Das Christ-Elflein

Libretto by the composer after the Christmas story by Ilse von Stach (G)

Major roles: 2S,T,Bar,2B; minor roles: T,B,2speakers,mime;
chorus
2(II=picc).2(II=corA).2.2-2.1.0.0-timp.perc:tgl/tam-t/tamb/t.bells-
harp-strings; tpt on stage

A wood in the middle of winter

Herr von Gumpach and his wife have two children -- their son Frieder and their daughter Trautchen. Both children have been brought up to believe in Christmas, but Frieder has lost his belief, and when his sister falls ill it seems likely she will die. Trautchen badly wants a Christmas tree, and it is the Christ-child who eventually supplies one before curing her of her illness. His sister's recovery encourages Frieder to pray again. Since God was expecting a soul to go up to Heaven, the Christ-child sends an elf instead, who thus becomes the Christelflein. As a reward he is allowed to visit his friend the Old Fir Tree every Christmas Eve. The angels sing of peace on earth, the Old Fir Tree of God's blessing of his people.

Poetic