I've never wanted to sit in the Choir but I've called for tickets to sit in the front of the Nave for Easter and gotten them every year. We agree that this is all Nagem and no Widor right?! He IS improvising. He's also moving the sound around during the interlude so that different phrases come from different places. Hard to hear in the video but pretty dang wonderful for those in the Nave.
I like the interludes for allowing the procession to continue before heading to the last verse. It does sound good but I prefer the 2011 where it was improvised on the fly.
Well, if you were allowed to hear the so-called "singing" (or what extremely soft singing there is) you wouldn't hear the organ at all and that's because most people were barely singing. They're mainly mumble-singing and/or singing very quietly. Well-trained organist are taught that the organ must "lead" the congregation -- as this superb organist does -- otherwise the hymn will come to a stand-still because congregations are notorious for dragging anything they sing. So, it's supposed to be organ dominated to "lead" the congregation. The only Anglican congregation I know of that is a genuine singing congregation (as opposed to a stand and quietly sing/mumble congregation) is St Thomas Fifth Avenue. They sing and project their voices; they almost sound rehearsed, even though they're not. And the organist here plays beautifully. Enjoyed his High Church improvisation interlude.
No that's the opening sequence. The Widor was played at the recessional. He went right into it while the procession was still underway. I tried to record it but the crowd noise made it impossible.
Just wondering... how organists ever managed in the days before all the hi-tech closed circuit video screens? I remember.... a mirror had to do or sometimes an assistant or the church sexton would signal when to start and stop. :-)
+kraftpr Yes, I think mirrors of some type. This console is located on the wooden screen behind the choir and the organist faces away from action. Probably could turn his head and look down, I suppose.
"Jesus Christ is Risen Today" The tune is Lyra Davidica (1708), the words in stanzas 1-3 are from a Latin Carol of the 14th century, the 4th stanza was written by Charles Wesley. Hope this helps.
A two and a half minute long interlude!! Really?? Most of which was in minor, no less!! Way too long and way too minor for the happiest day in the Christian year. I'd have had time to clip my fingernails while all that harmonic meandering was going on. All I can say is "Oh my!". The term "less is more" would apply here.
+Dave Sandler I would normally agree with you, but you have to keep in mind that in this very long cathedral, you have to give the procession time to make it up to the altar.
+Dave Sandler As someone who was there in person... The interlude was all about getting the processional in. (as is the case with almost all holidays at this huge cathedral.) It was either add an interlude or a long fanfare at the end of the hymn. The organist did a beautiful job.
+BVale Please accept my apologies to the organist and to those in attendance at the cathedral on the occasion of this service. I spoke without knowledge, and criticized without wisdom. I should have known when I saw the organist looking over his shoulders in both directions that he was waiting for something to finish before he returned to the hymn. And whether or not I might have preferred extemporization in major harmony is irrelevant and only a preference. He did an excellent job, his trumpet fanfares and flourishes were stunning, and his command of the organ was exemplary. I now think he played the interlude in minor to provide maximum contrast with the hymn once he returned to it. Again please accept my apology for my unduly harsh criticism spoken in error. I am sorry for having done so.
+Dave Sandler Ha! Thanks for following-up. However, I don't think anyone here was offended by your first comment... we all have our musical tastes... I was just pointing out what it was like in person. And I doubt the organist, Ray, reads anything on here. He's busy getting his doctorate in organ at Juilliard. :)
WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good enough! Just perfect. In heaven it will be even better!
Thank you!!!
That is one thrilling Organ fanfare
I know I'm early but ALLELUIA CHRIST IS RISEN
Faaaaaamtaàaaastiiiiic!!!!!!!!! 🎶
I've never wanted to sit in the Choir but I've called for tickets to sit in the front of the Nave for Easter and gotten them every year.
We agree that this is all Nagem and no Widor right?! He IS improvising. He's also moving the sound around during the interlude so that different phrases come from different places. Hard to hear in the video but pretty dang wonderful for those in the Nave.
Alec Wyton always took hymns at a good clip and it worked just fine, thank you!
My home church used to drrraaaag me on the tempo - I ❤ this !!!!!!
Awesome organ! Awesome!
I wish I was there to hear it and worship with that congregation.
