Bobby McFerrin conducts a crowd by hopping

I would love to have more posts about music on Schnitzelbahn.  Until Frau A and I head to another concert (especially with some German classical or pop/modern music), I would recommend these three minutes:

He seems smart, fun, interesting -- one of the people on "who would you invite for dinner" lists.
Fascinating to hear at the end that this is a cross-cultural phenomenon that he's done around the world.

Johnny Cash...in German!

Since I'd missed most of the Christmas markets, I was determined to get a small dose of German Christmas wonderfulness while I still can. Sunday evening we made a quick run to the World's Largest Feuerzangebowle at Isartor. It's small, but the square is filled with stands selling crepes, wurst, and pommes, and of course feuerzangebowle.

Isartor Feuerzangebowle

What we enjoy about this one (besides the fact that they remain open through Jan 6!), is that they show the classic movie die Feuerzangebowle on the Isartor walls. The also usually pipe in older American music.

Which is exactly why we found ourselves wondering, that sounds like Johnny Cash, but is it really him singing in German?

Yep, it is.

I'm not sure whether or not if he had any special motivation since he spent 3 years near Landsberg with the military, but Johnny Cash apparently recorded a few songs in German.

His 1978 compilation album The Unissued Johnny Cash of previously unreleased recordings (made in 1958-62) includes 2 tracks in German: Wo Ist Zu Hause, Mama (Five Feet High and Rising) and Viel Zu Sp ät (I Got Stripes). Apparently he recorded these when his songs became popular in German. Pretty forward-thinking for the time!

He also later recorded a German version of I Walk the Line. As you can see from the lyrics below, it's quite a different song. But it still sounds good and is probably better than trying to directly translate a song that has a lot of sayings in it.

Wer kennt den Weg Am allerschonsten war es doch zu Haus Und doch zog's mich einst in die Welt hinaus Und in der Ferne suchte ich mein Glück Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck Sie schenkte mir die Liebe und ihr Herz Doch ich bracht' ihr nur Tranen, Leid und Schmerz Denn ich verliesie und damit mein Gluck Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck Wer kennt den Weg zuruck in jene Zeit Den Weg zuruck in die Vergangenheit Den Weg nach Hause und zum ersten Glück Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck

(Translated) Who knows the way The most beautiful thing was to be at home And I was drawn out into the world And in the distance I sought my luck Who knows the way, the way back She gave me love and her heart But I brought her only tears, sorrow and pain So I lost her and with her my luck Who knows the way, the way back Who knows the way back in those days The way back to the past The way home and to that first luck Who knows the way, the way back

(Original) I Walk the Line I keep a close watch on this heart of mine. I keep my eyes wide open all the time. I keep the ends out for the tie that binds. Because you're mine, I walk the line. I find it very, very easy to be true. I find myself alone when each day is through. Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you. Because you're mine, I walk the line. As sure as night is dark and day is light. I keep you on my mind both day and night. And happiness I've known proves that it's right Because you're mine, I walk the line. You've got a way to keep me on your side. You give me cause for love that I can't hide. For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide. Because you're mine, I walk the line.

He also appeared on the popular German show Wetten dass...? in 1983. Though he performed two songs in English, he did speak a bit to the audience in German between songs. Sure, he stumbles through it, but I certainly can't criticize anyone's attempts to speak a foreign language! I'm impressed he made the effort.

Wer kennt den Weg   Am allerschonsten war es doch zu Haus Und doch zog's mich einst in die Welt hinaus Und in der Ferne suchte ich mein Glück Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck   Sie schenkte mir die Liebe und ihr Herz Doch ich bracht' ihr nur Tranen, Leid und Schmerz Denn ich verliesie und damit mein Gluck Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck   Wer kennt den Weg zuruck in jene Zeit Den Weg zuruck in die Vergangenheit Den Weg nach Hause und zum ersten Glück Wer kennt den Weg, den Weg zuruck

(Translated) Who knows the way The most beautiful thing was to be at home AndI was drawn out into the world And in the distance I sought my luck Who knows the way, the way back   She gave me love and her heart But I brought her only tears, sorrow and pain So I lost her and with her my luck Who knows the way, the way back Who knows the way back in those days The way back to the past The way home and to that first luck Who knows the way, the way back

(Original) I Walk the Line I keep a close watch on this heart of mine. I keep my eyes wide open all the time. I keep the ends out for the tie that binds. Because you're mine, I walk the line. I find it very, very easy to be true. I find myself alone when each day is through. Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you. Because you're mine, I walk the line. As sure as night is dark and day is light. I keep you on my mind both day and night. And happiness I've known proves that it's right Because you're mine, I walk the line. You've got a way to keep me on your side. You give me cause for love that I can't hide. For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide. Because you're mine, I walk the line.

Oktoberfest Songs 3 - The Songs You Already Know

In the first two posts, we learned some of the most popular Oktoberfest songs and dance moves.

First, the more recent Wies’n hits

Second, the older Traditional and Classic songs

Today, we’ll feature the other songs you’ll hear often, but should already know. 

Sorry to break the stereotypes, but you probably will not hear any Hasselhoff songs at Oktoberfest.  However, as anything that gets the crowd singing or dancing or swaying is fair game, you will hear quite a few popular American songs or covers of them.   

Here we’ll just give you the video and a link to the lyrics in case you need them, rather than taking up space with all the lyrics. 

Speaking of stereotypes….we’ll go straight to the #1 Oktoberfest song you already know 

Country Roads:

I don’t know what it is about this song, but it’s everywhere. My theory is that part of the passport application process for Germans is a test to see if they know the words.  Per capita, there probably are more Germans who know the words than Americans.  There’s even a bar in Bangkok called Country Roads, and they will definitely play it for you.

If you stay long enough in a tent or party where trachten is worn, you WILL hear Country Roads, and everyone WILL sing along.  If you don’t know them already, learn the words.  You’ll thank us later – and you’ll have a ready karaoke song next time you need to come up with one in Asia.   

The lyrics page just further supports my theory – they have an option on the left for 11 additional languages! 

