In the year 2024, known as the Bruckner Year, St. Florian Abbey holds a prominent position. This historical abbey, the final resting place of Anton Bruckner and home to the renowned ‘Bruckner’ organ, along with the world-famous St. Florian Boys’ Choir, captures even greater attention from the international Bruckner fan community. A remarkable prelude to this was the intermission film during this year’s New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, where the Florian Boys’ Choir mesmerised millions with their performance of the single release of Locus iste, taking viewers on a journey through all of Bruckner’s memorials.

Founded in 1071, the St. Florian Boys’ Choir pays homage to their “most famous member” in history, Anton Bruckner, by incorporating one of his compositions into nearly every concert they perform. Locus iste has become a cherished anthem for the choirboys, alongside other magnificent motets such as Ave Maria, Os justi, and Tota pulchra es, which are regularly featured in their repertoire.

This album not only showcases Bruckner’s well-known choral works but also presents some rare treasures. A special role is played by the recently restored Bruckner grand piano, a Bösendorfer built in 1846. Franz Farnberger delivers a captivating performance of Bruckner’s renowned piano piece, Erinnerung, and accompanies countertenor Alois Mühlbacher, a former choirboy, in two Bruckner songs. The boys collaborate with the pianist for a breathtaking rendition of the 22nd Psalm, while an ensemble of former choirboys presents the male choruses Um Mitternacht and Herbstlied. To add a touch of humour, Franz Farnberger has ingeniously rearranged Der Lehrerstand, a men’s choir piece, into an amusing alternating song between teachers and pupils. Recorded in St. Florian, this Bruckner CD naturally features the famous Bruckner organ, skilfully played by monastery organist Klaus Sonnleitner.