Hubert v. Goisern - Elsbeths Lied (Schlafes Bruder)

Storyline
(Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 5 wins & 2 nominations)

In the beginning of the 19th century, Johannes Elias Alder is born in a small village in the Austrian mountains. While growing up he is considered strange by the other villagers and discovers his love to music, especially to playing the organ at the local church. After experiencing an "acoustic wonder", his eye color changes and he can hear even the most subtle sounds. Elias falls in platonic love with Elsbeth, the sister of Peter, a neighbor's son, who has loving feelings towards Elias ever since. After Elsbeth marries someone else, Elias (aged 22) decides to end his life by not sleeping anymore.

Krista comment::
Schlafes Bruder translated into English is "brother of sleep" and refers to a musical piece by Bach. I loved this book and its pure, omniscient narrative.
In the first paragraph Schneider gives away the whole plot: "This is the story of the musician Johannes Elias Alder, who at 22 years old killed himself when he decided never to sleep again."
Can you believe I kept reading? But seriously, I was stunned and enthralled by the beginning and Schneider continues on in the same storyteller fashion as he explains the strange history of Eschberg; a forgotten, incestous mountain village of the mid-1800's. Schneider's writing throughout is reminiscent of a fairy tale and though this does seem old fashioned it really works for a tragic romance.

Shane comment:
I can't remember when I bought this book but I'm sure it was more than 10 years ago and I'm also sure it was because someone compared it to Perfume from Patrick Suskind which is one of my all time favorite books.

Though there are similiarities I found this book nowhere near as interesting, unique or beautifully written as Perfume. There was really no suspense, no mystery, just a kind of evenly paced telling of a tale that seemed to have no climax or build up.

Annette comment:
One of my favourite books!

Cinderella comment:
horrible and haunting!

All in all a stunningly filmed piece of work - if somewhat cheesy at the end - liked the first organ recital the lead gave - primo - the last one was gas too. The gay theme was cool - if a little strange - I mean you'd have thought the main man wud have cottoned-on to Peter's intense feelings for him...o...well...ya get that in the 'real' world of film! All in all a great watch with some stunning cinemagraphic tableauxs..somewhat spoilt by a script with a weak ending.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Hubert v. Goisern
• Schlafes Bruder

[LadyAislinn69]

10/10 von mir ..:)

[EddieEssence]

@LadyAislinn69

Danke..

mir gefällt diese Welt so wie sie war.. Mensch sein.

Einfacher, rauher und härter, aber wesentlich ehrlicher.

[LadyAislinn69]

@EddieEssence

da kann ich nur zustimmen...