That’s so cool! I’m a little jealous. I love the organ. I grew up hearing the organ in a cathedral in Southern California and it was pretty incredible too. One of the largest organs in the world with 16,000 pipes but I think this one is even bigger.
@@vinnyc.1265 Actually I have heard the Messiah in its entirety several times. The Messiah is one of the most powerful, majestic pieces ever written. Yeah I'll stick with my adjective Majestic.
"King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!" Oh my, I wish I could have been there to see and hear this. I've sung this many times, and directed a Messiah performance at Ft Hood, TX, while stationed there. Know this chorus like the back of my hand.
Wonderful!!! Bring Beautiful department stores back!!! What a wonderful piece of Americana. So nice to see all the exuberant shoppers enjoying Handel's gorgeous music.
As I've watched Macys in various states become infiltrated with small minds that makes it a heartache to visit. I'm happy that this Macys is standing tall giving honor to God.
Awesome is the only words one can say! To see people standing in a large Department Store, singing the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel, instead of shopping is something to behold. The ORGANIST does a tremendous job of bringing out the majesty of this POWERFUL ORGAN. Listening to it makes one wonder how we doubt that God does not exist! Hallelujah!
And lots of shopping, materialism, people cutting each off on highways, people shoving each other out of the way in stores, black friday. That sort of thing.
Just hearing this for the first time brought me to tears. THIS is how Handel's music was meant to be heard and played, thank you for sharing this. It's beyond words in beauty.
The choir was apparently deliberately scattered all over the store to enhance the spontaneous effect---and man did it work!!!! King of Kings and Lord of Lords---and He shall reign forever and ever. This takes you to the gates of Heaven and drops you off. WOW!!!
That is a very special moment in many people's lives right there. Whether you were there singing or were "caught" in it. That is a once in a lifetime experience.
The organ is the King of instruments, I have loved this music since I was a child and my mother played the organ in our church. Philadelphia how lucky are you to see such a glorious sight. from Pamela Martin
Must experience this in person to know truly how epic this really sounds on the world's largest pipe organ. Of course it sounds even more epic with the choir backing it up.
Oh how I miss home! This has got to be one of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance architecture and a stunning venue for a beautiful work such as this!! It wouldn’t have sounded better if it was played in the finest chapel ever built! Truly a work of art, both Wanamakers (Macy’s) and the singers themselves!! Merry Christmas to everyone enjoying this beautiful song about our Risen King of Glory!!
i was on vacation there in philly back in 1976 and i think this store then was named wanamakers or something like that, i was just a teen,we had come all the way from texas to see that organ and of course the bicentennial, i really enjoyed it then and i enjoyed your video right now, thank you for showing this to us, it brought back good memorys,
Christ our true God the ever blessed Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Glory to his magnificent omnipotent name forever and ever and unto ages of all ages Amen.
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the alumni, and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hubby.
Unbelievable....under my skin forever. Amazing performance, amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing. Forever changed by this random act of culture. Love, love, love it!
I loved going at lunchtime to Wanamaker's (will always be Wanamaker's to me) for the noon concerts on the organ. Just amazing to see and hear. Philly girl for life 💚🦅🏈
There's another 'version' of this Random Act of Culture', folks with cameras wandering the floor, showing folks singing/listening. WISH I had been there to participate.
Brings me back to my Christmas choir piece...just beautiful. Gosh I wish I could see this in person...but that did not stop me from singing along to this video!!
i did not know there was this "other" recording of this event. Thank you for posting. It helps to refresh my appreciation for the other official Random Acts of Culture posting
First time hearing a performance of this made my eyes watery. Thank you for capturing this. Would have been amazing if Macy’s had had it captured professionally.
worked at wanamakers in 1968/69, before it was bought by Macys. The acoustics were better before Macys opened the top floors surrounding the center court. I remember the noon and evening organ concerts. The entire building shook while the organ was playing. It was magical !!!
I was a student in Phila. then, too. The organ recitals were wonderful. To Macy's credit, they spent large amounts of money to repair it and to expand its voices. Hopefully the company will be able to stay in the retail business. Incidentally, I lived with members of the Macy family while I was in school.
@ZestyLemonBoi The Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together 650 singers and they were throughout all of the Macy's store. And, several people that knew the song joined in...fantastic..
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hybby.
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the alumni, and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hybby.
If I could have sung along, I would have! But right now I have a cold and I barely have a voice. I sang this years ago in college, but I still remember how powerful it was and what it was like to sing the Easter portion of "Messiah" with a 196 voice choir and to face the audience and to see the audience rise to their feet during the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" and to feel the adrenaline rush that came from seeing that!
