Schubert - Der Erlkönig [魔王] (complete version.)

[@kitsundesu]

I love how you can see his facial expressions change, especially in his eyes, when he changes characters!

[@MastanehNazarian]

I love this too, it expresses so much but with out overdoing it.

[@LaurasLastDitch]

You can see the position of his ears change, too, when he changes voices, presumably because that changes the shape of the oral cavity and thus the timbre of the voice.

[@MaestroRigale]

He was “The Great Interpreter.” Rest In Peace, Herr Fischer-Dieskau.

[@mcvenne8935]

@@LaurasLastDitch I think his ears probably move because of his facial expressions. He doesn't use that to change how he sings. But changing his expressions allows him to take the voice of the character. It's why voice actors are also facially acting while recording. It's a billion times easier to sound creepy if you become the creepy character. Trying for example to do a convincing scream while having no facial expressions is practically impossible. But his acting is definitely on point. He totally embodies the characters and it adds everything to the performance while allowing him to modify his voice to fit exactly what he wants it to do. He's truly amazing!

[@cyclos12]

What a cutie pie

[@Sultanofszing]

Dietrich's expressions made this 20 times more frightening....

[@angiieloops]

Sultans Of Zing that's what makes this "performance" so interesting and different from the others! Really love it.

[@SoundShinobiYuki]

Sultans Of Zing I went to college for classical music... when this recording got watched in class while studying Erlkonig, one of my classmates wrote "I WANT YOUR SOUL" in a speech bubble on a piece of paper and held it up at just the right angle by the screen. EVERYONE burst out laughing.

[@alexalani10110]

Sultans Of Zing Love your profile picture man. I love the Ramones, recognized it right away lol.

[@linkzelda3231]

YOUR MOM IS FRIGHTENING AND DON'T EVER TALK TO HIM BADLY EVER AGAIN BC IM GIONSG TO MARRY HIM SO TAKE THAT BACK

[@mckavitt]

Sultans Of Zing His facial expressions for the son get better as the Lied progresses.

[@davadiolikesskittles]

He does each part so strongly. The child literally sound terrified and in pain at some points. The father sounds like some big burly guy, and the Erlking is just downright creepy.And the running horse in the piano accompianment just adds to the whole effect of fear in the piece.Brilliantly executed by an amazing baritone.

[@oscarstephanedeniau1305]

I agree, that was a great inspirational performance !

[@legogunproducts7776]

his face even changes on different parts lol

[@thunder8bunny]

couldn't have put it better myself - I feel the same way too!

[@alisannac]

agreed

[@lauravacek4293]

The original used four people for the four voices. This man does four "parts" very well. You can't hear the finale tho --- in seinen armen das kind [ w t ] .

[@かなで大倉山]

子・父・魔王の歌いわけだけでなく表情も魂が乗り移ったかの様。演奏後の動きもまだ曲が続いてる感じそのままで素晴らしい。テクニックが要求されるピアノ演奏も最高。エクセレント！！！

[@bigpoppabball]

The way he inhabits the personalities of all three speakers in the poem without sacrificing technique and quality or using an exaggerated character voice is beyond sublime. RIP.

[@Karin-tl5pw]

FOUR personalities: you forgot the NARRATOR!

[@tuberritter]

I'm German and I can tell you: Nearly every German knows this poem by heart. The music by Schubert is extremely popular as well and frequently performed.

[@kathrynschenk7432]

There are also Americans who were required to memorize the poem! It was no hardship!

[@Michael-nu2mz]

I'm not German but I'm learning that language and Schubert is gold

[@lordmoncef5494]

So what everyone knows despacito but it dosen t make it special

[@manuelp7472]

@@lordmoncef5494 You clearly don't know classical music, German literature, German poetry, German/Austrian classical music. You clearly don't, and I pity you

[@theneanderthal69]

@@manuelp7472 Hi! I randomly stumbled upon Erlkönig a couple of months ago in my pursuit of learning German. I would be delighted if you could recommend me some popular German works of literature(any genre), songs as well if you could. Thanks!

[@bravaLiz]

what makes this so distinctive is NOT the facial expressions, but the various vocal "tenors" that dfd expresses between Goethe's 4 characters: The narrator, son, father..and obviously...Erlking himself. It is a masterpiece of poetry, music, and artistic interpretation between both singer and accompanist. Best I've seen and heard. I do mean EVER!

[@bravaLiz]

and OBVIOUSLY to those who may wish to "correct" me... Fischer-Dieskau...NOT a "TENOR" but baritone. Well. YOU get it. :-)

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way. We deserve Hell because we've sinned. Lied, lusted stolen, etc. But God sent his son to die on the cross and rise out of the grave. We can receive forgiveness from Jesus. Repent and put your trust in him. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤😊❤❤

[@EElgar1857]

@@christianweatherbroadcasting You must be desperate for attention.

[@annaone211]

🎉absolutely agree! The absolute best version EVER

[@jennyround]

Wow!

[@javieriba77]

Imagine you are all alone in the woods at night, and suddenly Fischer Dieskau appears with that face he has, saying: "Come with me my darling boy..."

[@rickrickrick5317]

LMAO...

[@raptorjesus6953]

Does he have candy?

[@mysteriumvitae5338]

I will not be walking in the woods with a fever of 104°F or above.

[@ma53jg]

You lost me at alone/woods/night - lol! Nope!

[@edugames1238]

Oof

[@briannnnn]

I memorised this poem in my German class in tenth grade, and I've been wanting to sing it forever. I'm giving my junior recital in three weeks, and it's on the program. I've never been more excited.

[@_cytosine]

How did it go?

[@omerkorkmaz6093]

@@_cytosine lol 8 years later

[@FlamingCockatiel]

@@omerkorkmaz6093 Better late than never?

[@jdbtabouret.218]

So how was it ?

[@lizerazu]

RIP Dietrich Fischer 1925-2012

[@wolfenmann1]

+lizerazu RIP Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.

[@CaptainSilverFresh]

he left his mark on the world

[@vertederodecarlos9853]

F :(

[@sylvanmingelen]

F

[@kareraisu7327]

does it help that the song is in f ( I think it's supposed to be in g)

[@レカンレカン]

この方の歌う”魔王”が一番すばらしい。 中学生時代に音楽の授業ではじめてききました。 とても印象的な曲で、ひとりで何役も演じわける難しい曲ですね。

[@redashura9255]

Why this song was called Devil King (魔王) ? not Elven King (妖精王) in Japan ?

[@かなで大倉山]

@@redashura9255 Elven King (妖精王) というのを初めて知りました。そうなんだ～。

[@RMRMRmrm0823]

@@かなで大倉山 それな

[@ovatokochi]

この方のお名前がわかる方、教えていただけると幸いです。

[@ovatokochi]

@laurel4035 ありがとうございます。

[@Neoboethius]

50 years ago, I learned this poem in German class in high school, and 30 years ago, I learned this song when taking voice lessons from the lady who later became my wife. What a treat to see and hear a master at work singing one of my all-time favorites!

[@shivelyk]

Generally for pieces such as this, the pianist is referred to as a partner, not an accompanist, because the part they play is equally as important as the vocals. I totally agree, though, the pianist did a stellar job.

[@canalesworks1247]

It takes a great pianist to do this one justice.

[@ianboard544]

Well, it's Gerald Moore - the greatest accompanist ever.

[@randys2669]

This vocalist gives it so much emotion, I love it.

[@paulsmith5752]

Dietrich F-D is one of the greatest lieder singers ever, if not THE greatest.

[@peterpark9763]

@@paulsmith5752 Surely THE greatest he is. At least in Korea, we call him The Textbook of die Lieder

[@maximtuboltsev6046]

@@peterpark9763, not the greatest. There were Prey, Schreier, Wunderlich

[@peterpark9763]

@@maximtuboltsev6046 Sure, but I love master Prey singing mozart. but for me DFD stands on the very edge when it come to Schubert.

[@peterpark9763]

@@maximtuboltsev6046 Sure, but I love master Prey singing mozart. but for me DFD stands on the very edge when it come to Schubert.

[@OptimusKami]

Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind? Es ist der Vater mit seinem Kind; Er hat den Knaben wohl in dem Arm, Er faßt ihn sicher, er hält ihn warm. Mein Sohn, was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht? - Siehst, Vater, du den Erlkönig nicht? Den Erlenkönig mit Kron' und Schweif? - Mein Sohn, es ist ein Nebelstreif. - "Du liebes Kind, komm, geh mit mir! Gar schöne Spiele spiel' ich mit dir; Manch' bunte Blumen sind an dem Strand, Meine Mutter hat manch gülden Gewand." - Mein Vater, mein Vater, und hörest du nicht, Was Erlenkönig mir leise verspricht? - Sei ruhig, bleibe ruhig, mein Kind; In dürren Blättern säuselt der Wind. - "Willst, feiner Knabe, du mit mir gehn? Meine Töchter sollen dich warten schön; Meine Töchter führen den nächtlichen Reihn, Und wiegen und tanzen und singen dich ein." - Mein Vater, mein Vater, und siehst du nicht dort Erlkönigs Töchter am düstern Ort? - Mein Sohn, mein Sohn, ich seh' es genau: Es scheinen die alten Weiden so grau. - "Ich liebe dich, mich reizt deine schöne Gestalt; Und bist du nicht willig, so brauch' ich Gewalt." - Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt faßt er mich an! Erlkönig hat mir ein Leids getan! - Dem Vater grauset's; er reitet geschwind, Er hält in den Armen das ächzende Kind, Erreicht den Hof mit Mühe und Not; In seinen Armen, das Kind war tot.

