Finally! An organist who plays the opening measures (before the pedal enters) the way they were articulated by Widor! He continues to follow Widor's instructions throughout till the end. In my opinion, there is not a better, more authentic performance of this ground-breaking piece on RUclips. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
One top flight rendention is by Katelyn Emerson...and the one from the 1920s by the Composer himself, all found currently on U Tub. Another Great Performance is played on the organ in the chapel of St Stanislaus Institution by Janez Rus in December 2011. The mentor was doc. Dalibor Miklavči And Posted under the Channel..... janezrus8
Marc...there are numerous factors involved here. Player, instrument, building acoustics, mood, etc... No piece of music is ever performed in exactly the same manner each time it is executed. Lest we not forget also the hours and hours of discussions on interpretation that surround these performances. Jeanne Demessieux is said to have played the definitive rendition at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. But again, it is purely subjective. I agree that we do have a winner here!
You can't tell me the cathedrals and abbeys of Europe aren't the most majestic works of architecture man could ever create. Add the acoustics and the pipe organ and it's beyond words.
We chose this music for our wedding in 1970. I recently lost my beloved husband and am heartbroken, but hearing Vidor's beautiful piece now and again is a comfort. Thank you.
My sincere condolences. I was married in 1980 and my husband died in 2022. Am still coming to terms with my loss. We both loved organ music and when I hear something like this I feel as if he is smiling down at me and telling me to enjoy it as if he was sitting with me.
I asked for this at my wedding and was told that it was a difficult piece to play and not possible. After we signed the register the priest said ‘Here’s you music and the organist started to play. It was so beautiful.
So many times I've heard this piece played at a speed that neither the instrument or acoustics could sustain; this was played at an optimum speed. Well done.
I love the echo at the end when he is finished......it touchs my soul. We had this played at out wedding 20 years ago , however our church organist got sick and the only other one available was the organist from the funeral home that our minister knew. He did a sterlung job, and also commented that it was lovely to play at a wedding for a change!!!.
Thank You for not rushing this Magnificent Toccata and playing it perfectly, as it was intended to be played!! Triumphant, yet sedate. Congratulations on a flawless performance 🙏🕊✝️🕊🛐🕊🙏
I once heard this played in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. The organist had been requested to 'give it some welly', he did, he gave it 'rock all' - I am amazed the cathedral is still standing!
@@davidllewelyndavies2724 Widor wrote these stunning footnotes on the pedal board for a reason, to add the thunder to back the incredible piece. Nothing annoys me more than listening to the many organists who do not take full advantage of using them as they were intended, thereby significantly downgrading this inexplicably magnificent piece 🙏🕊✝️🕊🛐🕊🙏
My mom was professional organist and raised me on Bach, Widor and Vierne. This was a favorite of both of us. Bravo to the organist! What a marvelous interpretation of this challenging piece. I wish that my mom were alive to see this video. She would’ve loved it. Thank you. 🙏🎵
Originally a York boy but have been living overseas for the last 50 years. After hearing this the tears flowed and I want to come home so badly. Thank you so much for this piece, please make me more homesick, please,please,please.
The acid test that only the best of the best organists can pass is playing the Widor Taccata at the right tempo. This organist played this piece at the right tempo.
The tempo for this work and others like it, is based upon the room acoustics. In acoustically dead or dry North American churches, a faster tempo is required to keep the celestial illusion going, and to frankly cover up mistakes which present much more glaringly in such acoustics. Virgil Fox has the definitive tempo in my mind, though I take it slower myself.
What a privilige it must be to play this magnificent instrument, it sounds even better than before. York Minster and her organ is a must see, what a magnificent place.
I agree- I have had the pleasure of visiting the Minster and even playing the absolute beast of an organ! It sounds incredible and fills the building very well.
@@at0mcollision We've visited the York Minster in 2007 and while taking in the all inspiring grandure someone played the organ very gentle and soft and despite the recognision of the piece then played, I still can't name it, but is was awe inspiring. Hopefully we'll be able to visit again and be lucky enough that the voice of the organ reaches out again.
@@pst3615 the York organ has a massive dynamic range- the echo dulciana on the solo is almost inaudible with the box shut, but on the other hand it has what's probably one of the loudest organ stops in the world!
