LIECHTENSTEIN: MUSIC AND DANCE

The music of Liechtenstein is stemmed from being in the middle of the three music capitals of Europe—France, Germany, and Italy. However, their musical culture is probably tied with that of Germany the most. Their most famous composer is Josef Rheinberger. He is often referred to as being the mentor to the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (most famous for his opera Hänsel und Gretel). Rheinberger, prolific at the organ, was also a friend of the famous Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. Although he was born and raised in Liechtenstein, he spent most of his time in Germany. And even though I was a music major, this is the first time I have every heard of Josef Rheinberger. After listening to some of his works, I really like what I heard. I may try to find some of his piano pieces. What’s interesting is that the Liechtenstein Music School is housed in the same building that Rheinberger was born in 1839. It is one of the main schools promoting music education in the country. 

Music is incorporated into much of the culture of Liechtenstein. There are numerous music festivals held every year celebrating a variety of music, such as the Liechtenstein Guitar Days. Choirs are popular; the Singing Society has 24 adult choirs and 12 children’s choirs. There are also several symphony orchestras, not to mention a big band orchestra and several jazz and blues bands. Brass bands dress in traditional costume and are quite popular. 

 

Theatre, dance, and music are often combined together. The TAK is one of the premier theatres in Liechtenstein that promotes all of this. Not only do they promote their own arts, but they also open it up for a number of international acts there as well. Music and dance are often showcased at community and national celebrations. Carnival is a very busy time for musicians, and dressing in masks and face paint is often used as a way to dance uninhibited. (Alcohol will also do the same thing.) 

There’s not a ton of information on bands from Liechtenstein, but there are a few, though. And some of the bands mentioned may or may not exactly be from Liechtenstein, but rather it might be highly popular in Liechtenstein. Sometimes I couldn't tell. Metal music seems to be a big thing there. I highly enjoyed listening to the band Erben der Schopfung (literally means "Heirs of Creation" in English). It was more along the lines of gothic metal, but they also used some synthesized filler in places as well. But you know me, a gothic metal band with a female lead singer? Yes, please. And especially because I can tell the lead singer is classically trained. Double yes. 
 

Another metal band I listened to was Dark Salvation. There were definitely some moments that almost reminded me of Yngwie Malmsteen. But then the drummer turned his set into a machine gun and the lead singer let out this primal scream. So, you know, if that’s your thing… My husband loved it. 

 

I found the band Nevertheless. It was a nice change. They’re definitely a little more on the pop-rock/indie-rock level. I think they remind me a little of Imagine Dragons style (my daughter is obsessed with them) with their chord changes and instrumentation. And they sing in English. I think she’d like them, too. 

Landvogt is a mix of rock and a little bit of synthesized electronica a la late 1980s rock. Singing in English, they had catchy riffs. Even though the lead singer really doesn’t have the strongest voice as far as pitch and timbre goes, but the rest of it makes up for it to a degree.

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