I like the interludes for allowing the procession to continue before heading to the last verse. It does sound good but I prefer the 2011 where it was improvised on the fly.
I wish we could hear the descent a bit more, we sing it every year at my church. I love it !
I wish we could hear the singing, so organ dominated.
Well, if you were allowed to hear the so-called "singing" (or what extremely soft singing there is) you wouldn't hear the organ at all and that's because most people were barely singing. They're mainly mumble-singing and/or singing very quietly. Well-trained organist are taught that the organ must "lead" the congregation -- as this superb organist does -- otherwise the hymn will come to a stand-still because congregations are notorious for dragging anything they sing. So, it's supposed to be organ dominated to "lead" the congregation. The only Anglican congregation I know of that is a genuine singing congregation (as opposed to a stand and quietly sing/mumble congregation) is St Thomas Fifth Avenue. They sing and project their voices; they almost sound rehearsed, even though they're not. And the organist here plays beautifully. Enjoyed his High Church improvisation interlude.
just Divine! thanks for sharing!
ALLELUIA !
Did you get the Widor. I was blown away by it!! Best performance of it I ever heard!
No that's the opening sequence. The Widor was played at the recessional. He went right into it while the procession was still underway. I tried to record it but the crowd noise made it impossible.
Just wondering... how organists ever managed in the days before all the hi-tech closed circuit video screens? I remember.... a mirror had to do or sometimes an assistant or the church sexton would signal when to start and stop. :-)
At the Episcopal church I'm a priest at we still use a mirror on the organ. "Thou shalt not re-position the mirror."
Andy Hook
Amen Father!
kraftpr I have one on my organ. I get soooooooooooo pissed when someone touches it.
+kraftpr Yes, I think mirrors of some type. This console is located on the wooden screen behind the choir and the organist faces away from action. Probably could turn his head and look down, I suppose.
Ha ha ha, some of us are still very low tech while at the church!
Wow.
padreq12 l
Nicely captured. What kind of equipment were you using? Thanks for sharing and BLESSED EASTER to you!
Beautiful piece!!! ANy info on the piece?
"Jesus Christ is Risen Today" The tune is Lyra Davidica (1708), the words in stanzas 1-3 are from a Latin Carol of the 14th century, the 4th stanza was written by Charles Wesley. Hope this helps.
What is that gigantic pedal reed in the interlude?
TubaMirabilis123 Sounds like a contra bombarde
the states trumpets are just wonderfull ! Better than theses horribles chamades !
A two and a half minute long interlude!! Really?? Most of which was in minor, no less!! Way too long and way too minor for the happiest day in the Christian year. I'd have had time to clip my fingernails while all that harmonic meandering was going on. All I can say is "Oh my!". The term "less is more" would apply here.
+Dave Sandler I would normally agree with you, but you have to keep in mind that in this very long cathedral, you have to give the procession time to make it up to the altar.
+Dave Sandler That's 1 opinion.
+Dave Sandler As someone who was there in person... The interlude was all about getting the processional in. (as is the case with almost all holidays at this huge cathedral.) It was either add an interlude or a long fanfare at the end of the hymn. The organist did a beautiful job.
+BVale
Please accept my apologies to the organist and to those in attendance at the cathedral on the occasion of this service.
I spoke without knowledge, and criticized without wisdom. I should have known when I saw the organist looking over his shoulders in both directions that he was waiting for something to finish before he returned to the hymn. And whether or not I might have preferred extemporization in major harmony is irrelevant and only a preference. He did an excellent job, his trumpet fanfares and flourishes were stunning, and his command of the organ was exemplary. I now think he played the interlude in minor to provide maximum contrast with the hymn once he returned to it. Again please accept my apology for my unduly harsh criticism spoken in error. I am sorry for having done so.
+Dave Sandler Ha! Thanks for following-up. However, I don't think anyone here was offended by your first comment... we all have our musical tastes... I was just pointing out what it was like in person. And I doubt the organist, Ray, reads anything on here. He's busy getting his doctorate in organ at Juilliard. :)
The hymn was played way too fast for that great space. What a senseless bunch of noise!
harsh man. you just plow through the echo...any slower and it would be a dirge