The music is based on a fairy tale by Baron Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué based on the folk tale of a mermaid`s love for a knight. It tells the story of a mermaid who attempts to acquire a human soul by marrying a mortal man.
The music clearly distinguishes programmatic scenes
- Forest Life The introduction depicts the carefree life of young Undine in the forest with her adoptive fishermen parents.
- Undine`s Theme The clarinet solo conveys her playful light and childish character.
- The Knight`s Appearance A sudden arrogant and harsh brass motif heralds the arrival of the knight Huldbrand.
- Finale A broad love theme unfolds which gives way to scenes of jealousy misunderstanding and leads to the tragic death of the heroes.