Amazing that an inspirational piece of music shows God in some people's minds, but God is never in all the misery that can be seen every day. Clearly God only exists in some ignorant minds.
This store changed hands many times. It was Wannamaker's, Strawbridges, Lord and Taylor, and now Macy's. By 2017, it shall be the Wal-Mart Flagship Store of Philadelphia.
If this store ever goes to Wally world they might as well find a new home for the organ. Wal-mart will not spend the money on this national treasure like lord and taylor or macy's has.
Wrong! Ms. Waldron has spent millions and millions of dollars on a magnificent art museum open to the public. The Waltons are an extremely charitable family. I'm suggesting that you get your facts straight before casually berating people, please.
@@groefa you are the one making yourself look a fool. an an art museum can only be enjoyed by those who can see, or is allowed to touch, or has a sighted person willing/able to describe the piece. A person like me who has low vision would find this much more enjoyable, and even someone Deaf or Hard of Hearing could get enjoyment from the different vibrations.
I'm have been a church organist for 56 years but THIS still gives me goose bumps and my eyes tear every time I watch it.
This has to be what heaven sounds like ~ transports us directly to the throne room of God 🙏💙🙏💙🙏
As a kid my parents took me to hear this organ. The power of this instrument live is awe inspiring. Glad it's still in use.
That’s so cool! I’m a little jealous. I love the organ. I grew up hearing the organ in a cathedral in Southern California and it was pretty incredible too. One of the largest organs in the world with 16,000 pipes but I think this one is even bigger.
If I was there, I would have been crying. This is incredible.
+James Netusil I am not there but crying anyway.
I would have had to raise my hands!
i'm crying now.
Beautiful rendering by the flashmob........ May God bless all of you and the Wanamaker organ. Such a heritage needs to be protected and maintained..
Amen to that!
One of the most Majestic pieces of music ever written, played on one the most Majestic instruments in the world!!!
@@colvingenealogy I seriously doubt Bach had a department store in mind, since he didn't write this piece. G. F. Handle wrote the "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Majestic" I can almost gurantee you you haven't never heard the ENTIRE Handel Messiah, have you lol
@@vinnyc.1265 Actually I have heard the Messiah in its entirety several times. The Messiah is one of the most powerful, majestic pieces ever written. Yeah I'll stick with my adjective Majestic.
@@colvingenealogy Bach? Friend, this is George Fredrich Handel
The ORGANIST should get the Presidental Medal of Honor for his performance!
I have heard the organist Peter Conte play in person, his mastery of the 23,000 plus pipes of the Wanamaker is amazing
"King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!"
Oh my, I wish I could have been there to see and hear this.
I've sung this many times, and directed a Messiah performance at Ft Hood, TX, while stationed there. Know this chorus like the back of my hand.
@ZestyLemonBoi
We were scattered among the shoppers on the "floor" level and on the 2nd and 3rd floor balconies. We had a BLAST!
Wonderful!!! Bring Beautiful department stores back!!! What a wonderful piece of Americana. So nice to see all the exuberant shoppers enjoying Handel's gorgeous music.
As I've watched Macys in various states become infiltrated with small minds that makes it a heartache to visit.
I'm happy that this Macys is standing tall giving honor to God.
When I'm in Philly for my first Army/Navy game I will have to see this instrument in person, hopefully a flash mob will happen while I'm there.
Awesome is the only words one can say! To see people standing in a large Department Store, singing the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel, instead of shopping is something to behold. The ORGANIST does a tremendous job of bringing out the majesty of this POWERFUL ORGAN. Listening to it makes one wonder how we doubt that God does not exist! Hallelujah!
This is what CHRISTMAS is all about....".Rejoice and be glad in it!"
And lots of shopping, materialism, people cutting each off on highways, people shoving each other out of the way in stores, black friday. That sort of thing.
Go, as I call "Benny Hill"
This is what EASTER is all about...
@@vinnyc.1265 You forgot to mention people being upset when they didn't get what they wanted for gifts.
Except Christ was born in April, not December.
Just hearing this for the first time brought me to tears. THIS is how Handel's music was meant to be heard and played, thank you for sharing this. It's beyond words in beauty.
It’s just not, a small period chamber orchestra and choir is what Handel intended
The choir was apparently deliberately scattered all over the store to enhance the spontaneous effect---and man did it work!!!! King of Kings and Lord of Lords---and He shall reign forever and ever. This takes you to the gates of Heaven and drops you off. WOW!!!
