Regensburger Domspatzen (Boys Choir)

Founded: 976 - Regensburg, Germany

“One of the most famous choirs in the world..." ...wrote Pope Paul VI. in 1976, when he congratulated the "Regensburger Domspatzen" on their millenium anniversary. In many successful concerts they have won the hearts of their audiences all over the world. Through many CD recordings and their presence in the media the "singing sparrows" from Regenburg have become famous - far beyond the borders of Regensburg and Germany. It´s a very special thing to be a Domspatz; in later years every former Domspatz will always enjoy remembering the many impressions and unforgettable events in and around this school...

The Regensburger Domspatzen (Regensburg Cathedral Choir) play a very important role in the cultural life of Regensburg and have long become one of the most famous attractions of their home town. Due to the many concert tours all over the world they have been called "the singing ambassadors of the city". They often also travel by plane - to the USA, to Canada and to Japan as well as to Taiwan and South Korea. Of course, the Regensburger Domspatzen are at home in all the European countries, too. They are welcomed all over the world. They look just as smart in their dark blue suits which they wear in concerts as they do in their red and white liturgical gowns worn during the the services in the Cathedral of St Peter. The choir's repertoire comprises music from 16^th century chorale to contemporary music. Probably it is their stylistic versatility besides the technical perfecton which gives the choir its attractiveness and reputation.

In 1976 the Regensburger Domspatzen celebrated their 1000^th anniversary (they are the oldest boys' choir in the world!). In 957 Bishop Wolfgang separated the diocecese of Regensburg from the abbey of St Emmeram and moved into the center of the city - together with his choristers. Since then there has existed a Cathedral School which soon became a highly esteemed educational institution. The liturgic service is condsidered to be one of its scholars´ most important tasks. The present "nest" of the Regensburger Domspatzen is the legacy of Dr. Theobald Schrems who was the conductor of the Regensburger Domspatzen from 1924 to 1963. Due to his initiative some 40 years ago a new house for the school - which is a boarding school open also to day students from the city - and choir was erected, thus enabling concentrated work with the boys. This ultimately gave rise to the high musical standard of the Domspatzen.

In 1964 Georg Ratzinger became the conductor of the choir. He could augment and expand the high international reputation of the Regensburger Domspatzen during his 30 years as their preceptor. He created the typically soft and natural "sound of Regensburg". Georg Ratzinger handed the oldest boys´ choir of Germany in splendid condition to his successor Roland Büchner,- for a successful start into the new millenium.

More Photos

Soloists of Regensburger-Domspatzen

Sources:
Regensburger Domspatzen Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2001)

Roland Büchner: Short Biography | Ensembles: Regensburger Domspatzen
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Hanns-Martin Schneidt: Short Biography | Ensembles: Regensburger Domspatzen | Collegium St. Emmeram | Schneidt Bach Choir & Orchestra
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Peter Dijkstra

Choir

BWV 244 [1^st], BWV 244 [2^nd], BWV 244 [3^rd, 2013]

Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Choir

BWV 244 [1^st]

Eigel Kruttge

Choir

[CR-102] (1960, Radio Recording): BWV 102

Gustav Leonhardt

Boy Soprano

BWV 8, BWV 10

Karl Richter

Choir

[V-11] (1979, 3-CD): BWV 244 [7^th recording]

August Wenzinger

Choir

G.F. Handel: Brockes Passion, HWV 48

Links to other Sites

Regensburger Domspatzen (Official Website)
Concert: Christmas Concert. Regensburger Domspatzen, Roland Büchner (BTH)
Concert: Sacred Music. Regensburger Domspatzen, Roland Büchner.(BTH)