Essay
Der Erlkonig/The Erlking Essay
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- Music
A comparative essay between Schubert and Loewe's versions of The Erlking/Der Erlkonig
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COMPARITIVE ESSAY: ERLKÖNIGCebo Mtshemla
Shubert’s Elkönig and Carl Loewe’s Der Erlkönig both convey the same story. Although the
two compositions explore the same ideas and – in some cases – achieve their ideas in the
same way, there are differences within the two compositions.
The meter between the two compositions differ as Shubert’s work is written in 4/4 time and
Loewe alternates between 9/8 and 6/8 time signatures. The meter contributes largely to the
rhythm of the piece. Shubert’s work has a repetitive left-hand part creating tension and a
sense of panic, painting a vivid image of a horse galloping frantically. Conversely, the triple
time in Loewe’s composition creates an enchanting atmosphere as the Erlkönig lures the boy
to his world. The first time the time signature changes from 9/8 to 6/8 is when the Erlkönig
begins to convince the young boy to join the afterlife.
The tonality in the two compositions is inline as they both work around G minor and B-flat
Major. In addition, both compositions use a major key to indicate that the Erlkönig is singing.
Although the key signatures are the same, Shubert’s work is more experimental with
modulations as he creates piercing dissonant chords to portray the pain of the situation.
There is a large contrast between the dynamics in the two compositions. Shubert’s
composition starts off fortissimo with the rapid triplet rhythm creating panic from the
beginning of the compositions. Loewe’s work however, starts of pianissimo and is
comparatively gentler than Shubert’s dramatic start.
Shubert and Loewe use various techniques to convey the various characters. In both
compositions, the father’s melody is lower in register than the son’s melody. This accurately
conveys a father figure as is portrays age and wisdom as the father reassures his son.
Furthermore, in both compositions the Erlkönig sings in a major key. Although the two
composers used the same approach, the major key has a different effect on each composition.
In Shubert’s composition, the major key works as a contrast against the anxiety and panic of
the father and son’s minor melodies. However, in Loewe’s work the major key creates a
mystical element alongside the triple time meter as the Erlkönig lures the boy.
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