Erlknig (The Erlking)
Singer: Dietrich Fischer-Deskau
Schubert_ Der Erlknig (D328) – subtitled in English
In this poem, set to music by Franz Schubert, there are 5 characters involved. A narrator, the father, the son, the horse, and the Erlking. The song is in German, but the video is subtitled.
1.) Search online for the text and the translation. Read it a few times and summarize the story.
2.) What is the Erlking? This poem is full of images and events. I hope you are able to capture some of those elements in your imagination.
3.) The introduction to the song is solo piano hammering away, imitating the frantic horseriding. What does the piano do throughout the song to reflect the poem and the drama?
4.) Describe Dietrich Fischer-Deskaus (the singer) facial expressions as he embodies the different characters: narrator, father, son, and Erlking.
5.) Tell me about Fischer-Deskaus expression from 2:59-3:08. Does it remind you of any characters from a movie?
Sand Animation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8DGnCBApw (Links to an external site.)
6.) Now that youve watched the original performance, how does this visualization of the song compare to your original imagery of the story? Think about how books have become movies, and consider that whole debate about books vs movies. In this case, what is gained? What is lost?
Oxford Leider
Franz Schubert: Erlknig
7.) Compared to the original and to the Sand Animation version, what is gained and what is lost? Do you agree with the order that I presented these 3 different versions: the original first, followed by two animated versions? Or maybe you have a different idea?
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