The Minstrel's Curse (Song)

"The Minstrel’s Curse" is a lyrical retelling of Ludwig Uhland’s ballad "Des Sängers Fluch" (The Minstrel’s Curse). This poem recounts the tragic tale of two minstrels—a master and his young apprentice—summoned to perform at the court of a cold-hearted king. Their music moves the queen and court to admiration, but the king’s jealousy turns violent. The boy is struck down, and the master’s grief culminates in a curse that dooms the kingdom to oblivion, erasing the king’s legacy. This adaptation captures the powerful themes of art, tyranny, and vengeance central to Uhland’s original work.