The Ketchup Song & The Macarena:

Strangely, The Ketchup Song (actually titled Aserejé) seems to be more popular than the Macarena, though you probably will hear both. Apparently Aserejé swept Europe as a huge hit but didn’t quite capture the same success in the US. Here are the videos, to refresh you on the dance moves.  

You think I’m joking, but I’m not…we heard both at Pappasito’s a few weeks ago…

I’ve shown the Spanglish version that’s most popular, but you can also check out the full Spanish version (lyrics shown here and video here ) 

You may want to check out the lyrics, but definitely learn the dance moves.

And the Macarena (lyrics)

Walking on Sunshine:

Katrina and the Waves’ 1983 hit is a huge hit and really gets the crowd dancing on the benches. (Lyrics)

Hey Baby:

While most Americans will think of Dirty Dancing when they hear this one, it’s really DJ Ötzi's version that has driven the resurgence of this song.  If you’re a Rockies fan, you’ll hear this version during the 7^th inning stretch.

While almost EVERYONE seems to have covered this song (including The Chipmunks), I think the Dirty Dancing and this version are the most popular. This one is similar to the original, but with the “ooohh, aahhh!” lyric added.

99 Luftballons:

While this one is a German song, it’s a big enough international hit that everyone will recognize it.  You’ll likely hear the German version, so we’ll show the lyrics and translation here.  Since Nena released a separate English version, the English song 99 Red Balloons isn’t really a translation from the German – it’s a different song, with the same spirit and tune.  

99 Luftballons Hast du etwas Zeit für mich Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich Von 99 Luftballons Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont Denkst du vielleicht g'rad an mich Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich Von 99 Luftballons Und dass so was von so was kommt 99 Luftballons Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All Darum schickte ein General 'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher Alarm zu geben, wenn es so wär Dabei war'n da am Horizont Nur 99 Luftballons 99 Düsenjäger Jeder war ein großer Krieger Hielten sich für Captain Kirk Das gab ein großes Feuerwerk Die Nachbarn haben nichts gerafft Und fühlten sich gleich angemacht Dabei schoss man am Horizont Auf 99 Luftballons 99 Kriegsminister - Streichholz und Benzinkanister - Hielten sich für schlaue Leute Witterten schon fette Beute Riefen Krieg und wollten Macht Mann, wer hätte das gedacht Dass es einmal soweit kommt Wegen 99 Luftballons 99 Jahre Krieg Ließen keinen Platz für Sieger Kriegsminister gibt's nicht mehr Und auch keine Düsenflieger Heute zieh' ich meine Runden Seh' die Welt in Trümmern liegen Hab' 'nen Luftballon gefunden Denk' an dich und lass' ihn fliegen

99 Baloons (translation) If you have some time for me, then I'll sing a song for you About 99 balloons On their way to the horizon. If you're maybe thinking about me now then I'll sing a song for you About 99 balloons and what comes from such a thing. 99 balloons on their way to the horizon People think they're UFO's so a general sent up a fighter squadron after them Sound the alarm if were so but there on the horizon were only 99 balloons. 99 fighter jets Each one's a great warrior Thinks himself a Captain Kirk then came a great firework the neighbors didn't understand and felt provoked so they shot at the horizon at 99 balloons. 99 War Ministers - matches and gasoline cans They thought they were clever people already smelled a nice bounty Called for war and wanted power. Man, who would've thought that things would someday go so far because of 99 balloons. 99 years of war left no room for victors. There are no more War Ministers nor any jet fighters. Today I'm making my rounds see the world lying in ruins. I found a balloon, thought of you and let it fly away.

For the English Version:

99 Red Balloons (English Version):

You and I in a little toy shop

Buy a bag of balloons with the money we've got

Set them free at the break of dawn

Til one by one, they were gone

Back at base bugs in the software

Flash the message, something's out there

Floating in the summer sky

99 red balloons go by

99 red balloons

Floating in the summer sky

Panic bells - it's red alert

There's something here from somewhere else

The war machine springs to life

Opens up one eager eye

Focusing it on the sky as 99 red balloons go by

99 Decision street

99 ministers meet

To worry, worry, super flurry

Call the troops out in a hurry

This is what we've waited for

This is it boys, this is war

The president is on the line

As 99 red balloons go by

99 knights of the air

Ride super high tech jet fighters

Everyone's a super hero

Everyone's a Captain Kirk

With orders to identify

To clarify, and classify

Scramble in the summer sky

99 red balloons go by

99 dreams I have had

In every one a red balloon

It's all over and I'm standing pretty

In this dust that was a city

If I could find a souvenir

Just to prove the world was here

And here is a red balloon

I think of you, and let it go

Summer of ’69:

Staying in 80s classics but moving back to North America, we have Bryan Adams’ 1985 anthem. (Lyrics)

New York, New York:

Moving backwards in the classics department, we get to Sinatra. Between its status as a classic and New York’s status in the German vacation preferences, everyone loves this one.

I doubt anyone needs the lyrics, but just in case…

Sweet Home Alabama:

And 4 or 5 years back further, we have Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama.  I was shocked the first 5 times I heard this played in Germany – at Oktoberfest, a fair, a fireworks competition, and the Women’s World Cup downhill – and then I realized how popular it is here.

Kid Rock’s All Summer Long that samples Sweet Home Alabama is also popular among the younger crowd.

Lyrics for the original, and for Kid Rock’s version.

Not the original, but a 2003 concert version:

And Kid Rock’s All Summer Long:

Or if you prefer, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd performing together, on some awards show.

Mambo No. 5:

Changing pace back to songs that we all love to hate (but secretly love), we have Lou Bega’s 19 hit.  In Germany’s defense, he is German…and spent his early years (until 15) in Munich. So, I guess this is appropriate for Oktoberfest after all.  (Lyrics)

Sweet Caroline:

Thank you, Niel, this is a great one for the crowds! (Lyrics)

If you haven’t had enough DJ Ötzi yet, he released a cover a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RacmAUst7g0&feature=related

La Bamba:

Another oldie and another one with a little Latin influence (in this case, a LOT!)…

There are quite a few versions out there, but here are Los Lonely Boys and Carlos Santana at the 2004 Latin Grammy Awards.

