The role of the choir (numbering between 14 and 20) was to provide musical accompaniment to the church mass. The boys received a solid musical education, which in most cases had a significant impact on the rest of their lives, as many went on to become professional musicians. The composers Jacobus Gallus, Franz Schubert, and the conductors Hans Richter, Felix Mottl and Clemens Krauss were members of the choir.
In 1920 the Hofkapelle (court musicians) was disbanded. However, the rector at the time, Josef Schnitt, sought a continuation of the tradition. In 1924 the "Vienna Boys' Choir" was officially founded and has evolved into a professional music group. Since 1948 the Palais Augarten has served as their rehearsal venue and boarding school which goes from kindergarten level up to middle school level.
The choir is a private, not-for-profit organization. There are approximately 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14. The boys are divided into four touring choirs, which perform about 300 concerts each year in front of almost 500,000 people. Each group tours from nine to eleven weeks.
Dr. Eugen Jesser became the choir's president in 2001 and its executive director in 2003. Gerald Wirth, a former choirboy himself, became the choir's artistic director in 2001.
Deck the Halls
The Vienna Choir Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yule tide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
The Vienna Choir Boys's song 'Deck the Halls' is a classic Christmas carol that encourages listeners to embrace the festive season with joy and enthusiasm. The lyrics evoke images of decorating the halls with holly and enjoying the Yuletide traditions. The repetition of 'Fa la la la la, la la la la' creates a sense of exuberance and togetherness, inviting everyone - regardless of their background - to join in the merry celebrations.
The second verse celebrates the playful aspect of the festive season as we put on our 'gay apparel' and sing the 'ancient Yule tide carol.' The song recognizes the spiritual side of the season in the third verse, where it speaks of the Yule log and 'blazing Yule' that is often lit during the winter solstice. The fourth verse emphasizes the importance of storytelling during the season, inviting listeners to follow the singer while they tell of 'Yule tide treasure.'
Finally, the song encourages everyone to celebrate the start of a new year and sing joyously together, regardless of the inclement weather outside. In conclusion, the Vienna Choir Boys's 'Deck the Halls' is an upbeat holiday tune that reminds us to come together and savor the joyous traditions of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Let us decorate our home with holly branches and embrace the holiday spirit.
Tis the season to be jolly,
This time of year is meant for joy and celebration.
Don we now our gay apparel,
Put on your festive clothes and join in the holiday cheer.
Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
Sing traditional carols from long ago about the winter solstice festival.
See the blazing Yule before us,
Observe the bright and festive Yule log burning.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Play the harp and join the group in singing together.
Follow me in merry measure,
Come join me in a happy and cheerful dance.
While I tell of Yule tide treasure,
As we dance, I will tell tales of treasure and gifts exchanged during the Yule festival.
Fast away the old year passes,
The old year is quickly coming to an end and a new one is approaching.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Celebrate the arrival of the new year with happiness, young men and women.
Sing we joyous, all together,
Let's happily sing together as a group.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Disregard the harshness of the elements outside and continue to celebrate joyously together.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Thomas Oliphant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind