
Faun – Walpurgisnacht
Faun is a German band that was formed in 1998 and plays pagan folk, darkwave, and medieval music. The originality of their music style is that it falls back to “old” instruments, and the singing is always the center of attention. The vocals are performed in a variety of languages, including German, English, Latin, Greek, and Scandinavian languages. Their instruments include Celtic harp, Swedish nyckelharpa, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, cittern, flutes, and many others.
“Walpurgisnacht” by Faun is a song that pays tribute to the traditional German festival of Walpurgisnacht, also known as Walpurgis Night. This festival is celebrated on the night of April 30th and is believed to be a time when witches and supernatural beings gather to hold ceremonies and revelries.
The lyrics portray the sense of excitement and anticipation that surrounds this night. The first stanza describes the rising of the magic veil as the witches and enchanting spirits take flight into the evening sky. It alludes to the presence of both wild and mystical beings, such as Lilith, and the secret winds that carry them.
As the song continues, it calls for people to join in the festivities and reach out to the stars while gathering around the fires. The lyrics imply a sense of unity and freedom as they mention carrying forth good and evil words, suggesting that this night is a time for communication and releasing emotions.
The chorus speaks of the beauty and enchantment of the night, with echoes of violins and the fires that have been ignited. It encourages everyone to follow the dance, the “reigen,” and embrace the spirit of Walpurgisnacht.
The second stanza emphasizes the energy and intensity of the event, with the wild play of violins accompanying the lively night’s dance. The participants willingly join the ancient magic and traditions associated with Walpurgisnacht, reveling in its wildness and freedom of expression.
The song ends with the acknowledgement that this celebration is a fleeting moment, existing only in the circle of the night. As the first light of dawn approaches, the dreamlike fabric of the night will be broken but will live on in memory and the echoes of the music sung by the wind.
Overall, “Walpurgisnacht” captures the mysticism, freedom, and sense of community found in the festival, celebrating the traditions and atmosphere of this magical night.