Der Arme Spielmann

"Der Arme Spielmann" is a novella written by Franz Grillparzer, one of Austria's most prominent playwrights and often referred to as the country's national poet. The story follows a narrator who encounters an old violinist on his way to a church festival, and is intrigued by his melancholic music. The narrator later visits the musician in his home, where he learns of the tragic events that led to his destitute existence. This novella, published in 1848, is one of only two works of fiction written by Grillparzer and is considered a classic of Austrian literature."