[@nolymo]

This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@CMGams]

While i can no longer speak it fluently my first language is Yiddish so I’m proud to say I can understand parts of this

[@gaiaoro4834]

Danke

[@dokonidemoirusirouto-ch]

前奏　0:00 語り手　0:24 A(1) 0:52 B(1) 1:04 A(2) 1:18 C(1) 1:26 B(2) 1:51 A(3) 2:03 C(2) 2:11 B(3) 2:28 A(4) 2:41 C(3) 2:53 B(4) 3:08 語り手　3:23

[@blancheconner1584]

This great artist is the reason I know about and love leider today. From the first time I heard his voice, I was hooked. I had the great fortune to have seen him on stage four times in Los Angeles, some of the high points of my life. I'm 81 now and listen to him on recordings every day. There will never be another to equal him.

[@racheleraanan5133]

Agreed. There will never be another to compare to the great Fischer-Dieskau. I first heard this as a small child, unfamiliar with the poem. With difficulty, I followed the 'story' and the gathering tension - then, at the sudden ending, when I realized the meaning, I went into shock. I remember sitting with my mouth open, unable to move!

[@macbraun1546]

Not true. There will always be another person to push the envelope.

[@MusikPiratCH]

Mac Braun At least the hope for it never dies ... However it lies in the ears of every listener which interpretation he/she thinks is outstanding or even best (if such thing in music exists?)! I agree with Blanche Conner (but I know that Hermann Prey is regarded as even superior - this is a matter of taste)!

[@michaeldonohue8870]

Hopefully one day I can be his equal haha

[@johnvant7984]

Rachele Raanan that’s what people that about baroque music, there will always be somebody better, and I have to say, I would love to see somebody better than diskau, I couldn’t imagine it getting any better, but I know it will lol

[@amirmehdizadeh1413]

it's 2020 and it's still one of the best performances i've ever seen...

[@eddyhack568]

To those who disliked this, I hope the Earlking comes after you.

[@federicomontuori9543]

Ahhahahahahaa

[@fatherindia4810]

They're mostly youtube bots. But it's still a funny comment lol

[@eadghe]

The Earl King sounds like some fatass with a trucker cap, who sells guns and burgers. Both deadly as well, but I think the burgers are more deadly.

[@de00prolazr_47]

@@fatherindia4810 no, I just hate this song

[@fatherindia4810]

​@@de00prolazr_47 ok lol im kinda curious as to why you dislike it

[@alexmaldonado4267]

I love how he says good night at the end of the video.... I'm not going to sleep after watching this!!! Such a scary song, especially if you know the words! I had chills! Hopefully I will get to sing this song soon!

[@Puhi66]

I had chills running down my spine when I first listened to it in music class like 8 years ago with the lyrics and their translation. It's extremely powerful, and the one I heard by then had a voice even more powerful (yes, that's possible it seems).

[@elkecalhoun2696]

okay oscar

[@goldenlion2439]

Ever heard of horror songs & movies?

[@KnjazNazrath]

@@goldenlion2439 What is a "horror song", exactly?

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

@@KnjazNazrath pretty much this

[@JessieMimi]

I love the change in his expressions, tone, the emotion... He portrays the various character -very- well. I get chills when I hear this particular performance, and I have never heard anyone doing even half as well with this.

[@RIXRADvidz]

can we have a hand for the piano player?....those hands belong on a deamon!!!

[@marsvltor2]

The piano was played by the inimitable Gerald Moore - possibly the greatest lieder accompanist of all. (He was the regular partner of Fischer-Dieskau, Schwarzkopf, de los Angeles, Elisabeth Schumann, and instrumentally, Pablo Casals… Not a bad line-up!)

[@RIXRADvidz]

having had lessons at age 4, I understand exactly. I was and still am transfixed every time I watch, with wonder. Peace be with You.

[@wolfenmann1]

+marsvltor2 Jawohl! Gerald Moore as accompanist is pretty uncomparable. I can't say as much for his solos, though :-( But yes, in terms of Schubert-Lieder... there is no comparison!

[@1donpizarro]

+RIXRADvidz Seems to be Gerald Moore?

[@sapper82]

+1donpizarro My thoughts entirely.Gerald Moore's playing doubled the effect.

[@Thebiolizard590]

The way his expression changes when hes the erlkönig has always creeped me out

[@VahidSaffarian]

he performed as if he was 'living' each and every bar ! specially Erlkonig lines . stunning !

[@acerhythm7026]

I always loved the way DFD interpreted the voices for the characters. its really really well done, haven't found a recording done even half as well. Especially this video, his visual reactions with the voices add a whole new depth to it too.

[@Stevesfriend100]

I am currently teaching a piano student "The Wild Rider" and am using this song as inspiration for her to depict the piece. Dietrich was the master of German Lieder and his book of translations (almost literal) is a must for any singer or teacher. Thank you for your great talent and the painstaking work you did to bring it to the world Dietrich. R.I.P.

[@brucefrizzell4221]

The Fischer-Dieskau Book of Lieder > 750 Lieder Lyrics in German and English . I got it for $10 on Amazon.

[@victoriousone4867]

My mom played this song for me as a kid, and I asked her to tell me what it was about so she did. I’ve always been ridiculously fascinated with this piece, and I adore this particular performance of it. (I’m from the US)

[@Thebiolizard590]

The way his expression changes when hes the erlkönig has always creeped me out

[@mishpatim123]

DFD is genius. He can do whatever he wants. The ampleur of his expression and textual maitrise is absolutely awsome. He makes a crescendo by darkening his voice, for example. And uses sprechgesang to 'speak' while singing and vice versa. Keeps me being moved emotionally. Danke Sehr Maestro.

[@pierrebeukes6315]

Every single baritone I know has had this piece in their repetoire at some point of their training. Schubert were a baritone and he composed for his own voice.

[@emilyla6415]

No wonder it’s so wonderfully written with the register changes in mind. I thought that he must have had to work with a baritone to write this so precisely.

[@joshuafurtado-mendes9327]

Emily La Erlkönig was original written for Tenor. The original key is G minor (a tone higher than performed here) and very much in the Tenor register. Schubert’s genius is how he writes it so perfectly for the male voice and therefore the piece can be transposed to any key and still make sense in terms of register change for any male voice type.

[@matthewhammans4365]

Joshua Furtado-Mendes the highest note in the original key is a G4, which is well within reach for a good baritone. It is definitely written for a baritone, to have the richness down lower as a tenor would likely struggle to have the warmth lower down for the father’s part

[@joshuafurtado-mendes9327]

Matthew Hammans I completely see your point and you’re right a G4 within reach of a good baritone. To be honest it doesn’t really matter what voice sings it such is the genius of Schubert’s vocal writing. The song in the original key is perfect for a dramatic tenor or a lyric baritone. Schubert never specified which voice he was writing for on the score. It simply says ‘Hohe Stimme’ which means high voice but I don’t know if that’s an addition of publishers or if he actually wrote that. To find out which voice he intended the song for we would have to look at who was the first to perform it.

[@mysteriumvitae5338]

@@joshuafurtado-mendes9327 Well, one could deem "high voice" a synonym to tenor (for males, obviously), but why didn't he (if it was him) just write "tenor" if he meant that? I think it could well have meant "any type of fairly high, at least higher-than-average, male voice, which includes all species of tenor, some of barytone and the transitional forms". There are voices with an inky baritonal timbre and a baritonal middle range, definitively no true tenors, but these barytone voices can still be called high. Because they have a virtually tenor range. An A2 - A4 range can, as such, belong to a tenor and a baritone alike. Summarized, the "Hohe Stimme" could have meant "tenors and higher-than-average baritones", I think it's the best explanation.

[@Decrepit_Productions]

Man, I've watched this rendition SO many times and can't believe I neglected to give it a Like...until now. For my money, it bests all in regards to facial mannerisms and vocal differentiation between the four roles. Not that there aren't a good many other fine Erlkonig performances on KZbin. But this one is special.

[@annoyingbratii706]

I just adore Dieskau's interpretation of this lied. It's amazing how he can express so well each character's emotions, as if he's brought them to life.

[@boonyboony100]

The way he subtly alters the timbre for the different characters! He's really the greatest, and of course Franz's wonderful song written when he was just 18 and proudly published as his opus 1. Bravo Maaestro

[@handel1968]

I love this selection by France Schubert, because when I was in college at Norfolk State College, now University, my good friend Ernest Bess performed this selection at our weekly seminars. His voice teacher at that time was Mrs. Mercer. Oh how awesome he was. I have loved this selection every since then. May Ernest Bess RIP!!!! This was an awesome performance !!

[@blakley42]

Thanks for uploading this wonderful rendition of the Erlkonig. As others have pointed out, it is especially poignant upon the death of Fischer-Dieskau. Unfortunately, the pianist was not mentioned; it appears to be the outstanding accompanist Gerald Moore. While there are many great Baritones and pianists, it was the combined artistry of these two which was miraculous and without peer.

[@michellesteffers8905]

Yes definitely Gerald Moore

[@PCDisciple]

dankest version of the song this world has ever FOCKING SEEN OK

[@SKer-l6c]

+PC Disciple that's some dank pasta

[@PCDisciple]

Scott Kemp I wouldn't consider what I said pasta

[@SKer-l6c]

Pretty dank though

[@PCDisciple]

Scott Kemp that I can agree with )

[@theholyramonempire]

German word for thanks = Danke... Danke- est *Dankest!* Dankest indeed Mr. PC Disciple Dankest indeed!

[@trudidolder6122]

When I studied voice, that was one of my Schubert Lieder. After years of singing, this Lied demanded more and more of me and my knowledge. It looks like a simple little song, but, it is not that simple.All along Dietrich-Fischer Diskau was my favorite Singer for that “simple” Lied. Loved that man.

[@sunroomdan]

I heard a high school senior perform this wonderful piece and I was enthralled. I just love Schubert.

[@atmblsm]

A true masterpiece! The singer's facial expression adds visual dimension to the interpretation of the work!!!

[@Awretchsavedbygrace]

We just went through this piece in the Solo Literature Seminar in the Masters program yesterday. It is one of the songs that serves as the peak of a classical Bass-Baritone’s lifetime.

[@chibilover4ever]

I LOVE his facial expressions and how the transitions between them are abrupt. He has a beautiful voice :)

[@rafael1357]

chibilover4ever 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nadiabrits5203]

Beautiful, simply magnificent. Schubert was a master of his craft, as is the singer here. Not only does he sing the piece to perfection but he appears to take on the role of each character. One can clearly hear and see the switch between the father, son, erlkonig and the narrater. Wonderful!

[@DavidScottClarinet]

Thank you for sharing your voice with the world for so many years, and especially for this unrivaled performance of Der Erlkönig. You are truly an incredible artist. R.I.P.

[@jacobbump1282]

I love how he doesn't use his hands to express; just his voice (color changes) and his face... the expressions in his eyes. Gave me chills.

[@FrodoFan35]

Greatest interpreter of Lieder ever. Love his facial expressions and it's amazing how he conveys the 4 characters with his voice as well. RIP, Mr. Fischer-Dieskau, and thank you for the hours of recordings of your art.

[@Selgorn]

Hach ja, der Erlkönig. Nach wie vor das einzige Gedicht bei dem ich heute froh darüber bin, dass ich es damals auswendig lernen musste. :)

[@MatzMatz11]

Unsurpassed rendition of Schubert's Erlkoenig. Fischer-Dieskau was perfect in every way. Voice, technique, sentiment and elegance. Bravo Maestro, if there is a God he will enjoy that a voice that came from heaven is back .

[@preppychrisbou]

Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind? Es ist der Vater mit seinem Kind; Er hat den Knaben wohl in dem Arm, Er faßt ihn sicher, er hält ihn warm. "Mein Sohn, was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht?" - "Siehst, Vater, du den Erlkönig nicht? Den Erlenkönig mit Kron und Schweif?" - "Mein Sohn, es ist ein Nebelstreif." "Du liebes Kind, komm, geh mit mir! Gar schöne Spiele spiel' ich mit dir; Manch' bunte Blumen sind an dem Strand, Meine Mutter hat manch gülden Gewand." - "Mein Vater, mein Vater, und hörest du nicht, Was Erlenkönig mir leise verspricht?" - "Sei ruhig, bleibe ruhig, mein Kind; In dürren Blättern säuselt der Wind." - "Willst, feiner Knabe, du mit mir gehn? Meine Töchter sollen dich warten schön; Meine Töchter führen den nächtlichen Reihn, Und wiegen und tanzen und singen dich ein." - "Mein Vater, mein Vater, und siehst du nicht dort Erlkönigs Töchter am düstern Ort?" - "Mein Sohn, mein Sohn, ich seh' es genau: Es scheinen die alten Weiden so grau. -" "Ich liebe dich, mich reizt deine schöne Gestalt; Und bist du nicht willig, so brauch' ich Gewalt." - "Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt faßt er mich an! Erlkönig hat mir ein Leids getan!" - Dem Vater grauset's, er reitet geschwind, Er hält in Armen das ächzende Kind, Erreicht den Hof mit Müh' und Not; In seinen Armen das Kind war tot.

[@letseatpie9459]

I had listened to every Schubert song I love the way he chooses the words and how he uses emotion in everyone of his peices! This one in my favorite!!!

[@bravaLiz]

4 different voices...4 different timbres. ...Brilliance. The Narrator, Father, Son, and of course the Erlking. I recently lost a son. This means too much to me to explain. aber.... Dies ist ein Meisterwerk und ich bin jetzt sprachlos. Du holde kunst.....ich danke dir....

[@adamstillwagon83]

"The child is dead" Pause "Goodnight"

[@nightmilk3384]

you meant "the child...-" pauses then "-...is dead"

[@이평-b1t]

Lol

[@fredhasopinions]

@@elijahwilensky3318 really? lmao i'm stupid i understood "guten abend" in german

[@Groffind]

@@elijahwilensky3318 I hear "Gut[e] Nacht" at the very end and there is no reason to speak english, right? O.o

[@pendarazaripoor4296]

@@Groffind i can clearly hear the igh in night

[@parkkyla]

This is by far the best version of Der Erlkonig.

[@SuedeSwede]

I didn't know Orson Welles was also an accomplished baritone!!! :-D

[@dennischiapello7243]

Rhythm&Rageg LOL!

[@geoflo1024]

If you're just watching this to study for a test, you picked the best video on KZbin to study this song. :)

[@jamesghns5402]

A great singer who is sadly missed on the concert stage!

[@ingemayodon5128]

Einfach grossartig. GOETHE, SCHUBERT UND FISCHER-DIESKAU ich liebe dieses Gedicht und die Musik.

[@DStroyU]

I love how expressive he delivers the lyrics! To me, his face perfectly captures all three characters of the drama (the Father, Son, and Erlkönig); matched by his amazing voice, this gave me chills.

[@SlyHikari03]

I love the piano part at the beginning, it’s so cool.

[@Smilingcreeper000]

This story is just so heartwrenching. Poor child. This singer is amazing at performing the different characters throughout this amazing composition.

[@filiusluciferi]

The first time I heard this song was in Music Appreciation in college. I was fascinated by the story and the way Schubert's accompaniment highlighted certain elements, as well as the way the vocalist shifts character by changing the inflection.

[@holy6704]

Once you know what the lyric means, it's gonna fuck up your mind. What a masterpiece.. 🙌👏

[@rvc6506]

What happens if my mind is already f___ked uo?

[@kenhowes9951]

it is indeed a disturbing poem. The poem was by Goethe and other than the music, it had no connection directly to Schubert. But it is very easy, when one knows about Schubert's history, to guess what the poem meant to him, what the world of the Erlkönig was, that it was killing him, and he knew that it was.

[@funkymonks8333]

Nah, there are so many more fucked up things in classic music and poetry, but it's often very beautiful

[@nickevershedmusic8927]

@Amirus tell me?

[@heikkipaavola]

@@kenhowes9951 well, he was 17 when composing this, so death was far away, even for him.

[@heikkipaavola]

This is the way to sing lied. Nothing but the voice, and mimics, not even gestures. And perfect piano technique and interpretation. Schubert is the master, and these fellows take it to the ultimate perfection. The best chamber opera, and this is my dearest version of it.

[@unipoteto]

中学生の頃にこの動画を音楽の授業で鑑賞したんですけど、先生が「あ、最後見ててね、この歌ってるおじさんの足めっちゃ長いから」って言われて最後まで見て、想像以上に歌ってるおじさんの足が長すぎてクラス全員大爆笑したのはいい思い出です。

[@phoebecatgirl933]

It certainly IS the best interpretation of this masterpiece! Have returned to it several times on KZbin, pleased that it is available - used to hear Fischer-Diskau on classical radio many times on WFMT Chicago decades ago - I was an odd kid, I guess - loved WFMT and also top-40 WLSam with all its rock & roll hits!

[@jdubbari]

The first time I saw/heard this piece, it was sung by someone else, I cried. The man who sang it the first time I heard it, his facial expressions, voice and diction were outstanding. It was as if you could actually understand exactly what he was saying even though he was singing in German. Outstanding here as well!

[@Greg07623]

When you watch something like this you understand immediately why Fischer-Dieskau was the most recorded artist of all times.

[@Coconutcase90]

Incredible, just incredible. This makes me so proud to be German. It's one of our most well-known compositions (lyrics & music) and whoa... I just don't know what to say, unbelievable. So glad I found this on youtube!

[@FranG864]

Wonderful! Fischer-Dieskau was a Maestro and I always thought that it seems that Schubert componed their lieds thinking in him. What an incredibly perfect combination!

[@phathead1533]

awesome singer. he even looks creepy as the erlkonig

[@YorkistWhiteRose]

+Hugh Jass Yeah. That little sneer makes a lot of difference.

