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The musical magic of Boni Pueri

During their 2004 USA tour, this reviewer was honored to witness 3 of their 38 concerts. To clarify their magic, let us continue . . . . .

"Beyond the extraordinary!"
"Perfection and musicality beyond comprehension!"
"A musical marriage made in heaven!"
"A choir of angelic musical ambassadors from the Czech Republic that far exceeds any standard we admire here in the USA!"
"A freshness and vitality which is truly inspirational!"
"Incredibly Beautiful!"
"Inspirational!"

These are statements were provided by members of the various audiences who experienced BONI PUERI performances. Bravo, bravissimo--yes!

Now the question arises: "What is the magic of the unique ensemble from the Czech Republic?"

First, it is the incredible training of voices and musicianship developed in these lads from age 10-20.

Secondly, it is the superb repertoire which they have selected to showcase their talents.

Thirdly, it is the concept of programming. In the case of this 2004 tour the trilogy of: European classical music; Czech music and folklore; international music around the globe, provided a gallery of stars shining in the musical heavens (musical rainbow of culture that graced the sky). Truly comprehensive and encompassing. Smart.

The education and training these lads are receiving is unique, existing on a musical level which exceeds far beyond the norm.

Personally, I have witnessed this choir for 3 years. I have observed their phenomenal growth during this time. They were marvelous when I first experienced them, but now I sense a degree and a level of sophistication and musicality beyond the 'extraordinary.'

CONCERT PROGRAM TRILOGY:

Part One is an example of sheer musicianship--totally heart and soul. One witnessed the perfection of dialoguing in the di Lasso "Echo". The Mozart absolutely sparkled...as champagne on New Year's Eve. The phrasing of "Goin' Home" provided a nuance that would have placed a smile upon Antonin Dvorak's face! If Dvorak only knew that boys voices could achieve musical finesse beyond the impact of the original orchestral scoring of this famous Largo section . . . he would smile with a twinkle in his eye! "Deo Gracias" danced with delight and the "Hallelujah chorus" from "Messiah" flowed effortlessly with perfect pitch and intonation. It never labored--it flowed purely as a river of gold.

Part Two illustrated magnificently the color, passion, and humor of Czech music and folklore. Dressed in traditional Czech costumes, the Boys had great fun with their vocal prowess. "Crazy Songs" exhibited the 'devil's interval of the augmented 4th' and showcased the choir with body movements that gave drama to the clever 'crazy music'. Again, Dvorak returned with his "Songs My Mother Taught Me" which exhibited a tenderness as a mother would hold a child to her bosom. "The Farmer is Going" provided the listener with a feeling of riding a horse in a brisk gait with one of the boys "out of tempo" with the up & down knee bend action, simulating the horse ride--an antic to the delight of the audience and performers! "Prsi, Prsi" was sung at such a fast tempo that the diction created the impression of a downpour of rain! Incredible diction--who can talk that fast besides singing at that great speed? Concluding with "Folksong Medley", the Boys not only sang with great precision and character, but also their choreography provided a vehicle of motion on stage which complimented their musicality.

Part Three to this reviewer was a culminating force, celebrating the cultures of the world. The exquisite American medley was a delightful 'alpha to omega' American personification: from "Chatanooga choo-choo" to pure heart. What a rendering! The Boys command of the Japanese tongue was incredible. Australia was characterized with its folksong sincerity. Their African portrait had incredible energy and projection of sound, enhanced by authentic African instruments and, again, mastery of tongue and musical style. The costuming in this section was very cleverly conceived, not too much, and enough to give color and dash and have enough props so that the costumes did not get in the way of the music-making.

During this 90 minute program, which was as fresh at the end as its beginning, was a testimony to the physical, emotional and musical conditioning of these lads, the conductor never spoke a word. A cleverly-designed dialogue between one of the youngest and oldest lads in the choir, gave great charm and provided a wonderful wealth of information. Truly, it was 'The Boy's' program!

In addition this reviewer has witnessed the splendid musical growth of the young conductor, Jakub Martinec. As a former member and soloist of the choir, Mr. Martinec has climbed the mountain of musical interpretation in a short two years. He demonstrated magnificently a musical sensitivity and depth of a conductor thrice his age!

The music growth on the 2004 tour has been phenomenal. This reviewer witnessed their 1st and 3rd concerts on their tour and then also their 26th concert. The musical cohesion, interplay, tonal growth and interpretation has been incredible. Truly, a sky-scraper (Sears Tower) experience! Nary a hint of fatigue or boredom with the singers on their 26th concert, to the contrary, even more zest and freshness of life was experienced! "Bravo!"

The mastery of diction and the projection of the vocal texts in the various languages of the world, no matter the culture, is a tribute to the training of these young voices. What ears--what memory!! Incredible! The Boys sing in English with a perfection of diction rarely attained by 40% of America's university and professional choirs! Truly masterful!!!

The unique timbre of BONI PUERI is to be recognized and applauded. With 11 sopranos, 7 altos, 5 tenors, and 5 basses...they are in perfect balance because of voice character and strength. A most delicate palette of choral color and tone was exhibited. The delicacy of the tonal texture, the support of pitch at phrase cadences and endings---that is to take the song into silence with perfect pitch is an art attained by few professional choirs! Some attain it periodically by luck. BONI PUERI does it masterfully and consistently!!! Again, Bravo!!

The musical traditions of the fabled Vienna Boys Choir and the American Boys Choir are well founded. Joining their league and in many ways surpassing these standards are the "Good Boys" from the Czech Republic. BONI PUERI, you've got the world stage---believe in your dreams!

The world is in need of Youth Ambassadors such as BONI PUERI. Truly, respect, understanding, and peace would reign on Earth if modern politics could learn a lesson from these "Boys." The trust and family togetherness of these Boys exemplify and demonstrate by their artistry and command of their vocal art, is an exhibition to the world that music touches the soul of every person, for it is the universal language of humanity.

Joel Blahnik (1. 5. 2004)