Classical Music | Music for Flute

Carl Reinecke

Flute Sonata "Undine," Op. 167  Play

Nina Assimakopoulos Flute
Bill-John Newbrough Piano

Recorded on 07/27/2004, uploaded on 01/20/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sonata Undine, Op. 167    Carl Reinecke

Carl Reinecke's Sonata in e minor is based on the German romantic tale by Friedrich de la Motte Fouque. The tale is of the water spirit Undine, who longs for an immortal soul which can be obtained only through uniting in love with a mortal man.

The first movement portrays Undine in her underwater world. She leaves the water kingdom in search of love with a mortal man and is discovered as a child by a fisherman and his wife, who raise Undine as a daughter.   The second movement paints a picture of Undine's life with her foster parents. It begins with a musical chase between the flute and piano. The piano's carefree folk-like solo section represents the knight Hulbrand who seeks shelter from a raging storm and falls in love with Undine. The wonder surrounding Undine's awakening to love can be heard in the relaxing flute melody preceding the final burst of energy.

The third movement represents the couple's years of marriage filled with contentment. The peacefulness is interrupted when a fountain is uncovered and water spirits rush out and beckon to Undine, represented in the raging middle section of the movement.  All is stilled suddenly by the dropping of a boulder over the fountain.  In the fourth movement, the couple takes a trip on the Danube, which rouses the anger of the water spirits. Undine falls overboard and sinks to the bottom. Thinking she is dead, Huldebrand makes plans to remarry. On the night of his wedding Undine returns as a spirit, veiled and shrouded like a bride. Knowing he is to die, he begs Undine to show him her face. She unveils herself and kills him with a kiss.   Nina Assimakopoulos