Knight Rupert

“Knight Rupert” is from Robert Schumann’s “Album for the Young”. “Knight Rupert” is a form of “Knecht Ruprecht” — who is a companion of Saint Nicholas as described in the folklore of Germany.

He acts as a foil to the benevolent Christmas gift-bringer, threatening to thrash or abduct disobedient children. Ruprecht wears a black or brown robe with a pointed hood. He carries a long staff and a bag of ashes.

I thought Schumann’s spooky composition would lend itself to a 60’s guitar-rock instrumental setting.

The Wild Horseman

“The Wild Horseman” (Wilder Reiter) is from Robert Schumann’s Album for the Young (Album für die Jugend), Op. 68, which was composed in 1848 for his three daughters.

Here it is redone as a 1960’s style guitar rock instrumental.