Once you learn "Messiah", and especially the "Hallelujah Chorus", I don't think you ever forget it!
Grand Central Terminal needs to install a giant organ. The acoustics are amazing in there.
It would get stolen the third night
That is a very special moment in many people's lives right there. Whether you were there singing or were "caught" in it. That is a once in a lifetime experience.
The city should be so proud of Macy's and John Wanamaker . Thank you for continuing to maintain this great store and musical excellence...
If this was at a fully operational Boardwalk Hall organ, then it brings a new meaning to "a multitude of the Heavenly Host"
Wonderful! just Wonderful! The ORGANIST deserves a medal!
Music has the power to bring people of every kind together, to move them to make a joyous noise! Hallelujah!!
Go to Philadelphia and see this GREAT ORGAN
The organ is the King of instruments, I have loved this music since I was a child and my mother played the organ in our church. Philadelphia how lucky are you to see such a glorious sight. from Pamela Martin
Nothing but nothing, beats the Hallelujah Chorus !!
Only, perhaps Jesus Christ Himself!
Must experience this in person to know truly how epic this really sounds on the world's largest pipe organ. Of course it sounds even more epic with the choir backing it up.
Had I been there, I would have loved to have joined in. One of my favorite pieces from my touring choir years.
Oh how I miss home! This has got to be one of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance architecture and a stunning venue for a beautiful work such as this!! It wouldn’t have sounded better if it was played in the finest chapel ever built! Truly a work of art, both Wanamakers (Macy’s) and the singers themselves!!
Merry Christmas to everyone enjoying this beautiful song about our Risen King of Glory!!
i was on vacation there in philly back in 1976 and i think this store then was named wanamakers or something like that, i was just a teen,we had come all the way from texas to see that organ and of course the bicentennial, i really enjoyed it then and i enjoyed your video right now, thank you for showing this to us, it brought back good memorys,
Still brings a tear of joy...
I'm not the tiniest bit religious, but that is a piece of MUSIC.
There is a reason that people STAND when they hear this. Even those who follow the Atheist path are known to do that.
Nobody cares.
@@baritonebynight erm, no. King George II being so moved that he stood up is a myth.
Christ our true God the ever blessed Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Glory to his magnificent omnipotent name forever and ever and unto ages of all ages Amen.
Bravo, I remember years ago that organ constantly being played at Christmas. I wish I was there
Oh my god- what a fantastic acoustic in this hall. Magic🖒
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the alumni, and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hubby.
Outstanding !!
I love this...wish I could've seen more close-ups of the people actually singing among the shoppers.
Man, that was awesome!! I can't even imagine what it sounded in live. Thanks for sharing!!
Unbelievable....under my skin forever. Amazing performance, amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing. Forever changed by this random act of culture. Love, love, love it!
If you sing it, they will come! Happy holidays to all and God bless Philadelphia!
I loved going at lunchtime to Wanamaker's (will always be Wanamaker's to me) for the noon concerts on the organ. Just amazing to see and hear. Philly girl for life 💚🦅🏈
Sang this in high school...a capalla choir. I was a tenor but probably couldn't hit those notes now.
If I was a shopper, I would've just stopped and sang with all of them XD
that is the point of flash mob at Christmas time. It isn't solely for entertainment.
...and sung...
me too
Me three👋
There's another 'version' of this Random Act of Culture', folks with cameras wandering the floor, showing folks singing/listening. WISH I had been there to participate.
Always a fantastic listening pleasure
my favorite holiday song. nothing can beat it. Thanks to all who were there. 👍
Brings me back to my Christmas choir piece...just beautiful. Gosh I wish I could see this in person...but that did not stop me from singing along to this video!!
This always bring tears to my eyes. Thanks for posting it. Everyone in the office is listening to it right now.
Amazing. I love it! Joyously sung. Thanks for this injection of the Christmas spirit.
i did not know there was this "other" recording of this event. Thank you for posting. It helps to refresh my appreciation for the other official Random Acts of Culture posting
Absolutely love this! Wish I could have been there and sung with them!
@pizmyr I wish I could have been there. This will never happen in South Carolina. Keep up the good work!!!
This is amazing and I love this. Used for my 21st when I woke up and it was the best thing ever. God sure gave me to the earth for a reason. 2:18
Tears streaming
My brother's and sister's Saints sing the joy. That city well never be forgotten. Eternity 🎶 the community. Love
Wonderful! just Wonderful!
