Classical masterpieces in the Efteling
Now that the conductor seems about to wave his baton in Danse Macabre, we thought it was a good moment to look beyond Het Huyverwoud. Because did you know there are several classical tunes to be heard as you walk through the Efteling? No? Well, here they come!
De Zes Dienaren - In the Moonlight (Albert Kètelbey)
We start in the heart of the Efteling, the Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest). Our first stop: Langnek, part of De Zes Dienaren. Here, once founder Peter Reijnders has told the fairy tale, you'll hear a beautiful instrumental piece: In the Moonlight.
Het Kabouterdorp - Minuet in G Major (Christian Petzold)
A familiar one! It's etched into many people's memories. And we bet you've had your photo taken with it too. That's right! The musical mushrooms that show you the way through the Sprookjesbos. Fun fact: take a look inside the hollow tree in the Kabouterdorp. Here the music gnome plinks away at this cheerful tune all day long.
De Indische Waterlelies - African Beat (Bert Kaempfert)
Perhaps one of the best known among Efteling fans: the African Beat! Dance along with the beautiful fairies on a moonlit night and we're sure it'll put you in a cheerful mood.
De Magische Klok - By the Sleeping Lagoon (Eric Coates)
You'll hear this music on the Herautenplein, the heart of the Sprookjesbos. As part of De Magische Klok and the Kikkerkoning, these sounds are inextricably linked to the history of the Efteling. To mark the 60th anniversary, the same music also returned in the symphonies of the water spectacular Aquanura.
De Vliegende Fakir - Sanai Gath
Yes, I didn't want to keep this one from you. Perhaps it's the odd one out, as it's folk music rather than classical. But since it has been playing since the early years, the Fakir deserves a moment in the spotlight too. What do you think of this music?
De Nieuwe Kleren van de Keizer - Musette in D Major (Bach)
Did you know the Sprookjesbos had so much classical music in it? Because we're not done yet! The naked emperor also hops from one side to the other to the cheerful yet courtly sounds of Bach.
Gondoletta - Allegro Brillante (François-Adrien Brieldieu)
At last we're out of that forest. And you've either heard this piece of music, or not at all. To be honest, it's often played very quietly or simply goes unnoticed. It's a piano piece played mainly at the boarding and exit area. A lovely piece, especially back when the Gondoletta still took you past all the seas of flowers on the Siervijver.
There! That's it! More than you'd think! Of course, Danse Macabre is still missing from this list, but we'll give the conductor a bit more rehearsal time.
Which classical piece is your favourite?
More practical tips:
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Efteling: all the answers to your questions
