REVIEW: Vienna Boys Choir celebrates Christmas traditions
Photo: The Vienna Boys Choir annually bring their Christmas concert to North America. Photo courtesy of Lukas Beck / Provided by press agent with permission.
ENGLEWOOD, New Jersey — The Vienna Boys Choir made its annual Christmas stop in northern New Jersey Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center. The boys, under the direction of conductor Oliver Stech, worked their way through a series of traditional carols and classical pieces, all celebrating the Christmas season and its diverse expression around the world.
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s “Veni, Domine” (“Come, o Lord”) started the program on a decidedly religious and rejoicing note. It was followed quickly by “Gaudete,” a Finish song arranged by Gerald Wirth.
Traveling to Finland was only the first journey the boys made in their 100-minute concert. They also stopped in Ireland, Spain, the United States and other countries. One of their many talents as a choir is the ability to diversify their programming and bring authentic renditions of compositions in many different languages.
They also traveled through time with pieces that were composed hundreds of years ago, including “Silent Night,” the Austrian song performed in its original German (celebrating 200 years in 2018) and “Fröhliche Weihnacht überall” (“Merry Christmas Everywhere”) from two centuries ago as well. Modern fare included the English carol “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” arranged by John Rutter and Robin John King, and “Jingle Bell Rock,” an American staple from 1957.
The choir sang their songs in two halves, with a 15-minute intermission in between. Stech was either stationed at a central piano or standing up and keeping the boys on pace; his coordination and focus were much appreciated and obviously helped the boys stay on task. The singers numbered two dozen, and they represented many different countries and cultures from around the world — only fitting given the number of international selections.
Their voices were beautifully realized in the intimate setting of the BergenPAC. They never overly emphasized for effect and always hit their notes, no matter how challenging. The soloists were strong and nicely complemented the sections when the full choir backed their lyrics. The power of the boys was most appreciated on John V. Mochnick’s 1942 rendition of “Ave Maria,” which saw the singers move around and space themselves out on the stage for greater effect.
The Vienna Boys Choir, known as Wiener Sängerknaben, has a storied history that dates back older than most carols they sang at the BergenPAC. They continue to hold the traditions of fine choral music quite high, relying on the dedication and skill of the young boys and their obvious vocal gifts.
As an annual Christmas tradition, a Vienna Boys Choir performance is a perfect morsel of authentic joy.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Click here for more information on the Vienna Boys Choir.
