Abschied (Novalis, 1983)

You'll find in this blog long, tricky and pastoral songs by German band Novalis, but here I'd like to introduce a short ballad called "Abschied" ("Farewell")  and coming from the album "Sterntaucher" (that's "Star diver", more or less). I do think this is a highly moving song, apparently plain and essential, but actually full of emotions and musical strength.

"Sterntaucher" was the ninth studio album by Novalis.

It is a welcome example of how a skilled composer can write a prog song lasting three minutes or so. As always, the emotional side of music is more important than rules and habits. Of course, you need a good vocalist and the right amount of instrumental skills. Fred Mühlböck Novalis had this and even more than this, ça va de soi...

Wer Schmetterlinge lachen Hört (Novalis, 1975)

One of my favourite German prog tracks ever, this "Wer Schmetterlinge lachen Hört" (meaning "Those Who Hear Butterflies Laugh") is a rather long song - some 9 minutes - full of changes and charming atmospheres. The sung theme has a strong melodic flavour, but it's build over a dark, imposing organ background. The central instrumental part is more sparkling and displays changing tempos. Here the guitar and the rythm section rule, with a hint of electronic effects too.

 

This self titled album was the second Novalis' studio album.

During this interlude, Detlef Job's electric guitar goes solo adding a deep, sensitive touch to the big picture. The fascinating main theme comes back in the closing section on a military march drumming I also like very much. As many other Novalis' tracks, this epic has a recognizable Wagnerian and Romantic mood, and the listener goes through a dreamlike, colourful soundscape, actually living a strong emotional experience. That's prog, my friends!

Im Netz (Novalis, 1979)

I'm fond of Novalis' romantic vein, and also of their wide range musical inspiration. This 8 minutes song - mostly instrumental - is part of a concept album titled "Flossenengel" ("The Swimming Angel"), dealing with whales and sea life presevation. "In Netz" is a slow tempo, atmospheric song, strongly influenced by Pink Floyd and still very original.

 

Novalis line-up in 1979.

 

This is, IMHO, the closer musical depiction of sea one could imagine. Fluid, shifting, but also calm and majestic, this song rolls by like an ocean of sound, with its Gilmour-like guitars and its suspended and dreaming keyboards. The short sung section is a very German one, with a measured and almost martial melody, sung with a slow-motion effect. I really like to listen to this song with eyes closed and open mind.

Sommerabend (Novalis, 1976)

I like Novalis so much... and this is my favourite track of theirs. It's a 18 minute suite divided in five movements, full of melancholy and beautifully relaxing. Acoustic guitars and keyboards drive the song through a mythical world based on ancient legends and intact nature. Like the romantic poet Novalis from which they took the name, this new era romantic fivesome fill their music and their German lyrics with dreams, flowing water, gentle breeze and contemplation.

Novalis' most famous line-up. In a natural environment, of course.

Several sweet melodies - including the stately main theme - and some rythmic accelerations describe a summer evening and the slow changes in light and wildlife and one really seems to be there, nearby the stream, under the trees, watching and thinking over. Fred Mühlböck's deep and calm voice is just like the icing on the cake... a cake I'll always like to eat. Just a slice, anyone?