Krampusnacht - A Cautionary Carol Inspired by John Williams

[@Game_Hero]

The Tim Burton movie we never got to see in another timeline.

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Danny Elfman’s music was definitely a big influence too. ♥️

[@shirleymaemattthews4862]

This ACTUALLY feels like an Actual German children's poem from the 1700s. Good job.

[@NRNF1776]

Tiny correction: Krampus is Austrian. xoxo!

[@RpRm]

@@NRNF1776 It isn't... It's from a time before Austria or the christendom were a thing. You can find traditions relating to it from Bavaria to Hungary.

[@fatchins9126]

Historically Austria is German

[@tylermech66]

@@RpRm So german then, lol.

[@marwak7581]

ooohhh i'm addicted to the part "hoofprints in the snow, in the woods we cannot go" it sounds soooo intoxicating

[@HeisenbergFam]

Hildegard blessing us on December is a Christmas treat

[@nolantalisman4993]

WHY DO I SEE YOU EVERYWHERE

[@fredmand]

You are one with my algorithm

[@BarberShave19]

You're ding dang right.

[@HangrySaturn]

@@nolantalisman4993 Bro, I know what you mean.

[@LaughingTombstone]

the music: quaint and whimsical the lyrics: Hide yo kids

[@CalimehChelonia]

Seid bedankt edle Dame. Eure Melodien entzücken das Gemüt und erfüllen den Saal mit zauberhaftem Klang. Der Herr schütze euch.

[@michellebyrom6551]

Amen.

[@peterrouse]

This has such a "disney princess introductory scene" vibe. You can picture our heroine prancing and pirouetting around her snowy alpine town as she gets ready for Krampusnacht, then the song ends as she bumps into her rival or love interest. Great work!

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

That’s quite the image. 😂 I would absolutely watch a Disney movie about Krampus and some Alpine princess.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Same!@@Hildegardvonblingin

[@Errtuabyss]

Would have absolutely Loved an original Disney movie about the Krampus! About 10years ago that is.. Unfortnately they lost their Magic, or at least don't seem to bei able to recreate it in the more recend movies. At least Fans still remember, and with talented Independent artists we still get beautiful things like this.

[@stannieholt8766]

@@HildegardvonblinginI picture something like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” where Krampus snatches naughty children (and does… what?to them? Makes them dig coal?) And everyone just complacently says “Oh, they deserved it for being naughty.” Then the princess’s housekeeper’s son is taken away, and the princess feels sorry for her - so she teams up with some chimney sweeps (who, being children covered with soot, can pass for Krampus’ workers) and a young man who… (some suitably Alpine line of work) to rescue the captives. They, because they are naughty, rebellious, and smart, have managed to nearly tunnel out or otherwise undermine Krampus’ empire. The children are triumphantly rescued on Christmas morning and everyone dances a merry round dance as the bells ring and St. Nicholas hands out candy before becoming Krampus’ parole officer.

[@michellebyrom6551]

​@stannieholt8766 This needs to be written. A good storyline with plenty of imagery. There's time for it to be published as an illustrated book for Christmas next year. Great counterpoint to Santa stories.

[@OlieB]

how dare youtube not show me this upload! so glad I came to check out your channel again

[@justissherwood9807]

Yea Verily, I proclaim this to be a certified banger! It’s dulcet yet ominous tones doth ring sharp in mine ear; bravo to thee, Madam Hildegard!

[@charlesrb3898]

Odin sends his regards.

[@daanwilmer]

Awesome song! Also, compliments on the pronunciation of Krampusnacht - not many English speakers nail the 'ch' like you did.

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Thank you! Just trying to make my German mom proud. 🙏

[@christopherellis2663]

That depends on where they live. The English are surrounded by the Scots and Welsh, who have no problems with it. Och aye being Okay

[@TheDragonoftheWest]

I love all of your songs, but as someone from a, shall we say, "Krampus region" (southeast Bavaria and Austria), I especially appreciate this one! Love the vibe, and you got all the key Krampus features in it! Where I'm from, Krampus is the servant und helper of St. Nicholas. As children, we did fear the Krampus, but we bravely stood before him, since we hoped to get a gift from St. Nicholas. In other traditions, young men wear Krampus costumes and chase around the kids at night. All in good fun, usually. :D

[@eminakostic3406]

I can only imagine the FIGHT over who gets to be krampus!

