The Vienna Boys Choir, whose previous members include Haydn, Schubert
and Hans Richter, has been through some tough times since their inception
in the 15
th century. After the collapse of the Austrian
monarchy in the early 20
th century they entered mainstream
consciousness in the 1960s after a Walt Disney film about and starring
the choir. The 21
st century has seen a rival choir set
up amidst allegations of falling standards as well as child-abuse
accusations from former members. This CD set is a re-release of recordings
made in the 1970s, perhaps the golden-age of the choir.
The age of the recordings is instantly heard in the performance style
of the early music on the second disc. During the 1970s opinion changed
regarding “historical performance practice” and you would
be unlikely to hear a performance like this nowadays. The trebles
dominate the contrapuntal texture in the
Missa ad imitationem
by Gallus. The warmth of the boys’ sound is achieved through
liberal use of vibrato which is lacking in the lower parts, provided
by Chorus Viennensis. The sound is more unified in the works which
the boys perform by themselves. Both pieces by Victoria display the
unique sound of trebles using their very low register which continues
throughout the early pieces. These performances are very much of their
time; a more recent interpretation would have more lightness to the
articulation and a faster tempo. However, the most enjoyable aspect
of these early works is the ability of the boys to shape their melodic
lines independently.
The title track of the CD Britten’s
Ceremony of Carols
was performed under Anton Neyder. It has the same full, vibrato-rich
sound as the other works which becomes a bit overwhelming in the loudest
movements. All the soloists sing with incredible expression making
these movements the most enjoyable. For those seeking a different
interpretation, try the recording of women’s voices by The Choir
of Trinity College, Cambridge and Stephen Layton on
Hyperion
CDA67946.
The Bruckner motets are all very slow. However, this does allow for
a lot of detail to be included. For example,
Christus Factus est
is full of dynamics and subtle shadings. The full sonorities of Bruckner’s
choral writing are well suited to the rich sounds produced by these
forces but occasionally lack rhythmic intensity and direction.
These two CDs are a real snapshot of a former age. This is a great
souvenir of a world-famous choir as they were at their prime and is
an interesting comment on 1970s performance practice. It is worth
a listen but there are more enjoyable recordings out there.
Hannah Parry-Ridout
Review index and discography: Britten's
A ceremony of carols