@@at0mcollision The Tuba Mirabilis makes a mighty sound, but If you really want loud, try the _en chamade_ trumpets at the west end of St Paul's or the Trompette Militaire in Liverpool Cathedral, which are ear-splitting.
One of my favourite pieces of music for the organ. This is probably one of the loveliest and best interpretations of this iconic piece by Widor that I’ve heard. It’s a beautiful fresh sound enhanced greatly by the splendid acoustic in the Minister.
Finally! An organist who plays the piece with, not only brilliant musicianship but, a thorough of understanding of Widor's intentions. This is super! Ok, it's not a French Cavaillé-Coll organ (on which IMHO it sounds best, just because of the reeds) but it's completely at home in this swirling acoustic. Bravo Mr Morris for such excellent and sensitive playing of a wonderful piece, brilliant registrations and fantastically judged tempi, so often abused by organists world wide. Thank you!
100% agree. Fantastic interpretation, the articulation in the coda is particularly effective and really draws attention to something new happening when most other organists are just going through the motions at that point. English organs are a bit like German organs when it comes to French music, the mixtures are just a bit too metallic and bright and although the English reeds are a bit more fiery, they just don't have the brutal roar of the Appel d'anche where everything comes out. Cavaille-coll organs are something else entirely. Even though he played around with fourniture/cymbale vs a single Plein jeu, there is always a beauty and a delicacy to the sound. The montres are robust but still with that breathy "flutey" quality and he often reused old Cliquot reed pipes which gives some real fire. You can't beat music played on the instruments for which it was written!
The rebuild of the Minster instrument; the removal of decades of grubble work and changes to suit a taste of the time is met with many smiles and joy here. What a glory it is now. What fine job playing it too!
THAT WAS BREATHTAKING .. what a talented man. So wish I had been sat in the cathedral when he was playing that. I could sit there all day why he played Brilliant.
Beautiful rendition of the Toccata! Love that quiet part (closed swell) around 4:30. Maestro Morris plus the power of York Minster - It's like voices from Heaven! Greetings from Canada!
When my family and I visited England (May 2022), the organ just so happened to be undergoing its once a century service! What a shame! However, my organ professor, Dr. Thomas Marshall, told me he once got the opportunity to play that incredible looking instrument. Maybe one day I’ll get to do the same!
I was able to feel similar 32 foot pipes in Tampere Cathedral when this masterpiece was performed. One really should be available instead of listening this via computer headphones. My body was shaking almost during those pipes on.
The equally impressive instrument at Hereford Cathedral allows you to stand next to its 32ft pedal reeds and I made a great recording on my mini disc (old technology but very capable) of Roy Massey playing the Widor 5 for a wedding. The addition of these reeds at the conclusion of the toccata is absolutely fabulous and although lacking a little finesse gives a truly up close and personal experience of these acoustic wonders in action and providing the bassus profundi like nothing else.
I have been at York Minster when this piece was played. One's internal organs vibrate in harmony with some notes. There are harmonics that seem to be subsonic, and the neural reaction of one's whole body sends delicious shivers from the centre of the back out to the neck, arms and legs. I felt like I was *inside* the music as well as the brain of the composer. My pancreas did a delighted little gavotte on my liver . . . . afterward, I and several other people wafted out of the building looking like we'd just had a good trip on psychedelics. . . . . .
@@adrianjohnson7920 Many years ago, I spent a week depping in Winchester Cathedral. On Saturday, we sang at the wedding of the daughter of the Bishop of Southampton. David Hill pulled rank over his assistant (Timothy Byram-Wigfield) and played the Widor at the end of the service; the entire choir gawped as the rood screen shook and rattled violently in response to the pedal notes - quite how it stayed in one piece we shall never know.
The minster is not only blessed with this iconic instrument, but also with its incredible musicians, Ben & Robert. I’ve met both - perfect gentlemen. Thank you Ben for this stunning performance. Lovely to hear it played as Widor intended and not at break neck speed.
right...I've seen/heard it played at 'breakneck speed'. it ABSOLUTELY RUINS IT. There IS a clip of Widor himself playing it (mistakes and all, bless his heart) and he does it rather slowly.
