Des Künstlers Fisch

Ulrich Roski's song "Des Künstlers Fisch" humorously delves into the life of the famous composer Franz Schubert, presenting a fictional and whimsical anecdote that explains why Schubert was thrown out of the Dreimädelhaus. The song opens by highlighting the mysteries surrounding the lives of great artists, suggesting that ordinary people often remain unaware of these peculiar details. Roski then sets the scene in a sunlit Vienna, where Frau Schubert, while cleaning, discovers a fish inside the piano. This bizarre discovery leads to a series of comedic events centered around Schubert and his fish.

The narrative continues with Frau Schubert's dismay at finding the fish and her immediate call to her son, Franz, to remove it. Franz, however, decides to keep the fish, carrying it around in a bottle. This decision leads to humorous consequences, as the fish begins to smell, affecting Franz's social interactions. The song paints a vivid picture of Franz's struggles, particularly in his romantic pursuits, where the fish's odor becomes a significant hindrance. The repeated rejection by women due to the fish's smell adds a layer of irony, contrasting Schubert's musical genius with his lack of common sense.

Roski's song concludes with a moral lesson, delivered through the voice of the 'old aunt Volksmund,' emphasizing the importance of learning from others' mistakes. The final lines humorously advise that one should leave the fish in the piano when visiting a woman, encapsulating the song's blend of wit and wisdom. Through this playful narrative, Roski not only entertains but also subtly critiques the eccentricities often associated with artistic genius, making "Des Künstlers Fisch" a memorable and thought-provoking piece.