The Spanish lyrics are available here.

Off on a tangent…Berlitz did a cute commercial using this song to show misunderstandings.

Que Sera Sera:

Another of the oft-covered classics, Dutch group Hermes House Band’s version has become quite popular.  The lyrics are the same, just remixed and faster. 

Hermes House Band - Que Sera Sera: Video Vidéo MoeAva sélectionnée dans Musique

  

YMCA:

Since the crowds love Fliegerlied and The Ketchup Song, it should be no surprise that YMCA is a popular Oktoberfest song.

I don’t think anyone really needs a refresher to the words or the song, but here’s the original video, which may be something most of us have never actually seen.

Is this the way to Amarillo:

For our final “oldie” on the list, we have Tony Christie’s 1971 hit. I hadn’t heard this one before moving to Germany.  Apparently it was a huge hit in the UK and continental Europe, especially Germany, where it topped the charts, but never was very popular in the US.  I’m not surprised about its success in Germany….it’s schlager and has a nice “lalalalalalala” chorus for the audience to sing.

The song has been remade several times and somehow has become a popular football chant in some UK and German stadiums.  A parody by British soldiers in Iraq in 2005 was so popular it crashed the Ministry of Defense servers! (see the video here)

So, maybe we should file it under “most popular American song that no Americans know” or something other than “songs you should know.”  The lyrics are simple.

Angels:

Like Country Roads, Robbie Williams’ ballad hit big in Europe and SE Asia. Another good option to learn for your karaoke songs.

It’s My Life:

And we’ll end the list with one of my favorites, by Bon Jovi.  Catchy, energetic tune and the lyrics are well-suited to a crowd that wants to sing and scream.  

So now you’ll know a large percentage of the songs most commonly played at Oktoberfest.  If you really want to get the full singing experience, you should go in the evenings when the bands are playing more and the crowds are more energetic.  Herr J and I highly recommend the Kaiserschmarm Tent, which is a little smaller and intimate (it’s wine, prosecco, and cocktails, not beer) and has a great band playing songs everyone loves.  Wherever there’s an opportunity for props and costumes (YMCA, for example), they’ll take it.

And after Oktoberfest? If you want to keep singing? Many locals go to the après Wies’n parties at local clubs.  MünchenBlogger has a list of some common spots. Löwenbräukeller and Park Café are always popular hot spots, as are the usual clubs like P1 and 089. Or keep your eyes out around town for posters showing “Après Wies’n” parties.

Let us know your favourite Oktoberfest songs, and if we’ve missed any.

Oktoberfest Songs 2 - Traditional and Classic

Now that you’ve learned the moves to Fliegerlied and Cowboy und Indianer in our Wies’n Hits guide, it’s time to learn a few of the older songs.  Most are in this category due to age (i.e., before the 90s), though a few are here due to being traditional beer festival songs. While this section includes a wide range of genres, it will definitely add to your schlager repertoire! 

Ein Prosit:

If you learn to recognize only one song, make sure that it’s “Ein Prosit.” You probably will hear it every 15 minutes.  The procedure is this:  The band starts up the song, and everyone raises their glassed, sings along, and toasts each other at the song’s end with a big “Prost!” or “Zum Wohl!,” of course making sure make eye contact when you toast. (this is important in Germany!)

The words are simple:

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit.

Oans, zwoa, drei, g'suffa! 

As “ein Prosit” means “a toast”, it’’s just a song about toasting each other. “A toast, a toast, to the comfort of everyone.” And at the end in Bavarian, “One, two, three, drink up!”

Wahnsinn (Hölle, Hölle, Hölle):

I confess, I have this on my workout mix.  It’s a prime example of an Ohrwurm (“ear worm”), a song that wriggles in through your ears and just won’t go away!

It’s basically an early Alannis Morrisette angry breakup song, but sung by a German dude (Wolfgang Petry).  The catchy tune and refrains for crowd participation make it a Wies’n Hit, albeit a classic.  

I chose a video of a faster version of the song by the Lollies, but the original video is worth a look once the song gets stuck in your head – let’s just say that it contains everything wonderfully cheesy about the 80s and is set in a steelmill...permed hair, molten steel, cheesy camera angles…

The crowd response is bracketed and in italics:

Wahnsinn (Hölle, Hölle, Hölle!) Von Dir keine Spur, die Wohnung ist leer und mein Herz wie Blei so schwer, ich geh kaputt, denn Du bist wieder bei ihm. Ich weiss nur eins: jetzt ist Schluss und dass ich um dich kämpfen muss. Wo bist Du? Sag mir wo bist Du? [Chorus] Wahnsinn, warum schickst Du mich in die Hölle? [Hölle, Hölle, Hölle!] Eiskalt lässt Du meine Seele erfriern. Das ist Wahnsinn, Du spielst mit meinen Gefühlen. [Fühle, Fühle!] Und mein Stolz liegt längst schon auf dem Müll. [Müll, Sondermüll!] Doch noch weiss ich was ich will: ich will Dich. [Ganz allein!] Ich lauf im Kreis von früh bis spät, denn ich weiss, dass ohne Dich nichts geht. Ich brauche Luft bevor mein Herz erstickt. Und wie ein Wolf renn ich durch die Stadt, Such hungrig unsere Kneipen ab. Wo bist Du? Sag mir wo bist Du? [Chorus] Doch noch weiss ich was ich will: ich will Dich. [Ganz allein!] [Chorus]

Madness (Hell, Hell, Hell!) No trace of you, the apartment is empty and my heart is heavy as lead, I’m destroyed, because you're back with him. I only just one thing: now it's over and I must fight for you. Where are you? Tell me where are you? [Chorus] Madness, why do send me to hell? [Hell, hell, hell!] Ice-cold, you freeze my soul. This madness, you play with my feelings. [Feelings, Feelings, Feelings!] And my pride is long since thrown in the trash. [Trash, hazardous waste!] But still I know what I want: I want you. [All alone!] I run in circles all day long, because I know that without you, nothing goes. I need air before my heart chokes. And I run like a wolf through the city, Searching hungrily in our pubs. Where are you? Tell me where are you? [Chorus] But still I know what I want: I want you. [All alone!] [Chorus]

Sierra Madre:

This is another one where most people just know the chorus. And you too will know it after hearing it once…

An 80s song by the Austria band Zillertauer Schürzenjäger* (roughly translated as the “Heartbreaker from Zillertau”), this is one where everyone sways, sometimes arm in arm, and sings along.  The band – and the song – are in the Alpen-Rock genre, which is a blend of folk, pop, and rock.