I miss my hometown Philly! Only there would something like this be possible!
First time hearing a performance of this made my eyes watery. Thank you for capturing this. Would have been amazing if Macy’s had had it captured professionally.
worked at wanamakers in 1968/69, before it was bought by Macys. The acoustics were better before Macys opened the top floors surrounding the center court. I remember the noon and evening organ concerts. The entire building shook while the organ was playing. It was magical !!!
I was a student in Phila. then, too. The organ recitals were wonderful. To Macy's credit, they spent large amounts of money to repair it and to expand its voices.
Hopefully the company will be able to stay in the retail business. Incidentally, I lived with members of the Macy family while I was in school.
Absolutely the best vocal flash mob ever!! I wish I was there - It must have been amazing!!
Excellent
Wondrous and awesome
It's amazing to hear this religious work of Haendel in a department store !
@ZestyLemonBoi The Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together 650 singers and they were throughout all of the Macy's store. And, several people that knew the song joined in...fantastic..
King of kings! Lord of Lords! Praise His holy name! Our precious Savior!
Beautiful!
superb....Beautiful music !!
It's a fantastic piece of music, whatever your religious convictions (or lack thereof).
Philly PRAISING God, The Almighty Father!
They don't call it the City of Brotherly Love for nothing.
Wonderful
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hybby.
That's Class! Now let's all send emails to wal-mart and tell them the people want pipe organ music while we shop lol! Great vid
That’s wayyyyyyy more money than Walmart would be willing to spend.
never mind finding enough people who can play that big an organ.
At 2:59 i was expecting the walls to start crumbling. :)
Wonderful!!!
Gracious. And. Praise. Saints. I love you. Philadelphia. Light
Eternity. Flame. 💫
Absoutely Fantastic! I would have joined in singing even if I wasn't patto fthe choir. Every year at the high school I attended at Homecoming sunday, the alumni, and I mean all the alumni that are in attendance get up on stage and sing this chorus. You have to remember that it is unrhearsed, we just get up and sing it. It is quite remarkable! By the way, this is the wifey typing not the hybby.
Awwwwwwesome!!!!! In the original meaning of the word.
@ZestyLemonBoi If I understand right, the choir had infiltrated the store, posing as shoppers and then burst into song when the music started up.
Oh my god! I'm bawling!
AWESOME
If I could have sung along, I would have! But right now I have a cold and I barely have a voice. I sang this years ago in college, but I still remember how powerful it was and what it was like to sing the Easter portion of "Messiah" with a 196 voice choir and to face the audience and to see the audience rise to their feet during the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" and to feel the adrenaline rush that came from seeing that!
Pretty cool!
im shocked the organ hasnt run out fo wind or blew up!
I suspect wananmakers puts money in the budget for maintaining it. 🤦♀
Amazing!
Fabulous.
They should have recorded that performance onto CD.
Great idea! Don't let those acoustics go to waste.
Thanks for this video...
would someone please tell me when Macy's will do this in 2015
love it!!
the best.
@MrJIMBOB57 Thanks for the encouragement!
King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Thank you Macys!
AMEN!!!
Macy's -- very smart--and good--to support this. Raises the firm's esteem in many eyes.
praise the mamon like a boss
Great Shopping Day!!!!
A beautiful performance. But I doubt it could ever be done today because someone might be "offended", and sue the store.
Amazing that an inspirational piece of music shows God in some people's minds, but God is never in all the misery that can be seen every day. Clearly God only exists in some ignorant minds.
This store changed hands many times. It was Wannamaker's, Strawbridges, Lord and Taylor, and now Macy's. By 2017, it shall be the Wal-Mart Flagship Store of Philadelphia.
James Norton it's 2017 now. No such plans.
2020 and it's still Macy's
It was also Hecht's for a brief period.
... awesome! ;-) ...
If this store ever goes to Wally world they might as well find a new home for the organ. Wal-mart will not spend the money on this national treasure like lord and taylor or macy's has.
Wrong! Ms. Waldron has spent millions and millions of dollars on a magnificent art museum open to the public. The Waltons are an extremely charitable family. I'm suggesting that you get your facts straight before casually berating people, please.
@@groefa you are the one making yourself look a fool.
an an art museum can only be enjoyed by those who can see, or is allowed to touch, or has a sighted person willing/able to describe the piece.
A person like me who has low vision would find this much more enjoyable, and even someone Deaf or Hard of Hearing could get enjoyment from the different vibrations.