The Vienna Boys’ Choir, one of the world’s oldest boys’ choirs, maintains its status as a living tradition after more than 500 years. Haydn and Schubert both started their musical careers there; Antonio Salieri was a member of the admissions jury.
What is captivating about these recordings is both the clarity of textual and musical declamation and a very special, authentic charm deriving from the slight Viennese accent.
Performances by the Vienna Boys’ Choir are not only a matter of perfect pronunciation and intonation, but also of a musical sensuality that is vital to interpretations of Haydn and Schubert, yet frequently overlooked.
This recording offers us music by Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Bruckner.
Here are the Vienna Choir Boys in a selection by Mozart:
