Krampusnacht - A Cautionary Carol Inspired by John Williams
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- Опубликовано: 17 дек 2023
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Joyous Yule, everyone! Krampusnacht was on December 5th, but it's never too late to caution your children not to go wandering in the woods. This piece was inspired by "Double Trouble", which was written by John Williams using Shakespeare's words. I wrote the lyrics and tune for this as a sort of Christmasy companion piece, and called on my brother Friar Funk to add his countertenor voice to my choir.
A bit of history about Krampus:
Krampus is a goat-like horned character from Central and Eastern Alpine European folklore. As the bad cop to Saint Nicholas's good cop, his name is invoked around Yuletide to scare children into behaving. On the night of December 5th, they visit each home, doling out gifts and punishment as they see fit. Well-behaved children receive toys and delicious goodies, while naughty children are punished with birch rods and given nothing but coal, or in some versions of the story, shoved into a sack or basket and carried away to hell.
The Art:
Krampus, depicted on an Austrian postcard, 1910.
www.britannica.com/topic/Krampus
The Lyrics:
Curling horn and cloven hoof
Garnet red his tongue
On his back, a leather sack
For snatching up the young
Sable fur and jagged claw
Bronze his ringing bell
Thin and quick, his birchwood stick
For children who rebel
Hoofprints in the snow
To the woods we cannot go
Krampusnacht is nigh
Guard safe thy soul
Lest he come and give thee coal
Krampusnacht is nigh
Light the hearth and turn the lock
Sing a merry song
He doth roam in darkened home
Where shadows grow and throng
Heed our warning, little ones
Yuletide now is here
Keep in line, for in the pines
Is Krampus ever near.
Hoofprints in the snow
To the woods we cannot go
Krampusnacht is nigh
Guard safe thy soul
Lest he come and give thee coal
Krampusnacht is nigh
To the woods we cannot go
Krampusnacht is nigh
Guard safe thy soul
Lest he come and give thee coal
Krampusnacht is nigh 
Видеоклипы
The Tim Burton movie we never got to see in another timeline.
Danny Elfman’s music was definitely a big influence too. ♥️
This ACTUALLY feels like an Actual German children's poem from the 1700s. Good job.
Tiny correction: Krampus is Austrian. xoxo!
@@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.
Historically Austria is German
@@RpRm So german then, lol.
Hildegard blessing us on December is a Christmas treat
WHY DO I SEE YOU EVERYWHERE
You are one with my algorithm
You're ding dang right.
@@nolantalisman4993 Bro, I know what you mean.
ooohhh i'm addicted to the part "hoofprints in the snow, in the woods we cannot go" it sounds soooo intoxicating
Seid bedankt edle Dame.
Eure Melodien entzücken das Gemüt und erfüllen den Saal mit zauberhaftem Klang.
Der Herr schütze euch.
Amen.
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!
That’s quite the image. 😂 I would absolutely watch a Disney movie about Krampus and some Alpine princess.
Same!@@Hildegardvonblingin
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.
@@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.
@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.
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!
Odin sends his regards.
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
I can only imagine the FIGHT over who gets to be krampus!
Usually??? Oh that's reassuring lol!!!
@@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.
That's odd, cause in MOST WESTERN places, St. Nick has SHORT pointy eyed people.
@@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.
I was telling a friend about Kramusnacht today.
He's a really interesting bit of mythology. Surprising amount of lore there.
You should look into the Perchten/Krampuslauf its a fun event for the whole family still practiced today in Austria.
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!
I just had a brainwave! Someone should translate this into German!
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. ❤
By "double trouble", do you mean the She-Ra character?
@@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.
@@christabelle__ Oh, okay. Apologies for not looking at the description first.
I can't unhear it.😅
Awesome song! Also, compliments on the pronunciation of Krampusnacht - not many English speakers nail the 'ch' like you did.
Thank you! Just trying to make my German mom proud. 🙏
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
how dare youtube not show me this upload! so glad I came to check out your channel again
the music: quaint and whimsical
the lyrics: Hide yo kids
Yes!!! Our lady gifted us a brand new Christmas carol!
Wow! The pronunciation of 'Krampusnacht' is excellent 👏😍 Makes the song even better!
That song is so good, deserves to be more popular than it seems to be. thank you!
Thank you so much! ❤
I never get tired of listening to you. Always majestical works.
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
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 😜
LOL Too true, Dave.
I love that you are so wonderfully consistent in the quality of lyric and voice. Every post is a joy! Blessing this Christmas.
I love how mythological and folk-ballad-y this sounds. Lovely!!!
I definitely can hear the similarity to Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban's song Double Trouble by the brilliant John Williams! Fantastic job! 😊
Another perfect performance from the best singer on RUclips. Thank you Hildegard von Blingin' and a Merry Christmas to one and all!
Oh hell yeah!!!!
This already feels like a timeless classic. Amazing.
That will keep them in line!
So we are all good children, to be given such a gift this season. Thank you :)
👍 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.
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.
@@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.
This might be my new favorite after the original Hildegard von Bingen song. Beautiful!
Beautiful, love it! ❤
Thank you! 😊
I want this song on iTunes so I can add it to my holiday playlists!!!
I wish this had released by Krampus. Which is December 5. However, I will put it on my playlist for next year's party. 👹
Friar Funk’s counter tenor is always great to hear. A lovely arrangement indeed.
