Der Schuster und der Teufel

Hans-Jürgen Gerung’s narration is the real star here, and he plays it perfectly—equal parts theatrical and folksy, with a delivery that feels like he’s leaning over a café table to share a secret. His voice has a natural warmth, but he doesn’t shy away from the story’s darker edges, whether it’s the devil’s sneering arrogance or the shoemaker’s dry amusement at outsmarting him. The pacing is tight, never dragging even for a second, which is impressive for such a short listen. My only quibble? The brief musical interludes between scenes felt a tad overly dramatic—like they were trying to force a “big moment” where none was needed. The story itself is a gem, though its brevity might leave some listeners wanting more. Tschechow’s retelling of this lesser-known folktale feels fresh, sidestepping the usual “good vs. evil” tropes in favor of a battle of wits where the devil’s overconfidence is his downfall. Gerung’s performance sells the humor, especially in the shoemaker’s deadpan reactions to the devil’s antics. That said, the ending feels abrupt—almost like a punchline cut short. Still, this is a fantastic pick for family listening, especially for kids who enjoy their tales with a dash of mischief and adults who appreciate folklore that doesn’t talk down to them. The 38-minute runtime makes it a breeze to revisit, too.