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| MUSIC |
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| Molvania
has a rich musical heritage, the origins of which stretch back to the Middle Ages
when shepherds would carry a kvkadra (a
simple brass horn used to drive away wolves). Unfortunately this instrument had
a similar effect on audiences and, during the 16th century, it was modified into
what we now call a zjardrill (a sort of goat-skin bagpipe played by pumping
the bellows with one’s left elbow whilst moving a series of valves and reeds
up and down a finger board). For all this technical complexity,
the zjardrill was only capable of producing three notes, but despite this
limitation a rich folk tradition soon developed around it. Even today these instruments
can still be heard, especially in outlying areas where people gather to enjoy
traditional dances such as the mzazeruk
(in which a trio of young women perform an energetic jig whilst a circle of men
attempt to fondle them). |
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On
Air! Although there is no FM-band, pop music can be heard on the AM-band or
the
more popular CB-band. |
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No visit to this part of the world would be complete without experiencing
the haunting harmonies of the Molvanian Boys Choir. Despite recent negative publicity
surrounding their choirmaster’s ‘extra-curricular’ activities (all
charges were actually dismissed by a Swiss court), the young vocalists continue
to delight. Here’s a tip – catch them now before proposed anti-castration
laws are formally passed. |
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Two
girls, one guy and a transvestite make up Molvania’s most successful pop
music act, the award-winning Spatzal!, who made it to fifth place in the 1998
Eurovision Song Contest with their catchy dance tune ‘Vlarsh ei Czolom’
(‘Your Boogy I am Shaking’). Sadly, the group split up in 2001 (bass
player Vron Gzapaov reportedly has a solo album in the works) but such was their
influence that there are numerous Spatzal! tribute bands still touring the
Baltic
region.
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| | Following
the success of their previous L.P.s ‘Im’ Ready
From Yuo!’ (1993) and ‘Hey Beutifulls!’ (1994), Spatzal’s
‘Let’s Rock!’ (1996) proved to
be an historic album, described by Rolling Stone as Molvania’s first ever
correctly-spelt English language release | |
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| This
extract taken from MOLVANIA – a land untouched by modern dentistry |
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