Awesome music, as always! Such a jaunty tune!
Fabulous as always! You give me goosebumps every time! Blessed Yule!
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.
The cheerful, Christmasy melody combined with the creepy lyrics, I love it!
Now I am waiting to put this on my Christmas Playlist!
Sounds like a song from Harry Potter very well done
Welp, I’ve just found my background music for my “Weihnachtslauf” story. Many grateful regards and a Merry Yule to thee, Lady Hildegard!
The only xmas song I can stand ❤ Thanks for your lovely work!
I won't sing any Decemberween song except this one.
We desperately need to expand the list of available Xmas songs, am delighted to add this one
Words cannot do justice for how much I love this song; phenomenal work!! 🦖💖
Point 1: I love Double Trouble, so thank you.
Point 2: Krampus freaks me out, so… thank you?
You have the loveliest voice I have ever heard. Amazing work!
There is something eerie about jolly singing about a Christmas demon. Sounds Medieval… ancient 🏰
My new fave xmas song
So ethereal its amazing
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!
Finally, something that got me into the mood..!
My favorite Christmas Carol!
Yes! a Krampusnacht song! Love your simging voice as always ❤
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.
The excitement I felt when I saw your name pop up in my youtube notification! 😊
A new holiday song I'm gonna add to my Jul list on Spotify!!
I've listened to this at least 20 times since Monday! Beautiful!! Should be the latest Christmas hit!
Babe, wake up, Hildegard dropped a new banger!
I can hear the inspo, but this absolutely stands as its own thing as well. It's so good!
Truly lovely! Brava!
I'm gonna listen again, lots. 😊
I have no words other than Perfection!
Destined to become a Christmas classic!
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.
This has to be the best holiday song EVER!
The Seasonal song we needed.
Just discovered thy melodies. Amazed and bedazzled 😊
I've read _about_ it, (as opposed to reading it) but apparently Krampus fan fiction is a thing.
Hildegard, you and Friar Funk really excelled yourselves with this one.
Daym 😔🙏 me and all my felles are prancing around yule tree because of this sick beat
Who wants to see Grinch vs Krampus on Celebrity Deathmatch?
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.)
What a lovely thing to wake up to. Thank you, Hildegard von Blingin', and have a wonderful holiday season. :3
amazing just like always
This is pure magic! I would love to hear a German version! What a gem of an original!
Haha! Excellent.
Love that renaissance feel!!
This warms my Gothic heart.
When it is Christmas but you need to fight the forces of darkness!
Another lovely holiday tune :) Thank you so much.
Imo you're the most talented musician on yt! This is pure magic!
My heart is flourishing listening to proper pronunciation of Krampusnacht. Especially the notoriously difficult /ch/ for English-speakers ❤
Thanks so much! My mom is German so I try to do right by her. 😅
that was gorgeous, thank you!
Man, the whole vibe is always impeccable. IDK if you take recommendations for songs you bard up. But I found out the other day the love song from Romeo and Juliet (1960's) had lyrics. And though the guy who sings it is really good. I think you would literally make that song GOD TIER.
Happy holidays to you too!
oooooohhhh! This one was so, sooo great!!!
Fantastic as always. I wish you would share more frequently. 😊
You are just magical 😌🪄🎶
So festive (and creepy)! Wonderful work!
What a lovely Yuletide carol!
Hilde never misses❤
Beautiful!! 🖤❤️🖤❤️
Sheesh--that sounds a lot worse than coal in your stocking! I believe I'll leave the lights on tonight...seriously, this was terrific--thank you and happy holidays (and stay out of the woods!)!
Forsoothe Lady Hyldegard, thy fayr countenance pleaseth myne eyne and thy angelyc musyc pleaseth myne ear. Y prythee for thy hand yn marryage. ❤
Marvellous as always!
Love this... Reminds me of listening to Loreena McKennitt's Christmas songs when I was younger.
Nice! Thank you!
Who's awesome? YOU'RE awesome and you've been so good this year.
Brilliant ! Thank you, Hildegard !
Now I understand where our Dutch Sinterklaas comes from! In the Netherlands we celebrate Sinterklaas on the 5th of December. It is an old man (looks a bit like Santa, but then in the clothes of a Saint) with helpers and if you are nutty, you will get hit with a bundle of twigs or taken in a sack to Spain. As time goes by the stories have softened a little, but children are still scared into behaving for Sinterklaas.
It's more like "Santa" looks like St. Nicholas because he is. (just at the wrong date and commercialized to look like he does today due to Coca Cola inventing "him" for their advertizing)
And in the southern german speaking regions like here in Austria traditionally there is St. Nicholas and Krampus on the 5th and at christmas it's the "Christkind" that brings gifts. No Santa at christmas. (apart from a few people who eagerly like to adopt everything they see in hollywood movies ;-) )
At some point we even had social media threads with "No Weihnachtsmann!, Team Christkind!" signs 😂
This is I think my new favorite holiday song.
Instantly hit by the double trouble vibe. Great work!
Wonderful!
It's a pleasure to listen to your new song, my sir! Merry Christmas for all!
I was literally just thinking I’d like something from you about Santa. Like “santa clause is coming to town” but make it medieval and creepy.
Has anyone ever noticed how freaking creepy that song is?
Anyway. This is a lovely treat! Thanks so much for sharing!