Sierra Madre Wenn der Morgen kommt und die letzten Schatten vergeh'n Schau'n die Menschen der Sierra hinauf zu den sonnigen Höh'n Schau'n hinauf wo der weisse Kondor so einsam zieht Wie ein Grüss an die Sonne erklingt ihr altes Lied [Chorus] Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur Sierra, Sierra Madre. Oh, oh, Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur, Sierra, Sierra Madre. Wenn die Arbeit getan der Abendfrieden nun beginnt Schau'n die Menschen hinauf wo die Sierra im Abendrot brennt Und sie denken daran wie schnell ein Glück oft vergeht Und aus tausend' Herzen klingt es wie ein Gebet

Sierra Madre When the morning comes and the last shadow goes The people of the Sierra look up to the sunny heights Look up where the white condor so lonely flies Greet the sun like an old song you’ve heard [Chorus] Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur Sierra, Sierra Madre. Oh, oh, Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur, Sierra, Sierra Madre. When work is done the evening peace begins The people of the Sierra look up where the sunset burns And they remember how quickly luck often goes And from a thousand hearts, it sounds like a prayer

*Schürzenjäger is a new favourite German word. It’s an old one, but since it literally translates to “blouse-hunter” I guess it’s the German equivalent of “skirt-chaser!”

Anita:

Another prime example of classic 70s schlager is Costa Cordalis’ Anita, with the audience echoing Anita.

Anita [Chorus] Ich fand sie irgendwo allein in Mexiko Anita (Anita) schwarz war ihr Haar. die Augen wie zwei Sterne so klar Komm steig auf dein Pferd sagte ich zu ihr Anita (Anita) Fiesta ist heut’ die Stadt ist nicht mehr weit mach dich schnell bereit Ich seh dir an da schlummert ein Vulkan du wartest auf die Liebe ich will sie wecken und alles entdecken was keiner bisher sah hohohoho Reite wie der Wind bis die Nacht beginnt Anita (Anita) dann sind wir da und jeder soll es sehn wie wir uns verstehn Musikanten herbei spielt ein Lied für uns zwei bei Musik und bei Wein woll'n wir heut glücklich sein [Chorus]  Ich bau für uns ein Nest wo sich's leben Iässt Anita (Anita) in Mexiko denn nur bei dir allein werd ich immer sein. Um uns herum da sassen sie ganz stumm und machten grosse Augen die companeros mit ihren sombreros denn nun gehörst du mir hohohoho Heute ist die Nacht nicht zum Schlafen da Anita (Anita) denn so ein Fest gab es noch nirgendwo hier in Mexiko Musikanten herbei spielt ein Lied für uns zwei bei Musik und bei Wein woll'n wir heut glücklich sein [Chorus]  Ich bau für uns ein Nest wo sich's leben Iässt Anita (Anita)

Anita [Chorus]  I found her alone somewhere in Mexico Anita (Anita) Black was her hair, Her eyes like two stars, so clear Come, climb on your horse I said to her Anita (Anita) Fiesta is today the city isn’t far Get ready quickly I look at you as a dormant volcano you wait for love I want to wake you and explore everything that no one saw before hohohoho Ride like the wind Until the night begins Anita (Anita) then we are there and everyone should see how we understand each other Musicians come here play a song for us two with music and wine we’ll be happy today [Chorus]  I built a nest for us where love can be Anita (Anita) In  Mexico Then only with you alone Will I always be. All around us as they sat quite silent and made big eyes the companeros with their sombreros because now you're mine hohohoho Today is the night not for sleeping Anita (Anita) because such a party there was still nowhere here in Mexico Musicians come here play a song for us two with music and wine we’ll be happy today [Chorus]  I built a nest for us Where love can be Anita (Anita)

Fürstenfeld:

Another one from the 80s, this time by Austrian band S.T.S. This is a cool rock ballad about a musician who moved from to the big city (Vienna) and now just wants to go back home (to Fürstenfeld).  The original definitely has a more Austrian accent than you’ll hear at Oktoberfest. Sometimes you’ll get it in the original Austrian, sometimes more hochdeutsch.  And often the band may omit a few of the slower verses in order to get to the great chorus more quickly.

Give it a listen, it does speed up and is a great song

For extra fun, you can see the 80s original video here.

Fürstenfeld Langsam find't der Tog sei End, und die Nocht beginnt. In der Kärntnerstroßen, do singt ana “Blowing in the Wind”. Hot a grianes Reckerl an, steht do ganz verlur'n, und der Steff'l, der schaut obi auf den ormen Steirer Buam. Der hat woll'n sei Glück probieren in der großen fremden Stadt Hat glaubt, sei Musik bringt ihn auf's Rennbahn - Express Titelblatt Aus der Traum, zerplatzt wie Seifenblasen, nix is blieb Als wie a paar Schilling in sein Gitarrenkoffer drin Wochenlang steh' i scho do, wochenlang plog i mi oh, i spül mir die Finger wund und sing sogor "Do kummt die Sunn". Doch es ist zum narrisch werd'n, kana wüll mi singan her'n. Longsom kriag i wirklich g'nua, i frog mi wos i do dua. Da geht den ganzen Tag der Wind, Nix als Baustellen, dass ka Mensch was find't Die Burenhäut'ln sind ein Graus Und im Kaffeehaus brenntst di aus [Chorus] I wüll wieder ham, i fühl mi do so alla, brauch ka große Wölt, i wü ham nach Fürstenföld. In der Zeitung, do hom's g'schrieb'n, do gibt's a Szene, do muaßt hin. Wos die woll'n, des soll'n sie schreib'n, mir konn die Szene g'stohl'n bleib'n. Da geh' i gestern im U4, fangt a Dirndl an zum Red'n mit mir, schworze Lippen, grüne Hoor, do kannst ja Angst kriag'n, wirklich wohr. [Chorus] Niemals spül i mehr in Wien, Wien hot mi gor net verdient, i spül höchstens no in Graz, Sinabelkirchen und Stinaz. I brauch kan Gürt'l, I brauch kan Ring, I wüll z'ruck hinter'n Semmering, I brauch nur des bissl Göd für die Fohrt noch Fürstenföld. [Chorus x3]

Fürstenfeld Slowly the day ends and the night begins In Kärtnerstrasse he sings "Blowing in the Wind" Wearing green, looking so forlorn And the Steffl looks down on the poor Styrian He who wants to try his luck in the big foreign city Who believes music brings him to the Rennbahn-Express front page The dream is popped like a bubble, nothing is left But a few shillings in his guitar case For weeks I stand here, for weeks I’ve worked I played my my fingers to the bone and even sang "Do kummt the Sunn" It makes me crazy, no one wants to hear me sing Finally I’ve had enough, I ask myself what I’m doing Since the wind blows all day One finds nothing but construction The sausages are a horror And the coffee houses expensive [Chorus] I want to go home, I feel so alone, I don’t need  a big world, I want to go home to Fürstenfeld In the newspaper they write that there’s a music scene, you must go By writing that they make me want the scene to stay lost to me Yesterday I went to the U4, a girl started to talk to me, Black lips, green hair, It can be scary, that’s the truth [Chorus] I won’t play anymore in Vienna Vienna doesn’t deserve me At the highest, I’d play Graz,  Sinabelkirchen or Stinatz I don’t need The Gürtl, I don’t need The Ring I want to go back behind The Semmering I just need a little money for the trip to Fürstenfeld [Chorus x3]

Bayern des samma mia:

This one isn’t technically a classic, since it was made in 1998 by Haindling, a Bavarian (niederbayrischen, to be specific…) NeuenVolksmusik band (“New Folk Music” genre). However, it’s in the traditional Bavarian beerhall style, so we’ll put it here as being traditional style music.  It’s a bit of a nonsensical song, just putting together some stereotypes about Bavarians into a Bavarian folk song, but it gets played often.  There are about 4 different lines to the song, which are then just mixed in different orders to form a song…definitely a beer drinking song, possibly even a good drinking game where you have to drink when you screw up the lines. Though not sure anyone would make it through!

Since we had Viva Colonia set to a video of Rammstein in the last post, you can also see Rammstein actually singing this one at the Olympiahalle in Munich. Not sure the story behind it…I hope it’s that they had seen all the YouTube videos people made using footage of them for the song, and decided to have a little fun at a concert.  

Bayern des samma mia Seid’s freindlich – jawoi! Seid’s freindlich hob I gsagt – jawoi! Seid’s freindlich hob I gsagt no amoi –jawoi Mir kannst no a Weissbier bringa ! Bayern, des samma mir! Jawoi! Bayern, des samma mir! Jawoi! Bayern, des samma mir! Bayern jawoi des samma mir! Bayern, des samma mir! Mir samma mir des samma mir! Bayern, des samma mir, Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, dies is unser flüssiges Brot! [Chorus] Bayern des samma mir, Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern, jawoi des samma mir! Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, deis is unser flüssiges Brot! Bayern und des bayerische Bier, Bayern jawoi des samma mir! [Chorus 2x] Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot... Bayern des samma mir! Seid’s freindlich!

Bavaria, that’s what we are Be friendly – yes! Be friendly, I tell you – yes! Be friendly, I tell you again– yes! You can bring me another weissbier! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Yes! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Yes! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! Bavaria, that’s what we are! That’s what we are, what we are! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, This is our liquid bread! [Chorus] Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, This is our liquid bread! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! [Chorus 2x] Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law… Bavaria, that’s what we are! Be friendly!

Er Hat Ein Knallrotes Gummiboot:

So, I’m not really a big fan of this one, but it’s one you’ll probably hear, and luckily one that’s really simple to learn. The original 1970 #1 hit is by Norwegian songstress Wenche Myhre, who competed several times in the Eurovision Song Contest.  Here we have a video by popular Austrian singer Antonia aus Tirol, whose name is in reference to her first TV appearance with DJ Ötzi performing his hit Anton aus Tirol.

Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot [Chorus] Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot Mit diesem Gummiboot fahren wir hinaus Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot Und erst im Abendrot kommen wir nach Haus Johnny, der fühlt sich wie Christoph Kolumbus Und hat sogar einen Bart Vor den Gefahren der christlichen Seefahrt Warnt er mich vor jeder Fahrt "Das Küssen an Bord ist verboten Ich sage dir auch warum Das Boot ist eine Konstruktion Die kippt beim Küssen um." [Chorus] Wir haben kein Segel und keinen Motor und keine Kombüse, oh nein Wir schaukeln mit Liebe und sehr viel Humor in's große Glück hinein! [Chorus] Johnny ist mutig und stolz wie Lord Nelson Auch noch bei Windstärke Drei Brausen die Stürme und plätschert der Regen Ruft er verwegen "Ahoi!" Und sollte die Luft uns entweichen Ja das nimmt er gerne in Kauf Die Fahrradpumpe ist im Boot Und er, er pumpt es auf [Chorus] La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la [Chorus]

He has a bright red rubber boot [Chorus] He has a bright red rubber boot With this rubber boat we go out He has a bright red rubber boot And we don’t get home until sunset Johnny, who feels like Christopher Columbus And even has a beard Against the dangers of Christian navigation He warns me before every ride "The kissing is not allowed on board I'll tell you why The boat is a construction That is overturned by kissing." [Chorus] We have no sails and no engine and no galley, oh no We rock with love and much humor into great luck! [Chorus] Johnny is brave and proud like Lord Nelson Even at wind strength three Storms roar and rain splashes He boldly calls "Ahoy!" And should the air leak ou Yes, takes into account The bicycle pump is in the boat And he, he pumps it up [Chorus] La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la [Chorus]

Ich war noch niemals in New York:

One of the classic schlager songs by Udo Jürgens, it seems most everyone in Germany knows the words to this one.  There’s nothing particularly Oktoberfest about this one, but everyone seems to enjoy it, often linking arms and swaying together while singing.

Ich war noch niemals in New York Und nach dem Abendessen sagte er, laß mich noch eben Zigaretten holen geh'n, sie rief ihm nach nimm Dir die Schlüssel mit, ich werd inzwischen nach der Kleinen seh'n, er zog die Tür zu, ging stumm hinaus, ins neon-helle Treppenhaus, es roch nach Bohnerwachs und Spießigkeit. und auf der Treppe dachte er, wie wenn das jetzt ein Aufbruch wär, ich müßte einfach geh'n für alle Zeit, für alle Zeit... [Chorus] Ich war noch niemals in New York, ich war noch niemals auf Hawaii, ging nie durch San Franzisko in zerriss'nen Jeans, Ich war noch niemals in New York, ich war noch niemals richtig frei, einmal verrückt sein und aus allen Zwängen flieh'n. Und als er draussen auf der Straße stand, fiel ihm ein, daß er fast alles bei sich trug, den Paß, die Eurochecks und etwas Geld, vielleicht ging heute abend noch ein Flug. Er könnt' ein Taxi nehmen dort am Eck oder Autostop und einfach weg, die Sehnsucht in ihm wurde wieder wach, nach einmal voll von Träumen sein, sich aus der Enge hier befrei'n, er dachte über seinen Aufbruch nach,seinen Aufbruch nach... [Chorus] Dann steckte er die Zigaretten ein und ging wie selbstverständlich heim, durchs Treppenhaus mit Bohnerwachs und Spießigkeit, die Frau rief "Mann, wo bleibst Du bloß, Dalli-Dalli geht gleich los", sie fragte "War was?" - "Nein, was soll schon sein." [Chorus]

I have never been to New York And after dinner he said, “Let me just get some cigarettes.” She called after him, “Take the keys with you, I’ll watch the the kid.” He closed the door, walked out silently, Into the neon-lit stairwell, It smelled of floor polish and smugness And on the stairs he thought, “What if this were a departure, I'd simply go for all time For all time ... [Chorus] I have never been to NY, I have never been to Hawaii, Never walked through San Francisco in ripped jeans I have never been to NY, I was never really free, Once being crazy and crossing all limits And as he stood outside on the street, He realized that he was carrying everything with him, The passport, the Eurocard and some money, perhaps there was even still a flight this evening He could take a taxi there at the corner Or the stop and simply be gone, The longing inside him again awoke, To be once full of dreams, To be freed from the limits He thought of his departure, his departure [Chorus] Then he put his cigarretes into his pockets, And of course went home, Through the stairwell with floor polish and smugness His wife called "Hey, where have you been, Dalli Dalli starts in a minute," She asked "Has something happened?" "No, what should have happened" [Chorus]

Skandal Im Sperrbezirk:

Another one on my workout mix, this one comes courtesy of the Neuen Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) school of music.  It was a #1 hit for the Bavarian band Spider Murphy Gang.  Perhaps it’s that my ear is partial to Munich German, but this is one of the easier ones to follow once you see the words. 

The song is a bit rebellious, telling the story of the fictional phone sex operator Rosie who takes good economic advantage of Munich politics.  As you’ve probably heard now thanks to Bonn’s new prostitute “parking meters,” prostitution is legal in Germany.  However, cities may designate a “Sperrbezirk,” or restricted area, in which prostitution is banned to protect the youth and public decency. 

So, our Rosie quite wisely just advertises in the daily paper, giving her number for customers to call, while the real working girls stand around, bored and flat footed, outside of the city center.

Skandal Im Sperrbezirk In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus doch Freudenhäuser müssen raus, damit in dieser schönen Stadt das Laster keine Chance hat! Doch jeder ist gut informiert weil Rosie täglich inseriert und wenn dich deine Frau nicht liebt wie gut, daß es die Rosi gibt! [Chorus] Und draußen vor der großen Stadt stehen die Nutten sich die Füße platt! Skandal [Skandal] im Sperrbezirk Skandal [Skandal] im Sperrbezirk Skandal Skandal um Rosie! Ja Rosie hat ein Telefon auch ich hab' ihre Nummer schon. Unter 32-16-8 herrscht Konjunktur die ganze Nacht. Und draußen im Hotel d'Amour langweilen sich die Damen nur, weil jeder den die Sehnsucht quält ganz einfach Rosies Nummer wählt. [Chorus] Und draußen vor der großen Stadt stehen die Nutten sich die Füße platt! Skandal (Skandal) im Sperrbezirk Skandal (Skandal) im Sperrbezirk Skandal Skandal um Rosie! Moral Skandal Moral Skandal .. Skandal um Rosie!

Scandal in the Restricted Zone In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus But brothels have to get out, so in this beautiful city vice has no chance! But everyone is well informed because Rosie inserts a daily ad and if your wife does’t give love it’s good that Rosie’s there! [Chorus] And outside the big city Stand hookers on flat feet! Scandal [Scandal] in the restricted area Scandal [Scandal] in the restricted zone Scandal Scandal over Rosie! Yes, Rosie has a phone and I've got her number already. Under 32-16-8 economy goes throughout the night. And outside the Hotel d'Amour the ladies just feel bored, because everyone tormented by longing simply dials Rosies number. [Chorus] And outside the big city stand hookers on flat feet! Scandal (scandal) in the restricted zone Scandal (scandal) in the restricted zone Scandal Scandal over Rosie! Morality Scandal Morality Scandal .. Rosie scandal!

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus:

Skandal im Sperrbezirk is an appropriate lead-in to the next one, also known as the Hofbräuhaus-lied (The Hofbräuhaus Song).  The first line of Skandal references this song, which the Hofbräuhaus describes on its site as a “musical love letter to the most famous beer hall in the world.”

Berlin composer Wiga Gabriel wrote the words to a friend in 1935, and another friend set it to Bavarian brass music, creating on of the best known German songs.  After springing to popularity through Karneval, this song has been remade in so many different ways over the years.  If you prefer the music-only version (no singing), here’s a good one.... Or Franzl Lang’s more Alpine version, complete with yodelling...Or band Onkel Tom’s heavy metal version which shockingly is more painful than the yodelling. 

A band may play the whole song, or may just play the chorus. We’ll give you the whole thing here, complete with scenes from Munich. The singing starts around 0:56. 

Did I mention that it’s full of late 80s cheesy TV production quality, bad hair, puffy sleeves and LOTS of sitting and swaying.  Klasse!

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus Da, wo die grüne Isar fließt, Wo man mit "Grüß Gott" dich grüßt, Liegt meine schöne Münch'ner Stadt, Die ihresgleichen nicht hat. Wasser ist billig, rein und gut, Nur verdünnt es unser Blut, Schöner sind Tropfen gold'nen Wein's, Aber am schönsten ist eins: [Chorus] In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Da läuft so manches Fäßchen aus: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Da hat so manche braver Mann: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Gezeigt was er so vertragen kann Schon früh am Morgen fing er an Und spät am Abend kam er heraus So schön ist's im Hofbräuhaus. Da trinkt man Bier nicht aus dem Glas, Da gibt's nur "die große Maß!" Und wenn der erste Maßkrug leer, Bringt dir die Reserl bald mehr. Oft kriegt zu Haus die Frau 'nen Schreck, Bleibt der Mann mal länger weg. Aber die braven Nachbarsleut', Die wissen besser Bescheid! [Chorus] Wenn auch so manche schöne Stadt Sehenswürdigkeiten hat, Eins gibt es nirgendwo wie hier: Das ist das Münchener Bier. Wer dieses kleine Lied erdacht Hat so manche lange Nacht Über dem Münchener Bier studiert Und hat es gründlich probiert. [Chorus]

In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus There, where the green Isar flows, Where everyone with "God Bless" greets you, Stands Munich my beautiful city, She has no peers. Water is cheap, clean and good, Only it dilutes our blood, More beautiful are drops of golden wine, But the best is this one: [Chorus] In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus: One, two, cheers! Since so many keg runs out: One, two, cheers! As it has so many good men: One, two, cheers! Shown what he can tolerate Early in the morning, he began And late in the evening he came out So beautiful is it in the Hofbräuhaus. There no one drinks beer from a glass, There's only "the big mug!" And when the first beer mug is empty, The waitress brings you more soon. Often the wives at home fear, That the men stay away so long. But the good neighbors, They are better informed! [Chorus] Though many beautiful cities Have tourist sites, One thing is nowhere like here: This is the Munich beer. Who thought up this little song Has so many a long night Studied Munich beer And tasted it thoroughly. [Chorus]

Marmor Stein und Eisenbrick:

Another schlager classic that has stood the test of time. This one has a little bit of 50s and rock to it, so is well suited to being updated over the decades. And it’s easy for the crowds to sing.

Drafi Deutscher recorded this song in 1965. Impressive hair height and collar length…

Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht Weine nicht, wenn der Regen fällt (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Es gibt einen der zu Dir hält (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht Aber unsere Liebe nicht Alles, alles geht vorbei Doch wir sind uns treu Kann ich einmal nicht bei dir sein (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Denk daran, du bist nicht allein (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Nimm den goldenen Ring von mir (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Bist Du traurig dann sagt er dir (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Everybody now! [Chorus 2x]

Marble, Stone and Iron Break: Don't cry, when the rain falls (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) There's someone who will stick by you (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Marble, stone and iron break But not our love Everything, everything will pass But we are faithful to us If I can't be with you some (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Think about it, that you're not alone (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Take this golden ring from me (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) If you're sad then it will tell you (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Everybody now! [Chorus 2x]

Er gehört zu mir:

I’ve put a recent performance here for the video, but you can also check out the 1975 original version that premiered in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Er gehört zu mir [Chorus] Er gehört zu mir, wie mein Name an der Tür und ich weiß er bleibt hier Nie vergess’ ich unsern ersten Tag , denn ich fühlte gleich das er mich mag , ist es wahre Liebe, die nie mehr vergeht oder wird die Liebe vom Winde verweht? [Chorus] Alles fangen wir gemeinsam an, doch vergess’ ich nie wie man allein sein kann , steht es in den Sternen was die Zukunft bringt oder muss ich lernen das alles zerrinnt? Nein ich hab es ihm nie leicht gemacht , mehr als einmal hab ich mich gefragt , ist es wahre Liebe die nie mehr vergeht oder wird die Liebe vom Winde verweht Er gehört zu mir für immer zu mir für immer zu mir [Chorus]

He belongs to me [Chorus]  He belongs to me, like my name on the door and I know he’ll stay here I never forget our first day, because I felt right away that he liked me. Is it true love, that never fades away or will love be blown away by the wind? [Chorus] We begin everything together, but I never forget how alone one can be. Is it in the stars, what the future brings or must I learn that everything melts away? No, I have never made it easy for him, more than once I have asked myself: Is it true love, that never fades away or will the love blow away by the wind? He belongs to me Forever to me Forever to me [Chorus]

I’ll leave you with a bonus video of Wolfgang Fierek’s 1986 hit I hol di mit meim Traktor ab, which translates to I’ll pick you up in my tractor.

There’s one more Oktoberfest Song megapost to come…the easy one full of Oktoberfest songs you already know (but didn’t know they were Oktoberfest songs) 

Passing Life By

In my Schnitzelbahn post about Munich Figures, I realized that I walk by so many interesting things every day and often don't notice them.  So taking a minute to photograph and look up some of the small statues and building details here in Munich really was a satisfying experience.

Well, I never though I'd be linking to the web site of Jeff Bridges, but here it is.  In his recent post, he describes a "social experiment" organized by the Washington Post.  (Wikipedia describes it too.)  It took place on January 12 2007, at the L'Enfant Plaza Washington D.C. Metro station during the morning rush.

"A man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes".

What happened?  We know, because it was videotaped.

Over the duration of his performance, about 1100 people passed by.  (Bridges claims 2000, but I'm sticking with Wikipedia here.)  His first dollar came after 4 minutes from a woman as she walked right by.  Children repeatedly seemed to be interested in lingering to enjoy the music but were pulled away by hurried parents.  Eventually 20 people gave the man a little more than $32.  Only 7 really stopped and spent time listening.

The irony was this:  the musician was an incognito Joshua Bell on his 3.5 million-dollar Gibson Stradivarius violin.  A Grammy award winner who sells out the biggest and best concert halls with some tickets topping $100 per seat.  In other words, the pieces were composed by an all-time great and the performance was world-class.  (The acoustics were likely very good too, knowing the subway and where he would probably choose to play).

And it was free, for those that realized what was right in front of them.  Only one person the entire time recognized him.  (This person gave Joshua $20, pushing his total take to a whopping $52.)  Probably made their day -- much better than an iPod!

The experiment highlights, of course, how our flurry of activity and work orientation probably leads to us missing some experiences that could make life, well, nicer.  (Today, it's almost as if we need to have things marketed to us -- that we're told how great something is and then we'll get excited, pay attention, and "enjoy" it.)  Gene Weingarten won a 2008 Pulitzer Prize for his article on that experiment.

Interesting stuff.

How to Write A Pop Hit

As we discovered from our David Hasselhoff concert outing (and schlagermusik and the Eurovision Song Contest....), one of the keys to music that the crowd enjoys is giving new words to familar tunes.

Australian comedy band Axis of Awesome has taken this a step further and offers entertaining proof to their hypothesis that the key to writing a pop hit is to use the same four chords.

These guys are truly awesome. I'm jealous of all of you in the US who have the chance to attend one of their 2011 tour dates. If they don't tour continental Europe, we might just have to hit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Enjoy!

Crazy Keys at the Technical Museum in Vienna

On a recent weekend trip to Vienna, Frau A and I spent a morning at the Technical Museum of Vienna.  The exhibit that I really wanted to see was on musical instruments.  This collection alone was worth the trip east from Munich.

The items represent a great combination of music and technology.  For example, the "piano maker's workshop" has instruments along the evolutionary tree of the modern piano including harpsichords, spinets, clavichords, a tangent piano, and finally the earliest forte pianos.  Even better, they have working, "cutaway" examples of the key mechanisms for about 8 different instruments, so you can see into the guts of how the sounds are actualized -- here's one example of a modern piano:

Most interesting to me were the esoteric instruments that pushed the envelope (in their time) for the type of sounds created, the method of playing and level of musical control, or even automation of the instrument(s).  I took photos of my favorites and will briefly describe them here.

Pictured below is the Janko keyboard.  Theoretically, the Jankó keyboard had a number of advantages with regard to playing technique: the same finger set for all keys, a natural hand position (the thumb always lies lower than the rest of the fingers), a broader range than a normal keyboard, as well as Glissando possibilities in all scales!  As in the chromatic keyboard, the semitones are distributed in equal sequence on a double (paired) row.

For playing-related reasons, three of these double (paired) rows are arranged with one on top of the other like a terrace. Each key thus has three points of touch. In order to facilitate orientation the familiar black and white coloring was kept.  In vented in 1882, the model below was created in 1885!  Of course, it never really caught on.

The creators did try hard for acceptance, though, even developing an instrument with both standard and Janko keyboards!

Another neat model on display had effectively the first pitch-bend for an electronic instrument.  A French music teacher and "amateur radio enthusiast" designed the "Ondes Musicales" after meeting Lew S. Termen (yes, the creator of the Theremin!).  To bend a pitch, the player slides the the metal ring along the draw string on the front of the keyboard.  The instrument won the Grand Prix de l'Exposition Mondiale at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris.  This particular model is a later version (the earliest versions had nothing but the draw string, but it was too hard to pinpoint specific frequencies so they keyboard was added) built in 1960, and production continued until the early 1980s.

Background:  simply stated, electronic (analog) instruments create sound with valves or transistors that make audible electrical oscillations.  Unfortunately, the basic oscillation is usually pretty boring.  In order to make the timbres more interesting allow playing creativity, instrument builders had to add transient controls (change the attack & decay profile of the output), filters (adds different kinds of complexity and distortion to the wave, introduces vibrato, etc.), and other mechanism to alter and shape the output.

The Akaphon was invented around 1963 by the director Institute for Electroacoustics at the Vienna Music School.  (Cool that they already created an institute for that topic.)  Helmut Gottwald manipulated attack and decay responses through the use of light bulbs and photo resistors!  It's like the first modular synth, but limited to transient controls. no filters yet.  Here is is below, built into an upright piano cabinet!

I joke a bit with my friends when I call the next example the "first workstation".  This monster was developed by the Hupfeld company and dubbed "The 8th Wonder of the World".  Released in 1907, in incorporates a piano and three violins -- and plays them "automatically".  Each violin had only one active string, and various bellows were used to control the bow and "fingers" (bellows = pneumatically actuated).   Like a player piano, punched/perforated paper rolls dictated the action.

Technologists continue their assault on the violin with the "Schlüsselfidel" or "Nyckelhar".  A keyed violin.  The strings are played by a bow as normal, but slides and tangents are used to change the oscillating length rather than the player's fingers.  Variations of this instrument have been around since the 1400s, and still in use today in Sweden.

Brass instruments too were targets for automation.  Below is a photo of mechanical trumpet.  Again, punched tape controls mechanisms that shorten/lengthen the effective instrument length to change the pitch.  From the mid 1900s.

Filed under the category "bigger is better" must be this organ - sorry, forgot to capture the details.

Finally, things would not be complete without homage to Bob Moog.  If you don't know who he is, check Amazon for tons of books about his life and creations.

There was so much more there:  a Hönig Synthesizer from 1965, an AKA 2000 from the 1970s, and a Trautonium which uses a resistance wire (pressed by the player) to change the pitch of the oscillator...a similar model was used to make noises in Hitchcock's "The Birds", and Hindemith composed a piece for it!!!

Well, that's as much as I "brought back" to Munich with me.  The exhibition is highly recommended if you visit Vienna.  Cheers.