[@donnaj9964]

Usually??? Oh that's reassuring lol!!!

[@nirfz]

@@eminakostic3406 in rural areas (or let's say outside of cities) there's an organization called "Landjugend" (country-youth would be a litteral translation, or "rural youth"). This is a youth organization that has members from i think aged 14 up to when they marry or early 20's. Whatever comes first) And they organize the whole thing. They are the Krampus and also portrait St. Nicholas. In some regions there's a cub/organization that is a "Krampusclub" for that time of the year and they organize the thing there. So no real fights about who gets to be Krampus. Every one of then knows long before ;-) And they need to be phsyically fit for it too.

[@shirleymaemattthews4862]

That's odd, cause in MOST WESTERN places, St. Nick has SHORT pointy eyed people.

[@Croyles]

​@@shirleymaemattthews4862he's talking about Nikolaus which is vaguely connected to your Santa and his elves. Santa is a modern amalgamation of Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, Nikolaus, the real st nick and other European folklore. So when you say MOST WESTERN countries in all caps like that I'm not exactly sure what you mean.

[@LilChikyChan]

While listening I thought this reminded me of Double Trouble, then I read your description and saw the inspiration for this piece! This song definitely has a magical feel to it, I can picture a snow-covered village, bustling with villagers getting ready for Christmas while listening to this. ❤

[@ilikecookies9796]

By "double trouble", do you mean the She-Ra character?

[@christabelle__]

@@ilikecookies9796 No, as the comment says: "I read your description and saw the inspiration for this piece" - you should also try reading the song's description.

[@ilikecookies9796]

@@christabelle__ Oh, okay. Apologies for not looking at the description first.

[@RipleysSanatorium]

I can't unhear it.😅

[@sethprotus]

Who wants to see Grinch vs Krampus on Celebrity Deathmatch?

[@nirfz]

Yes, but it would be an easy victory for the Krampus. If you ever had encountered one as a child in real life, there would be no question who wins that fight. 😳 (On the other hand, my only encounter of the Grinch was watching the movie with Jim Carey.)

[@cora.ann.s]

Wow! The pronunciation of 'Krampusnacht' is excellent 👏😍 Makes the song even better!

[@Pro_Butcher_Amateur_Human]

I was telling a friend about Kramusnacht today. He's a really interesting bit of mythology. Surprising amount of lore there.

[@reldies5364]

You should look into the Perchten/Krampuslauf its a fun event for the whole family still practiced today in Austria.

[@thecartercrew3725]

I'm involved with a small animal rescue and we could really use Krampus and Frau Perchta to deal with some of the people who abuse their animals!

[@SkyeID]

I just had a brainwave! Someone should translate this into German!

[@IosonoRob]

Yes!!! Our lady gifted us a brand new Christmas carol!

[@Clark-Mills]

That song is so good, deserves to be more popular than it seems to be. thank you!

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@grac3om]

I love how mythological and folk-ballad-y this sounds. Lovely!!!

[@stevetayler9518]

Awesome. Krampusnacht was marked in my household with a poem. I also hang up decorations based upon the Yule Lads. Europe has great Yuletime legends

[@igorcavalcanti9375]

I never get tired of listening to you. Always majestical works.

[@Flimmertje]

In there is an island in the Netherlands, Ameland, which still celebrates this holiday by dressing up as demons and punishing the wicked so to speak.

[@VosperCDN]

So we are all good children, to be given such a gift this season. Thank you :)

[@celestialcircledance]

That will keep them in line!

[@laurenthomas7074]

So ethereal its amazing

[@hodgedunkin6180]

Friar Funk’s counter tenor is always great to hear. A lovely arrangement indeed.

[@ConstantChaos1]

My new fave xmas song

[@Nikua13]

I love that you are so wonderfully consistent in the quality of lyric and voice. Every post is a joy! Blessing this Christmas.

[@esrawedam9118]

Beautiful, love it! ❤

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Thank you! 😊

[@TheGreatMondello]

Awesome music, as always! Such a jaunty tune!

[@isabellaw.6330]

This might be my new favorite after the original Hildegard von Bingen song. Beautiful!

[@conniebenny]

Another perfect performance from the best singer on KZbin. Thank you Hildegard von Blingin' and a Merry Christmas to one and all!

[@CarolynParsons-mv1ji]

Fabulous as always! You give me goosebumps every time! Blessed Yule!

[@marky612]

I want this song on iTunes so I can add it to my holiday playlists!!!

