A father rides through a windy night holding his child, who is frightened and hiding his face. The father reassures him, emphasizing safety.
The child expresses fear of the Elfking, who promises enticing games and beautiful things. This highlights the allure of fantasy versus parental protection.
The Allure of the Elfking
The Elfking attempts to calm the boy by promising companionship from his daughters, suggesting themes of seduction and danger in enchanting offers.
Despite the father's reassurances that what they see are merely willows in moonlight, the child's fear persists as he perceives threats from the Elfking's daughters.
Escalation of Fear
The narrative shifts dramatically as the Elfking reveals a darker intent, expressing desire for possession. This marks a critical turning point where innocence meets malevolence.
The child cries out for help as he feels threatened by the Elfking's forceful approach, underscoring themes of vulnerability and parental helplessness against supernatural forces.
Video description
Music by Franz Schubert. Poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (see below for translation).
Created by Oxford Lieder: www.oxfordlieder.co.uk
Taken from the album 'Schubert Year by Year': https://stonerecords.co.uk/album/schubert-lieder-year-by-year/
Daniel Norman - Tenor
Sholto Kynoch - Piano
Jeremy Hamway-Bidgood - Director & designer
The soundtrack is taken from "Schubert Year by Year", released on Stone Records in preparation for the 2014 Oxford Lieder Festival, "The Schubert Project", and the film was created by Jeremy Hamway-Bidgood. The Schubert Project was the UK's first-ever complete performance of Schubert's songs, 10 October - 1 November 2014. The album features one song from every year of Schubert's creative life, performed by a variety of distinguished artists. The Schubert Project won a prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award, cited for its 'breadth, depth and audacity of programming.' Find out more about Oxford Lieder, the UK's leading promoter of song, and its annual song Festival at http://www.oxfordlieder.co.uk/
Translation: https://www.oxfordlieder.co.uk/song/1420
The Elfking
Who rides so late through the windy night?
It is the father and his child.
He holds the boy,
Warm and safe.
Son, why do you hide your face in fear?
Father, do you not see the Elfking?
With his crown and train?
Son, it's just the mist.
Come with me, lovely child
We'll play games
There are flowers on the beach and
My mother has golden clothes
Father, can't you hear
What the Elfking is promising me?
Be calm, my boy --
It's only the wind in the leaves.
Lovely boy, will you come with me?
My daughters will wait on you
My daughters will sing and dance for you
and rock you to sleep.
Father, do you not see
The Elfking's daughters there?
Son, it's the old willows shining
In the moonlight.
I love you -- I'm aroused by your beautiful form
And if you won't come, I will take you by force
Father, father, he has grabbed me.
The Elfking has hurt me.
The father shudders. He rides fast,
the groaning boy in his arms,
Anxious, he reaches the farm.
In his arms, the boy is dead.
(Translation by Daniel Norman)
_______
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