Known for its exceedingly high vocal standard, the choir has worked with musicians including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Caldara, Antonio Salieri, Heinrich Isaac, Paul Hofhaimer, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, Johann Joseph Fux, Christoph Willibald Gluck, and Anton Bruckner.
The choir is the modern-day descendant of the boys' choirs of the Viennese Court, dating back to the late Middle Ages. The choir was, for practical purposes, established by a letter written by Maximilian I on 7 July 1498. In the letter the Emperor instructed court officials to employ a singing master, two basses and six boys. A Slovene, Jurij Slatkonja, became the director of the ensemble.
The role of the choir (numbering between fourteen and twenty) 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. Composers Jacobus Gallus, Franz Schubert, and conductors Hans Richter, Felix Mottl and Clemens Krauss were members of the choir.[1]
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 extended into being 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 ten and fourteen. 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 for about nine to eleven weeks.
Dr. Eugen Jesser became the choir's president in 2001 and its director in 2003. Gerald Wirth became the choir's artistic director in 2001.
Happy Christmas
Vienna Boys Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another year over, a new one just begun.
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.
And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.
And so happy Christmas for black and for white
For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.
And so this is Christmas and what have we done
Another year over, a new one just begun.
And so happy Christmas we hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.
War is over if you want it, war is over now.
The Vienna Boys' Choir's song "Happy Christmas," starts by mentioning the end of another year, reminding us of the passage of time and the need to reflect on the past, the present, and the future. The song then goes on to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. It encourages people to enjoy the festive season with family, friends, and loved ones, regardless of their race, nationality, or social status. The lyrics emphasize that the holiday season should be a time to come together and celebrate, to set aside differences, and to make peace. The final line, "War is over if you want it, war is over now," is a powerful message, calling on people to take responsibility for ending conflicts and striving for peace.
The song is a perfect example of the important role that music can play in delivering meaningful messages, particularly during the holiday season. The Vienna Boys' Choir's rendition of the song, with their pure and ethereal voices, is particularly moving, and reminds us of the beauty of music and its ability to inspire, soothe, and unite people.
Line by Line Meaning
So this is Christmas and what have you done,
Reflecting on the passing year, what personal accomplishments have been achieved?
Another year over, a new one just begun.
As a new year starts, time to set new goals and look forward to new experiences.
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.
Celebrate this special time with those who hold a special place in your heart, regardless of their age.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.
May the new year bring positivity and hope, with limited worries.
And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
Regardless of one's strength or weakness, let's celebrate this holiday together.
The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.
The journey of life is long, and Christmas reminds us to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
And so happy Christmas for black and for white
Shared experiences during this holiday season remind us to see no race or cultural differences between ourselves.
For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.
Regardless of our differences in ethnicity, let's pause any hostility during the holiday season.
War is over if you want it, war is over now.
If we all wish for peace, stopping a war can be within our grasp.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Winston Lennon, Yoko Ono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind