Undiné, Op128

From the Publisher

The ancient legend of Undiné, a water-sprite who yearned to marry a human in order to achieve an immortal soul, exists widely in the folk-lore of northern Europe. The legend was retold by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque in his novel ‘Undiné’ published in Germany in 1811. It made a great impact upon its readers and became the inspiration for music, ballets, plays, art, and poetry. An English translation with fine illustrations by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) became similarly popular with many 19th-century children in the English-speaking world.

This attractive short piece captures the ethereal, airy quality of Arthur Rackham’s illustrations.

Undiné leaves her watery kingdom and is adopted by an old fisherman and his wife who have lost their own child. She meets the knight Huldbrand, who seeks shelter at the fisherman’s cottage and the two fall in love. Only when Undiné marries him does she reveal that she is not human. By the marriage Undiné gains a soul but when Huldbrand is subsequently unfaithful she is compelled to return to her watery element.

Performance duration (approx): 4'00

Item Details