Pux Fila - Absolution | Story Video

Some books stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Hanny Alders' historical novel "Non Nobis", also known as "Twilight of the Templars", is one of those books for me. What has stayed with me all these years is the love story of Richard and Béatrice. Richard is a Templar knight who survives war, captivity and torture, but the consequences of his suffering change his life forever, making his love for Béatrice impossible to fulfil as they once imagined. I first read their story many years ago. I never expected life would eventually make me understand it so differently. That connection inspired "Absolution", a composition that grew into three musical interpretations. The original version combines the distinctive sound of the hurdy-gurdy with melodic electronic arrangements, subtle synthesizers and arpeggios, alongside melodic halftime Dubstep rhythm. The Chillout & Lounge version takes a gentler approach, blending hurdy-gurdy, caval, oboe and harp with atmospheric electronic textures and a restrained downtempo rhythm. And then came "Absolution – Story Video"... for this third interpretation, I wanted the music and images to tell Richard and Béatrice's story together. The hurdy-gurdy leads the composition, accompanied by flute, oboe, harp, hammered dulcimer, classical violin and guitar. These instruments support and occasionally replace one another, creating a rich, evolving arrangement without drums, synthesizers or electronic arpeggios. The sound evokes the atmosphere of medieval times without becoming an antiquated musical reconstruction. Its deep, expressive melodies give the story a contemporary emotional dimension, while every musical passage is carefully synchronized with the images. Throughout the video, Richard's appearance changes, reflecting the years and experiences that transform him. Béatrice, however, always wears the same burgundy dresses and hairstyle. The contrast is intentional. Burgundy echoes the red cross of the Templars and symbolizes the blood Richard sheds, both physically and emotionally. As he changes, she remains a familiar presence, like someone whose image stays with us regardless of how much time has passed. I also used two distinctly different castles to suggest the physical distance separating Richard and Béatrice. Their contrasting appearances reinforce the feeling of two people whose lives remain apart despite their love. Another detail lies in the church scenes. Richard is never shown praying while facing the altar, reflecting his struggle between his love for Béatrice and the vows he has taken as a Templar knight. Only in the final church scene does this change. Richard appears wearing his full battle equipment, including his helmet, and this time he prays facing the altar. For me, that moment represents his final decision to devote himself entirely to the cause of the Knights Templar, accepting the path he has chosen despite everything he feels for Béatrice. But that decision cannot erase his feelings. In the final scene, Richard stands alone in the forest, leaning against a tree, his head lowered under the weight of everything he has lost. Then he slowly raises his head, almost as if making one last attempt to look toward the love that has slipped beyond his reach. I wanted that final gesture to express the pain of a man who has made his choice but cannot simply stop loving. His life will go on, although a part of him will always remain with Béatrice. Their story also makes me reflect on relationships today. We often seek companionship, intimacy or practical security, but how often do we still experience genuine longing for one particular person? How often do we love someone even when circumstances make a shared future impossible? Those familiar with my earlier piece "Two Worlds" may recognize something of its emotional background here. Some feelings find their way into different compositions, even when the stories surrounding them seem worlds apart. "Absolution" began with a novel I read many years ago, but its meaning has changed with time. If this music and video have touched you, I sincerely recommend reading Hanny Alders' novel. Richard and Béatrice's story deserves to be discovered also in the author's own words. Final note: I chose to explain some of the visual details in this description because, without knowing the story behind them, certain images and their symbolism might not be immediately clear to those who haven't read the book.