[@MarcusManner]

My favorite Christmas Carol!

[@nirfz]

👍 Even though this is a little late for this years Krampusnacht, well done! As someone who grew up in the 80's and 90's i remember times different from today. Back then Krampus and St Nicholas would visit every house in the village where kids lived. The parents contacted the local Landjuged= an organization of the youth outside cities with "chapters" in each village, because they were the ones underneath the masks. And so St. Nicholas would have your name and some facts about the last year in his book when showing up and talking to you. St. Nichlas alone would also visit every Kindergarten (i think in the US you call the institution 3-5 year olds are in preschool, we call it Kindergarten). And i remember that we in one year even had fever out of fear of the Krampus. (didn't matter if you had been good or bad, what if they made a mistake or St Nichlas wouldn't be able to hold them back...) You would hear them comming from afar with their chains ratteling and screaming. In the neighbouring village their Krampus were famous for even starting fights with adults who they came across during their stroll through the village. (one of my greatunlces had one such encounter that ended different than usual, but he was a huge guy often in fights) And being scared didn't stop when we realized that the Landjugend guys were underneath the masks (so at age 8-9). Getting hit hurts, no matter who does it, and back then a good portion of them were drunk, so not really easy to calculate what they would do. (Good St. Nicholases left those ones outside and took one or two sober ones into the houses with them so they'd not damage anything ect.) I can't say that damaged my psyche or anything. Today is very different. Let's start with the positive: almost no alcohol is involved as it's just too dangerous for themselves. They don't start fights with passers by anymore, and are way more tame than back then. (not just my impression as a child back then, but of those who were adults back then too.) There are oragnized Krampusruns which people go look at which are almost like an art presentation as more handmade wooden masks are used than in the 80's. (Back then they used cheap masks and didn't invest as much in well made artistic ones.) And what i consider negative: St. Nicholas isn't visiting Kindergartens anymore. In cities the amount of migrant children is so high that the Kindergartens "are afraid it would look like pressing local cutoms onto them" as a few of the parents (even non migrants) voiced concerns about that topic. Also enough parents think seeing St. Nichlas makes children be scared and that would hurt them and their psyche. And sadly some spectators at the Krampus runs are drunk and think they need to be violent against the Krampus runners. Problem is their vision is reduced due to the masks, and people grabbing them at the horns and pulling hard can injur them. Also some idiots through fireworks at them which doesn't go well with the fur onesies they wear. So there is danger of the Krampus guys getting injured. And children aren't afraid as they aren't really allowed to hit them with the thing we call "Rute". It's a bundle of thin twigs either birchwood or willow bound together and the "standard weapon of choice" of the Krampus of old. ;-) So there are bossy children who try to hit the Krampus. Something that was unthinkable in my childhood. Those children in my view never learn to respect someone stronger and to avoid trouble with someone unpredictable. They learn quite the opposite and that leads to them becomming huge Karens when growing up.

[@CitizenMio]

Interesting, in the Netherlands we evolved another educational layer on top of that with our Sinterklaas en zwarte Piet. It's still the same light and dark at its roots, but the dark was morphed from evil into the helpful black page of Sinterklaas and an early message of accepting others that don't look like you. The lore says Sinterklaas saved him as a child and offered him a position as page by his side. Which was a pretty big deal. The transformation of his character can mostly be traced back to the stories and songs taught by a school principal who was an early supporter of the movement against slavery here. Despite mostly being a jolly figure that jumps around acrobatically handing out candy, he still carries a bag and a bundle of sticks. He never hit children with it during my childhood at least. They are there as a symbol of authority and he is to be respected. Most children are initially frightened by him, but quickly warm up to him and his cheerful demeanor when their parents nod and encourage them that it's ok to accept candy from him. As it's pretty fun and surreal to approach your children from the perspective of the stranger and see them learn something, it was quite popular for parents to volunteer to dress up like him. The cities ofc also required a lot of candy to be handed out so one Piet quickly turned into many. This is where some of the problems started. Ofc racism has existed throughout time and not everyone was always on board with the enlightened portrayel. Instead of a balanced duo, it sometimes gave the appearance of a white dude and a bunch of slaves. Changing tastes and cheap party costumes didn't improve that. As the original page outfit with lots of expensive fabrics, was naturally a show of wealth and power. Thin polyester, not so much. Then some outside groups misinterpreted the tradition completely and equated it to their perception of "black face" in American culture. It should be noted that black face/minstrel shows were actually typically very popular with black people, as the humour while very crude was often relatable to them. It was only looked down upon by the elite and feared by the pro separatists, as the shows were indeed giving a common ground to everyone and bringing all people together. An often undervalued role of humour, no matter how crude. Sadly, these days our Sinterklaas is a heavily watered down version of what it had been for generations. We now get a bunch of white people with soot marks on their faces. I was brought up believing that was far more insulting and racist. Zwarte Piet isn't filthy and doesn't need to bathe, he was born the way he looks and that's perfectly fine. I guess that was easy for me to accept, as my own freckles are a part of me too and didn't wash off either. Interesting to note that in our former colonies the festivities are reversed to match ours and it's actually Sinterklaas that gets painted white. Personally I hope we eventually wake up and take an artisanal approach to our historical traditions as well. With beautifully handcrafted age appropriate clothes worn by a diverse group of people.

[@nirfz]

@@CitizenMio Thanks for the great comment! As we never had african colonies and slavery was abolished "relatively early" from a european standpoint in austria, nobody saw a need to do anything about showing equalness. Strangely: on 6th of jannuary the "Sternsinger" walk around the whole country, and they represent the 3 wise man of the bible story. One was alaways portrait white, one was painted a little yellow in the face and got an asian moustache and one had it's face painted dark brown. (Mostly children with an adult to help them with the organizing, and talking to the adults of the houseand writing the blessing onto the door of the home.) These 2 "non white" wise man were to represent *wise men*. So children volunteered to be the asian or african wise man. Not long ago when the whole "blackface craze" swapped over the atlantic to europe, we got discussions or let's say a very loud minority suddenly felt it was wrong what generations did in honor of the wise men. And so the Sternsinger got problems and don't dare to paint their faces since. Even though we never had african slaves and we never made fun of them. (which was mostly an american thing) It irks me when those self declared good people don't even understand what's up but are loud and stupid enough to stop harmless traditions.

[@hannahwatson265]

I definitely can hear the similarity to Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban's song Double Trouble by the brilliant John Williams! Fantastic job! 😊

[@michaelkennedy8270]

Oh hell yeah!!!!

[@Niobesnuppa]

The cheerful, Christmasy melody combined with the creepy lyrics, I love it!

[@ponyphonic]

This already feels like a timeless classic. Amazing.

[@floridamaninthewild]

Destined to become a Christmas classic!

[@Snepajj]

A new holiday song I'm gonna add to my Jul list on Spotify!!

[@RobertHMayfire]

Now I am waiting to put this on my Christmas Playlist!

[@creamonfirst3252]

Just discovered thy melodies. Amazed and bedazzled 😊

[@DrLiz-xc9ol]

I've listened to this at least 20 times since Monday! Beautiful!! Should be the latest Christmas hit!

[@Bingusaurus]

Words cannot do justice for how much I love this song; phenomenal work!! 🦖💖

[@HannahBanina]

Welp, I’ve just found my background music for my “Weihnachtslauf” story. Many grateful regards and a Merry Yule to thee, Lady Hildegard!

[@persiswynter6357]

Truly lovely! Brava! I'm gonna listen again, lots. 😊

[@klassicalkid90]

This is pure magic! I would love to hear a German version! What a gem of an original!

[@olabora3720]

My heart is flourishing listening to proper pronunciation of Krampusnacht. Especially the notoriously difficult /ch/ for English-speakers ❤

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Thanks so much! My mom is German so I try to do right by her. 😅

[@lisam.9866]

You have the loveliest voice I have ever heard. Amazing work!

[@meganh4011]

I wish this had released by Krampus. Which is December 5. However, I will put it on my playlist for next year's party. 👹

[@jurriaandejongh8677]

Finally, something that got me into the mood..!

[@Auraorlumi]

Yes! a Krampusnacht song! Love your simging voice as always ❤

[@squishymusic9723]

I've played pool with planets, and I've given birth to twins, but I never thought in my entire life I'd listen to a tolerable Christmas Song 😜

[@UlricSchnellock]

LOL Too true, Dave.

[@angrygoose23]

Point 1: I love Double Trouble, so thank you. Point 2: Krampus freaks me out, so… thank you?

[@socialgh0st]

I can hear the inspo, but this absolutely stands as its own thing as well. It's so good!

[@Stryder467]

What a lovely thing to wake up to. Thank you, Hildegard von Blingin', and have a wonderful holiday season. :3

[@MariusNinjai]

Sounds like a song from Harry Potter very well done

[@allisonshaw9341]

Well, all I can say is that Krampus somehow missed me when I was a child - I excelled at naughty and rebellion. Wonderful little song, Hildegard!

[@milliehaagen7526]

The only xmas song I can stand ❤ Thanks for your lovely work!

[@SkyeID]

I won't sing any Decemberween song except this one.

[@octochan]

We desperately need to expand the list of available Xmas songs, am delighted to add this one

[@twitch_embers4847]

amazing just like always

[@TechBearSeattle]

Another lovely holiday tune :) Thank you so much.

[@RikFTK]

I must compliment you on your pronunciation of the Dutch/German word Nacht. It's spot on. That g-sound is often quite hard for native English speakers.

[@Narmocu]

Love this... Reminds me of listening to Loreena McKennitt's Christmas songs when I was younger.

[@hannahwatson265]

The excitement I felt when I saw your name pop up in my youtube notification! 😊

[@brightbite]

Love that renaissance feel!!

[@AK-vr8el]

This has to be the best holiday song EVER!

[@JustPlayingBass]

Fantastic as always. I wish you would share more frequently. 😊

[@princepeterwolf]

Imo you're the most talented musician on yt! This is pure magic!

[@orionultor3905]

I feel like you have summoned more than just Krampus this night, more than just the threat of his wrath as a Christmas Spirit, but the entire Fae Realm of the Aen Sidhe to answer to his beck and call.

[@leftcoaster67]

What a great Christmas Present. Thank you HvB. And Merry Christmas...

[@orderoftheredstarofbethlehem]

There is something eerie about jolly singing about a Christmas demon. Sounds Medieval… ancient 🏰

[@PNWGardener]

So festive (and creepy)! Wonderful work!

[@panpiper6719]

I love this song! It's brand new yet feels old as the fairy tale it represents! I just learned how to play it on my panflute and will be doing so this Christmas. Glorious work!

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Thank you so much! Best of luck and have fun with your new panflute!

[@panpiper6719]

@@Hildegardvonblingin Oh I've been playing them for over 12 years. Played as a street/stage musician for renaissance festivals for a few years too, so believe me when I say you do MARVELOUS work and your singing is angelic.

[@oo-dd3lk]

Brilliant ! Thank you, Hildegard !

[@heinszugzwang]

I have no words other than Perfection!

[@KlutzyClown]

Can't wait for it to be added to Spotify, need this on my playlist

[@sava-smth]

Daym 😔🙏 me and all my felles are prancing around yule tree because of this sick beat

[@shinrapresident7010]

In Norse tradition we leave honey out for Sleipnir, Odin's eight legged steed, every winter Solstice. Sound familiar?

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Yes! I’ve seen some really good memes about Sleipnir.

[@SAPANNow]

Dwight Schrute headbangs to this

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

*Just perfect for this weekend's festive celebration.* ❤

[@NordOfTheNorth]

This is I think my new favorite holiday song.

[@powerfrenzy]

You are just magical 😌🪄🎶

[@aw8079]

Bravo!

[@longtsun8286]

Excellent performance, as usual.

[@astranaut3967]

Happy Holidays ⛄. Thank you for gifting us with your talent! I am looking forward to your future endeavors coming in the next year ❤

[@SkyeID]

This warms my Gothic heart.

[@izzyizzy3467]

Happy holidays to you too!

[@rafaeladinkelaker5398]

I loveeee it

[@ikeekieeki]

beautiful

[@servus_incognitus]

Nice! Thank you!

[@Blackstag-jq7jx]

Amazing! Love all your stuff

[@umiviolalefut1593]

This is a little late... Krampusnacht is the night before st. Nicolas! This is lovely!

[@samuelwnovak]

Love the orchestration 🤘🤓🤌

[@jeremiahkinnamon7530]

Beautiful!! 🖤❤️🖤❤️

[@b.lloydreese2030]

Instantly hit by the double trouble vibe. Great work!

[@soninogrande3801]

continue, amo seu trabalho🖤🖤

[@marko_g_korenski]

This is MASTERPIECE! 😍😍😍😍

[@Robert_Herring]

Wonderful.

[@jcasillas78]

beautiful, thank you and Merry Christmas!