Ethel Cain sings in Middle English for Robert Eggers' Werwulf
Cain collaborated with composer Robin Carolan on “Wynter Waxeth” for the horror film. The soundtrack arrives 12/18, ahead of the movie's 12/25 theatrical opening.
Ethel Cain has contributed “Wynter Waxeth,” an original song performed in Middle English, to Robin Carolan's soundtrack for Werwulf. Directed by Robert Eggers, the horror film takes place in England during the 14th century.
Carolan said the collaboration began with discussions about using Cain's voice as a textural element in the score before developing into a standalone song. He shared medieval music, prayers and ambient recordings with her, and said Eggers helped her learn the Middle English pronunciation, largely during a single session.
Cain said working on music for a horror film had long been an ambition. After Carolan introduced her to the psaltery through his interest in the instrument, she bought one online. A simple melody she picked out on it became the starting point for the song, she said.
Carolan, who founded the Tri Angle label, also composed the scores for Eggers' previous two films. His Werwulf soundtrack is due 12/18, with the film scheduled to reach theaters on 12/25.
