Der Erlknig Character Diagram

Grade(s)

10-12

Subject(s)

Music Appreciation

Length of
Lesson

Two 50-minute classes, one in music class & one in a computer

lab

Lesson
Overview/
Rationale

Connecting music to history and literature through the study

of Schuberts lied Der Erlknig; using technology to create a
character diagram

Curriculum
Framework/
Standards

ART.M.III.HS.2 Analyze aural examples of a varied repertoire of

music, representing diverse genres and cultures, by describing
the uses of elements of music and expressive devices.
ART.M.V.HS.3 Explain ways in which the principles and subject
matter of
various disciplines outside the arts are interrelated with those
of music.
Source: Michigan Merit Curriculum Standards, Benchmarks,
and Grade Level Content Expectations: Visual Arts, Music,
Dance, and Theater, MDE
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Complete_VPAA_Ex
pectations_June_2011_356110_7.pdf

Learning
Objectives

Students will:
Learn about the writer Goethe and his poem Der
Erlknig
Learn about lieder (German Romantic-Era art songs)
through Schuberts musical interpretation of the Der
Erlknig poem.
Using Inspiration software, be able to diagram the
characters in the poem and how theyre represented in
the music

Technology
Uses

Youtube video & student use of Inspiration software

Materials

Copy of the poem Der Erlknig with English translation

Video of Der Erlknig https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ao8DGnCBApw
Inspiration software on computers for students
Discuss Romantic Era style & how it included a connection to
supernatural & macabre art and literature
Watch the video (sand art performance of Der Erlknig)
Read/study the poem by Goethe, and identify & discuss the
characters
Learn to use Inspiration software, and create a diagram of the
Erlkonig characters identifying both their part in the story &
their musical depiction

Procedure

Assessment

Students will be graded on:

Participation in class discussion (part of weekly
participation grade)
Using Inspiration to make a diagram of the characters in
Der Erlknig. Must include 1) the four characters
portrayed by the singer as well as the pianos character
(5 pts), 2) a brief description of each character (10 pts),
and 3) a brief description of how each character is
represented musically (10 pts).

Der Erlknig Character Diagram