Meanwhile, back at rehearsal, all eyes are locked on Beringer, who darts between his piano and the lines of boys. His arms are waving as, at the same time, he crouches like a frog with St Vitus' dance. He isolates various groups, then individual boys, making them sing a phrase, a word, until it is right. The purity of the Windsbach sound is what makes the choir special. But it comes at a price.
Children require special training.
They have to understand the requirements of sacred music. I'm a very hard worker. Very patient, too. I try to explain how to compare the sound of the music with its content. Tell them how to sing.