[@Satopi3104]

The true test for this piece is if you can tell who is who and what is going on without the visual, and you definitely can here. I like this piece sung by baritones since they have the vocal range to give the father heft in his voice. He is the only adult human male in the story and his part needs to keep us grounded as the boy spirals further and further away, and to contrast with the otherworldliness of the erlkonig. Tenors who try this piece usually struggle in the father’s parts and you don’t get that contrast.

[@Hocotatium111]

I actually knew this song/poem from my high school German class. I'm glad Sakamoto reminded me about it; it's a beautiful piece.

[@BJOlson]

I've tried to find other versions that hold a candle to this one but never have. This gives me chills every time I hear it. What a performance!

[@Spiritakis]

Priceless video! Fischer-Dieskau is truly astonishing. He handles all four characters with superb skill, vocal and dramatic. Note the last two words, almost inaudible and deeply affecting. Very expressive eyes, too. Thanks a lot for posting. I'm never tired of watching and listening to this again and again. Anybody has any idea about the year of recording?

[@emtheginger9363]

nothing at all compares to this performance and his emotions throughout!! So perfect.

[@donthavetoargue]

Who rides, so late, through night and wind? It is the father with his child. He has the boy well in his arm He holds him safely, he keeps him warm. "My son, why do you hide your face so anxiously?" "Father, do you not see the Elfking? The Elfking with crown and tail?" "My son, it's a wisp of fog." "You dear child, come, go with me! Very lovely games I'll play with you; Some colourful flowers are on the beach, My mother has some golden robes." "My father, my father, and don't you hear What the Elfking quietly promises me?" "Be calm, stay calm, my child; The wind is rustling through withered leaves." "Do you want to come with me, pretty boy? My daughters shall wait on you finely; My daughters will lead the nightly dance, And rock and dance and sing you to sleep." "My father, my father, and don't you see there The Elfking's daughters in the gloomy place?" "My son, my son, I see it clearly: There shimmer the old willows so grey." "I love you, your beautiful form entices me; And if you're not willing, then I will use force." "My father, my father, he's grabbing me now! The Elfking has done me harm!" It horrifies the father; he swiftly rides on, He holds the moaning child in his arms, Reaches the farm with trouble and hardship; In his arms, the child was dead.

[@thunderryo4304]

Dietrichs powerful voice, dropping to the childs tone and to the light playfulness of the Erlkönigs voice is so immensely powerful

[@Beth29252]

Amazing, both the performance and the song, the latter of which is one of my favourite Schuberts. Very characterful handling of the piano part, and truly beautiful singing and intense expression by Fischer Dieskau, may one of my singing inspirations sing in peace. I also love how he uses his voice, face and eyes to tell the story without resorting to over-exaggerated or stock gestures. As much as I do like Alexander Kipnis' version, Fischer-Dieskau's Erlkonig will always be my top favourite.

[@DH-kv3tz]

气息太稳了！这才是用声音来塑造角色！四个角色以及旁白，眼神和气息完全不同！感觉能看到画面一样太棒了！

[@057gnb3316sef6]

Schubert was such a genuis. I love all the music composed by Schubert.

[@stephencox7628]

We don't see the accompanist (or "collaborative artist" as is sometimes said nowadays) until the end, but when we do, we see that it is the incomparable Gerald Moore. It is a shame that most of the focus in these comments is completely on Fischer Dieskau. He is marvellous, but his singing would be nothing without Moore's equally marvellous evocation of the dark and sinister atmosphere of the poem in his magnificent playing. Any students interested in his thoughts on playing this song should try and get hold of a copy of his book "Singer and Accompanist" (probably out of print, but probably obtainable) in which he gives some nice "cheats" for sustaining those punishing right-hand octaves!

[@Pleendriver]

Just managed to find a copy of Gerald Moore's book "Am I Too Loud?". Recommended.

[@dieselheart001]

The world is less without you, Dietrich. Rest serenely, you are held in our hearts and memories.

[@MSalt69]

I am practicing this piece to get it up to performance standard and this is one of the most extraordinary renderings I have ever seen.

[@JakobFischer60]

Fun fact: car prototypes are called Erlkönig in Germany, which is obviuos as they ride through night and wind very fast.

[@manthasagittarius1]

This accompanist made a recording called The Unashamed Accompanist, available here on youtube. The best, funniest hour you will ever spend if you like singers accompanied by piano. Gerald Moore was as good a comedian as he was a pianist.

[@ascenbach1]

This is an incomparably great performance of one of the greatest songs ever written. I totally agree with the uploader. To fully appreciate how wonderful this is, you must read Goethe's poem which is the lyric and see how Schubert captured the words and drama and how stunningly Fischer-Dieskau and Moore brought it all to life.

