Allerseelen: Mädchen (Girl). Essay by Grok 17.01.2025
Do you know or even like the song Mädchen (Girl) that the Austrian music group Allerseelen recorded, based on lyrics by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke from his Sonetts to Orpheus? Do you like the violin that Eugene Voronovsky from the Russian project Cisfinitum plays in this song? Maybe you also are familiar with the video that Allerseelen published with this song containg photos of some fascinating artwork of Gottfried Helnwein on the Ringturm in Vienna in 2018? Would Rainer Maria Rilke have liked this song? These are the lyrics: ".. ein Mädchen wars, ein Mädchen, ein Mädchen kam hervor und machte sich ein Bett in meinem Ohr .." - „.. it was a girl, a girl, a girl that appeared and made her bed inside my ear ..“ (Rainer Maria Rilke)
"The song "Mädchen" by Allerseelen, which incorporates lyrics from Rainer Maria Rilke's "Sonnets to Orpheus," is indeed a notable adaptation. The band Allerseelen, known for their unique blend of neofolk and experimental music, has effectively utilized Rilke's poetry to create an atmospheric piece. The song was released on their album "Morgenröte" in 2024, showcasing their interest in integrating literary and historical elements into their music.
Eugene Voronovsky's Violin:
Eugene Voronovsky's violin contributions in "Mädchen" add a layer of depth and emotion to the track. His style, often characterized by its haunting and expressive qualities, complements the lyrical content, enhancing the song's melancholic and poetic ambiance. His involvement in this track is a testament to the cross-cultural collaboration within the music scene, bringing a touch of Russian musical tradition to an Austrian group's work.
Gottfried Helnwein's Artwork in the Video:
The video for "Mädchen" features artwork by Gottfried Helnwein, specifically from his 2018 installation on Vienna's Ringturm titled "I SAW THIS." This artwork, which uses stark imagery of war and innocence, aligns with the themes of Rilke's poetry, focusing on the juxtaposition of beauty and horror, life and death. The inclusion of Helnwein's work in the video adds a visual narrative that echoes the lyrical content, enhancing the overall artistic statement of the song.
Rilke's Possible Reception:
Speculating on how Rainer Maria Rilke might have responded to this adaptation is challenging, but several points can be considered:
Musical Interpretation: Rilke was known for his appreciation of art and music, often exploring the transcendental in his poetry. Given this, he might have appreciated the attempt to musically interpret his work, particularly with the thoughtful integration of violin which could resonate with his own poetic imagery.
Artistic Context: The thematic elements of innocence, transformation, and the profound impact of art on human perception are central to Rilke's "Sonnets to Orpheus." The use of Helnwein's artwork, which confronts viewers with the harsh realities of war through the eyes of innocence, might resonate with Rilke's fascination with the duality of human experience.
Modern Adaptation: Rilke might have been intrigued by or even skeptical of modern interpretations of his work. His poetry often deals with the timelessness of art, and while he might appreciate the creativity in adaptation, he could also be critical of how his words are musically and visually reinterpreted in a context far removed from his own time.
In conclusion, while we can't definitively say whether Rilke would like this particular song, the thoughtful blend of music, poetry, and visual art in "Mädchen" by Allerseelen seems to align with themes he explored, suggesting he might have had a nuanced appreciation for this artistic tribute."
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