VIENNA BOYS' CHOIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22261, 8 November 1935, Page 14

VIENNA BOYS' CHOIR

CONTINUED SUCCESS MASTERY OF OLD MUSIC A SCHUBERT OPERETTA Tho second concert of the Vienna Boys' Choir, given in His Majesty's Theatre last night, was received by a largo audicnco with even greater enthusiasm than the opening performance. Although the choir's programmes consist mainly of moro popular types of music, its most important work is tho presentation of "religious compositions of tho 16th century. In such works, which, to the majority of people, are difficult to understand, real music-lovers are given an opportunity of hearing something of an extremely high order from the artistic point of view. The boys aro obviously at home iu this field, for in Vienna tho performance of classical church music is their principal task, and, indeed, is the raison d'etre of tho choir. Their understanding of tho contrapuntal style is so clear, their phrasing so sensitive and the shading so delicately executed that, whatever the effect lack in warmth, their performance reaches the apex of artistry. Technical Difficulties In polyphonic compositions the rhythms often become extremely complex, owing to the overlapping of phrases caused by fresh entrances of tho subject, sometimes at irregular distances, but tho children, whether by instinct, training or habit, seem to master this difficulty completely and with apparent ease. Tho blending and balance of the voices is not less remarkable than the perfect co-operation that is maintained throughout. As old church music is so rarely heard in this country, the management has wisely restricted the amount rendered at each concert, but this is by no means a measure of its importance. Its educational value to students and others can scarcely be over-esti-mated. To appreciate its true worth, more than ono hearing i» necessary. The first group last night consisted of "Pracparate Corda Vestra" (C. Porta), "0 Salutaris Hostia" (G. Nascus), "Duo Seraphim" (J. L. de Victoria) and "0 Sacrum Convivium" (J. Galltos). In the lastnamed the boys reflected great credit upon themselves by their crisp attacks and releases and clear exposition of the themes. Although of the group this number was the most it won the greatest appreciation. In "Ascendit Dous," which was given as an encore, the boys showed their ability to sustain long notes without decrease in volume or loss of quality or control. Accomplished Acting The operetta was "Die Hansliche Krieg" (Schubert), based upon an amusing little tale of a .servingmaid'n ,love for the orderly of an officer to whom her mistress is betrothed. Tho boys entered fully into the fun of tho piece, and their acting, even more thnn on the previous evening, showed how excellently they had been trained. Three of them gave really funny impersonations of elderly people. The father of the household found occasion to deliver a speech of some length in English, and the old grandmother, with her knitting and ear-trumpet, caused much hearty laughter. Several of the lads made charming girls. The musio was thoroughly typical of the composer. and the difficulty of singing without the support of a conductor, and to the accompaniment of a piano in the wings, was surmounted very well indeed. The third part of the programme included "Awaken, My Beautiful Sweetheart" (Brahms), sung with precision and crystal-clear tone, two Strauss Waltzes and two Austrian folk-songs, one of which was conducted by a senior boy, with an accordeon accompaniment by another. The choir was compelled to give five encores, including "The Last Bose of Summer," in English.