[@Jerry-p3v]

A big man with an incredible voice. Ok there are no words for this.

[@Commander23c]

A true masterpiece right here. Such beautiful music.

[@bobarcher840]

This song gives me the chills every time I hear it. Haunting piece.

[@heyho4488]

by far the best version

[@wardropper]

Moore was a miraculous accompanist, and even Fischer-Dieskau's beautiful voice depends on a top pianist in this song. The piano part is a nightmare to play at this speed - few can manage it - and towards the end Schubert asks the performers to go evenfaster! This is my favourite recording of this wonderful work. Very exciting.

[@heikkipaavola]

Repetition is incredible!

[@nohbdy1122]

The chills are so strong listening to this

[@Welander_]

Just learnd by my music teacher about this and now I can't stop listening to it

[@agricolaest]

This is a brilliant performance - it is humbling to realize how much you may miss of a great singer's performance if you just listen to a recording. You can see Fischer-Dieskau change characters, before he even utters the lines.

[@JustSomeGuywithEpicGrasses]

An absolutely stunning classic.

[@hearts24cherry5fun]

Wow! That was a beautiful rendition! Your expressions and emotion that you invested into the piece were captivating! The piano wouldn't let me go for a second either! Great job; I love this piece! =)

[@NoTime-ToExplain]

The beginning of the song is haunting. It portrays the sense of dread perfectly to me.

[@Neen746]

Here because of Arknights 4.5 anniversary PV..they used a variation of this beautiful song for the PV

[@elesissieghart]

I'm here for the same reason

[@Neen746]

@@elesissieghart High five then

[@juliepodbury3953]

Don't worry many of us are ardent followers of all Dietrich Fischer - Dieskau's work, beautiful version, translations of this easily available on the net, lovely telling of Goethe's ? story/poems very typical of wonderful early mysticisms of beautiful wooded Germany.

[@alanschulz7883]

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, the 20th century's ultimate authority on Schubert's lied, and the most recorded man ever. i've often thought that this song would be perfect for translation to Heavy Metal both in terms of subject matter and that bass riff! Matter of fact, my senior recital was held up due to my trying to do exactly that, but having a hard time finding Metalheads that could (or would- they're not renowned for reading music and not flexible enough to try when confronted with it) play it. I finally settled for doing Winterreise in its entirety instead (Without the metal band)..

[@marykd96]

You could have done Vivaldi's winter from four seasons, one of the movements sound like a rock song.

[@iamalittleboat]

You need to do like I did, and translate it all to tabs! It takes a damn while, but when the bands playing it it's worth it.

[@alanschulz7883]

Now there's a thought..

[@michaelr6334]

you could check out Sturmgeist - Erlkönig, he takes some liberties but it's still the best metal version

[@lordvalen8133]

Alan Schulz you should check out Rammstein's loosely adapted version, dalai lama. It instead takes place on a plane, and the father suffocates the child.

[@Cygnus0lor]

Nobody can sing Schubert better than Dieksau... His impersonations convey meaning along with his fabulous voice.

[@blancheconner1584]

Please, the singer's last name is Fischer-Dieskau, not Dieskau and nor Fischer.

[@伊美-j8j]

今まで聞いた魔王の中で、断トツ素晴らしい！ピアニストも歌手もご存命なのでしょうか？ 魔王が男児を死の世界に導こうと楽しそうに誘惑する、いやらしい表情。 病の中で幻の魔王の誘惑に恐れおののく男児の恐怖。 大事な我が子を守る為に我が子をなだめ説得し早く医者にみせて助けてあげたいという父の焦り。 目立ち過ぎず状況を的確に伝えるナレーション 全てのキャラが立っているのに 調和していて、長い演劇を見たかの様な満足感に浸れました。 ピアノの三連符の馬の足音も最高！ 男児のセリフの時の歌手の目が、他人には見えないものを凝視している男児の目になっていて、リアルに多重人格者のよう。 大袈裟に、わざとらしくなっていないのに、素晴らしい表現力です。 生で聞きたかった！

[@ねこサンわんサン]

全部めっちゃわかる

[@1811-x2e]

Omar R 1日前で草

[@aki0yk465]

92年の最後の来日公演（ピアノはサバリッシュ、ライブCDが出ています）を含めて、何回か生で聞く機会がありました。素晴らしかったです。20世紀の最高の歌手と伴奏者（ムーア）ですので、詳しくは wikiで検索してください。お二人とも鬼籍に入られています。ムーアについては、The Unashamed Accompanist　 　　kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5KamoKah8pspM0 もご参考に。