Would you consider this tempo to be _Allegro_ which is how the score is marked ? I would classify it as _Allegro moderato_ but it's none the worse for that.
I chose this pice to be played as I walked out of church with my beautiful wife, and we are still together after 46 years and I love her mor now than ever before!
As did I 40 years ago at St. Matthew's, Ottawa, where I had heard it as a boy chorister. It was a discovery for my new bride, who was raised in the United Church of Canada, and it was a pleasant surprise for her. My Québécois groomsmen knew it, but it surprised the Baptist New Brunswicker in their company. It always brings back many happy memories.
This colossal composition always has me at the highest thoughts of the glory, beauty and majesty of Widor’s genius compositional gifts! I loved this piece upon first hearing of it as a college student at University, and it was my Youth Orchestra Director who was indeed performing it, at the Great Organ of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
I remembered about 10 years. Ago visiting York Minster standing next to one of these massive bass pipes! When it sounded you didn’t hear it but you felt the massive pressure wave! I didn’t stay to long as my inside was vibrating! A great sound overall! That’s why they call it the King of Instruments! Fraser❤
I didn't know York Minister had a fire in 1829. I lived on a farm when I was a teenager and we could look across the Vale of York to see the Minster in the far distance. I still to this day remember waking up very early and looking out of my bedroom window as I opened the curtains on the day in 1984 to see it on fire and shouting for my parents to come and look. We stood there open mouthed and hoping against hope it would be saved. So glad it was and this lovely organ with it. I live in another great cathedral city now and like York Minster it has both an amazing organ, choir and a very fine set of bells. The cathedrals and their musical heritage truly are national treasures.
This is the best version of this incredible piece of music on RUclips IMHO. Magnificent perfection as it was meant to be played. No blurring of notes by playing to fast. Total clarity of sound. Thank you so much. James.
First I fell in love with classical music, now the Organ. They really are amazing instruments....I really don't have words to properly describe the beauty of It❤🔥
In the late 1970's I visited York on a British Rail Special excursion from Bristol. £3 student rate. I walked into the Minster and the Widor Toccata was being played just as I entered. It filled the whole of the church. It made my first trip to York so memorable. I am so pleased to find this video. Many thanks. (PS, The Organ is not as good as our Willis here at Truro but as a true full blooded Cornishman, born and bred, I bound by blood to sat that. Yorkies should understand the Sentiment)
You do know that the organ was built in London at the New Rotunda works of Henry Willis and sons don't you? The work was destroyed in the blitz of I think 1941 or 1942. True London craftsmen lol later on Willis's settled in Petersfield in Hampshire until going to the wall in the mid 1990's. The Willis name was taken over and a firm in Liverpool started using the name ( Willis's did have a shop in Liverpool as well to work on the Anglican Cathedral organ, but I don't know when it closed.
I'm *so* glad Mr. Morris plays this work at or near to the *original* tempo that Charles Marie Widor wanted (you can watch and hear Mr. Widor himself play his work also on youtube, believe it or not) ahem. I choral concert- toured here from the US, waaay back in 1975, and I was initially so disappointed that it wasn't Westminster... until I sang in and saw this impressive edifice. What incredible acoustics, and they provide a wonderful chamber from which this organ speaks, as Mr. Morris speaks to the beauty, dignity, and grandeur of this work. Thank You
Widor's recording was made when he was an old man in his 80s, and was made on an organ with a very heavy tracker action. The score is marked _Allegro_ which is significantly faster than Widor played it and rather faster than the tempo chosen by Mr Morris. The key (no pun intended) to the work is to articulate the chords in the left hand so that they impart a sense of movement, otherwise there is a danger that it trundles along in a dull way.
At Sedbergh school during the 70's this was always played when leaving Sunday chapel before going home at the end of term. Shivers down the spine because we were going home and great music of course.
Played with precision and as Vidor wrote it and at a vert sensible pace given the size of the Minster, Benjamin. I am an ex organ builder, and had the great pleasure of meeting Dr Francis Jackson in around 1971 when he opened the Father Willis organ taken from St Augustin's Haggerston in Bethnal Green, E2, and refurbished by NP Mander Ltd and installed in St. Dunstan's and All Saints Stepney E1. I was a tuners boy on that occasion and we had just finished tuning the instrument prior to the opening, when Dr Jackson arrived to practice. I remember he was going to play Bach's E flat Major St.Anne Prelude and Fugue and I watched amazed as he played it from memory, very fast and he played the pedals without his shoes on! That was 53 years ago and I remember it as if it were yesterday!
Religions one contribution to Mankind. Epic buildings for which grand organs were built for magnificent music to be written. Benjamin Morris does Widor proud!
As an 8 year old chorister in Shrewsbury, I heard our choirmaster John Sykes play this piece occasionally after Eucharist from 1968. Until viewing this video I didn’t realise it was “trendy”, being showcased only in 1961. I watched in the organ loft as John worked a lot more frantically. I was waiting for my lift home.
As an agnostic person, I don't often get to go to churches and hear organ music. However last time I did, they played this piece and it blew my mind. One of the, if not THE most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. Hats down to the organist who was playing it, an incredible tune in so many ways.
At the time Widor wrote this, he had Dupre as a disciple, and Dupre's fame and composing skill were already becoming legendary. It's said that Widor composed this to show Dupre and the music world that he "still had it". 😛
My late parents had this at their wedding in the 1940s and ended up spending a minor fortune on a "stereogram" that was able to play it pretty well on a 45rpm record. I still have that disc and play it occasionally on my Linn Sondek LP12. It still sounds FAR better than any digital version :)
We at Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah are delighted to have Harrison & Harrison, the builder of the York Minster organ, build an entirely new edition of our existing H &H instrument for delivery in 2026. This will be the church’s Tricentennial Organ, and Harrison & Harrison’s third organ built in the US. Our music director, the respected and esteemed George Fergus, formerly of The National Cathedral in Washington, DC, is at the helm of this wonderful project. What a pleasure to hear such a great rendition of the Widor Toccata on this amazing organ!
@@YorkMinsterOfficial the Vestry will be signing a contract with Harrison & Harrison this week. I will forward your inquiry to George Fergus, our music director and organist. He can provide a better answer than I can. Thank you so much for being as excited as we are!
Love it! Had this played at my wedding walking my new wife down the aisle. Impressive piece played beautifully. Iv'e been to York Minster and heard this magnificent instrument live, every bone in your body feels it.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!!! A true piece of heaven! I was so emotionally moved to the core of my being. Can't get enough. The videography, editing, and drone work were superb and wonderfully transcendent. Thank you ever so much for making my day. I shall endeavor to listen when I need it most! Cheers,
How can he sit so still with so much power at his fingertips? I'm amused by the crayola pipes that reflect the stained glass. His interperation reflects the architechture of the building, well-planned, breathtakingly beautiful, tasteful, perfect. I also appreciate the aerial view of the chest to see that some of the pipes have been installed sideways. Really love this video.
It was a dream come true to have this played at my wedding at Lutheran Church of The Redeemer (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) in 1997 for my wedding - the pipe organ and organist there are FABULOUS. I could hardly contain my joy!
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Played as the postlude at both my mother and fathers funerals. The promise of Eternal Life cannot be reflected more in a piece of music. Magnificent.
Well those music lessons paid off
lol
Finally! An organist who plays the opening measures (before the pedal enters) the way they were articulated by Widor! He continues to follow Widor's instructions throughout till the end. In my opinion, there is not a better, more authentic performance of this ground-breaking piece on RUclips. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
There are a few other eminent players that are of a similar standard. This is excellent but not by any means unique.
Absolutely ❤
One top flight rendention is by Katelyn Emerson...and the one from the
1920s by the Composer himself, all found currently on U Tub.
Another Great Performance is played on the organ in the chapel of St Stanislaus Institution by Janez Rus in December 2011. The mentor was doc. Dalibor Miklavči
And Posted under the Channel.....
janezrus8
Marc...there are numerous factors involved here. Player, instrument, building acoustics, mood, etc...
No piece of music is ever performed in exactly the same manner each time it is executed. Lest we not forget also the hours and hours of discussions on interpretation that surround these performances. Jeanne Demessieux is said to have played the definitive rendition at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. But again, it is purely subjective. I agree that we do have a winner here!
LOVELY, however not a favorite of this particular piece of beautiful music.
What a splendid rendition of Widor’s Toccata.
...or even Toccata😏
@@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311 fixed it.
You can't tell me the cathedrals and abbeys of Europe aren't the most majestic works of architecture man could ever create. Add the acoustics and the pipe organ and it's beyond words.
We chose this music for our wedding in 1970. I recently lost my beloved husband and am heartbroken, but hearing Vidor's beautiful piece now and again is a comfort. Thank you.
My sincere condolences. I was married in 1980 and my husband died in 2022. Am still coming to terms with my loss. We both loved organ music and when I hear something like this I feel as if he is smiling down at me and telling me to enjoy it as if he was sitting with me.
RIP Mr Cranmer, Barbara. I hope this wonderful piece, so masterfully played here give you comfort in your time off loss.
I asked for this at my wedding and was told that it was a difficult piece to play and not possible. After we signed the register the priest said ‘Here’s you music and the organist started to play. It was so beautiful.
Beautifully played, and at the perfect tempo for the Minster acoustic!
It’s, in my opinion the tempo for eternity and everywhere
So many times I've heard this piece played at a speed that neither the instrument or acoustics could sustain; this was played at an optimum speed. Well done.
Yes perfect. Listen that guy at Christ Cathedral is California play it. It's terrible, way to fast.
This masterpiece is performed in a magnificent way.THankyou.I hear him regularly at services each Sunday
The pipe organ is truly one of the most beautiful and powerful instruments in history!
The pipe organ is the nearest instrument to the human voice!
@@rogerneal6329
That's a fascinating way of looking at it!
Music and an instrument to shake your soul.
Totally agree
Blimey!! That was amazing! And from memory too!!!
We practice so often we have every note memorized by the time we perform!
I love the echo at the end when he is finished......it touchs my soul. We had this played at out wedding 20 years ago , however our church organist got sick and the only other one available was the organist from the funeral home that our minister knew. He did a sterlung job, and also commented that it was lovely to play at a wedding for a change!!!.
Simply superb. What an instrument and what an organist. Finding these gems makes my day. Thank you.
Thank You for not rushing this Magnificent Toccata and playing it perfectly, as it was intended to be played!! Triumphant, yet sedate. Congratulations on a flawless performance 🙏🕊✝️🕊🛐🕊🙏
Amazing!!!!!! Absolutely fabulous job rendered here, THANK YOU!
I once heard this played in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. The organist had been requested to 'give it some welly', he did, he gave it 'rock all' - I am amazed the cathedral is still standing!
@@davidllewelyndavies2724 Widor wrote these stunning footnotes on the pedal board for a reason, to add the thunder to back the incredible piece. Nothing annoys me more than listening to the many organists who do not take full advantage of using them as they were intended, thereby significantly downgrading this inexplicably magnificent piece 🙏🕊✝️🕊🛐🕊🙏
You are so right-organists rush this to be competitive-it is meant to be enjoyed -not rushed!!!!!
The marking on the score is _Allegro_ , which does not imply sedate.
My mom was professional organist and raised me on Bach, Widor and Vierne. This was a favorite of both of us.
Bravo to the organist! What a marvelous interpretation of this challenging piece. I wish that my mom were alive to see this video. She would’ve loved it. Thank you. 🙏🎵
Originally a York boy but have been living overseas for the last 50 years. After hearing this the tears flowed and I want to come home so badly. Thank you so much for this piece, please make me more homesick, please,please,please.
I am sure you will do one day.
@@johnyates2157 Thank you John I am wishing for it.
your wish has been granted
Then get on a plane, Leeds Bradford is probably your nearest airport lol
I would put you up I live in the east Midlands .
Always a thrill to hear this piece! Would live to hear it in person!
I am completely breathless. There is NOTHING on earth that compares to this exquisite sound. NOTHING.
The acid test that only the best of the best organists can pass is playing the Widor Taccata at the right tempo. This organist played this piece at the right tempo.
He also correctly observes the dynamics.
This wonderful composition is too often performed TOO fast and TOO loud.
fully agreed
The tempo for this work and others like it, is based upon the room acoustics. In acoustically dead or dry North American churches, a faster tempo is required to keep the celestial illusion going, and to frankly cover up mistakes which present much more glaringly in such acoustics. Virgil Fox has the definitive tempo in my mind, though I take it slower myself.
Diane Bish’s rendition is SO “Liberace” it ranks high on the scale of plastic showmanship!
What a privilige it must be to play this magnificent instrument, it sounds even better than before. York Minster and her organ is a must see, what a magnificent place.
I agree- I have had the pleasure of visiting the Minster and even playing the absolute beast of an organ! It sounds incredible and fills the building very well.
@@at0mcollision We've visited the York Minster in 2007 and while taking in the all inspiring grandure someone played the organ very gentle and soft and despite the recognision of the piece then played, I still can't name it, but is was awe inspiring.
Hopefully we'll be able to visit again and be lucky enough that the voice of the organ reaches out again.
@@pst3615 the York organ has a massive dynamic range- the echo dulciana on the solo is almost inaudible with the box shut, but on the other hand it has what's probably one of the loudest organ stops in the world!
@@at0mcollision Just listen to this, a small town organ with back then a very promissing young man who has earned his name in the ranks.
@@at0mcollision The Tuba Mirabilis makes a mighty sound, but If you really want loud, try the _en chamade_ trumpets at the west end of St Paul's or the Trompette Militaire in Liverpool Cathedral, which are ear-splitting.
Pat and I had this piece played at our wedding in July 1982 at St Peter's, Derby.
Excuse me while I have a little cry: the emotion has got to me!!🎶🥰
Спасибо за искренность! Вы- счастливый человек! Самые добрые пожелания вашей семье!
One of my favourite pieces of music for the organ. This is probably one of the loveliest and best interpretations of this iconic piece by Widor that I’ve heard. It’s a beautiful fresh sound enhanced greatly by the splendid acoustic in the Minister.
🥲 💙 This piece was the postlude at my cousin's funeral. The organist loved him. The organ was a huge tracker. It was Glorious! Thank you. 🎉 🥲
Played exactly as it should be played.Magnificintly.
The sound of organ Ìs th cry of the soul , and a profound sigh of God
Finally! An organist who plays the piece with, not only brilliant musicianship but, a thorough of understanding of Widor's intentions. This is super!
Ok, it's not a French Cavaillé-Coll organ (on which IMHO it sounds best, just because of the reeds) but it's completely at home in this swirling acoustic. Bravo Mr Morris for such excellent and sensitive playing of a wonderful piece, brilliant registrations and fantastically judged tempi, so often abused by organists world wide. Thank you!
Well he's had more time with it.
@@rowanlidbury Pardon? More time with what?
on this organ it is movingly majestuous ! (IMHO)
100% agree. Fantastic interpretation, the articulation in the coda is particularly effective and really draws attention to something new happening when most other organists are just going through the motions at that point. English organs are a bit like German organs when it comes to French music, the mixtures are just a bit too metallic and bright and although the English reeds are a bit more fiery, they just don't have the brutal roar of the Appel d'anche where everything comes out. Cavaille-coll organs are something else entirely. Even though he played around with fourniture/cymbale vs a single Plein jeu, there is always a beauty and a delicacy to the sound. The montres are robust but still with that breathy "flutey" quality and he often reused old Cliquot reed pipes which gives some real fire. You can't beat music played on the instruments for which it was written!
If you're after a French Cavaillé-Coll organ version, there's an excellent one of Jonathan Scott playing it on the organ of Manchester Town Hall
The rebuild of the Minster instrument; the removal of decades of grubble work and changes to suit a taste of the time is met with many smiles and joy here. What a glory it is now. What fine job playing it too!
Bravo Benjamin! Francis was a true friend and teacher, and close associate. Best wishes. Robert Denton. Leeds Parish Church 1963-1971.
I've always have loved organ music its just so beautiful
Played at both my weddings. Stunning piece! Amazing and talented organist. Goosebumps. Would love to hear it played live.
THAT WAS BREATHTAKING .. what a talented man. So wish I had been sat in the cathedral when he was playing that. I could sit there all day why he played Brilliant.
Beautiful rendition of the Toccata! Love that quiet part (closed swell) around 4:30. Maestro Morris plus the power of York Minster - It's like voices from Heaven! Greetings from Canada!
When my family and I visited England (May 2022), the organ just so happened to be undergoing its once a century service! What a shame! However, my organ professor, Dr. Thomas Marshall, told me he once got the opportunity to play that incredible looking instrument. Maybe one day I’ll get to do the same!
Absolute perfection! Would love to hear this piece in-person to feel the power of those 32 foot pipes!
I was able to feel similar 32 foot pipes in Tampere Cathedral when this masterpiece was performed. One really should be available instead of listening this via computer headphones. My body was shaking almost during those pipes on.
The equally impressive instrument at Hereford Cathedral allows you to stand next to its 32ft pedal reeds and I made a great recording on my mini disc (old technology but very capable) of Roy Massey playing the Widor 5 for a wedding. The addition of these reeds at the conclusion of the toccata is absolutely fabulous and although lacking a little finesse gives a truly up close and personal experience of these acoustic wonders in action and providing the bassus profundi like nothing else.
I have been at York Minster when this piece was played. One's internal organs vibrate in harmony with some notes. There are harmonics that seem to be subsonic, and the neural reaction of one's whole body sends delicious shivers from the centre of the back out to the neck, arms and legs. I felt like I was *inside* the music as well as the brain of the composer. My pancreas did a delighted little gavotte on my liver . . . . afterward, I and several other people wafted out of the building looking like we'd just had a good trip on psychedelics. . . . . .
@@adrianjohnson7920 Many years ago, I spent a week depping in Winchester Cathedral. On Saturday, we sang at the wedding of the daughter of the Bishop of Southampton. David Hill pulled rank over his assistant (Timothy Byram-Wigfield) and played the Widor at the end of the service; the entire choir gawped as the rood screen shook and rattled violently in response to the pedal notes - quite how it stayed in one piece we shall never know.
@@hb1338 That's the spirit ! It's like music for the end of the world, but in a good way 😆
The minster is not only blessed with this iconic instrument, but also with its incredible musicians, Ben & Robert. I’ve met both - perfect gentlemen. Thank you Ben for this stunning performance. Lovely to hear it played as Widor intended and not at break neck speed.
After all it's not meant to be a race to the finish, is it?
right...I've seen/heard it played at 'breakneck speed'. it ABSOLUTELY RUINS IT. There IS a clip of Widor himself playing it (mistakes and all, bless his heart) and he does it rather slowly.
Would you consider this tempo to be _Allegro_ which is how the score is marked ? I would classify it as _Allegro moderato_ but it's none the worse for that.
Wow, Widor would have been proud, BRAVO!🎉❤😮
This piece of music takes my breath away every time I hear it
Quite the finest version I have heard - what a tempo and what skill in the set up for the foot notes that are so important in this remarkable piece
I chose this pice to be played as I walked out of church with my beautiful wife, and we are still together after 46 years and I love her mor now than ever before!
As did I 40 years ago at St. Matthew's, Ottawa, where I had heard it as a boy chorister. It was a discovery for my new bride, who was raised in the United Church of Canada, and it was a pleasant surprise for her. My Québécois groomsmen knew it, but it surprised the Baptist New Brunswicker in their company. It always brings back many happy memories.
This colossal composition always has me at the highest thoughts of the glory, beauty and majesty of Widor’s genius compositional gifts! I loved this piece upon first hearing of it as a college student at University, and it was my Youth Orchestra Director who was indeed performing it, at the Great Organ of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
I remembered about 10 years. Ago visiting York Minster standing next to one of these massive bass pipes! When it sounded you didn’t hear it but you felt the massive pressure wave! I didn’t stay to long as my inside was vibrating! A great sound overall! That’s why they call it the King of Instruments! Fraser❤
Brilliant, had it played at my wedding, brings tears to my eyes.
Imagine never hearing this piece especially at a royal wedding?That was very brave of the organist at the time.
This piece and Zadoc the Priest send shivers down my spine every time I hear them.
ZadoK.
The organ part in Zadok is less taxing than the Widor !
Me too.
Same and sung it there as a choir boy half a century ago.
I didn't know York Minister had a fire in 1829. I lived on a farm when I was a teenager and we could look across the Vale of York to see the Minster in the far distance. I still to this day remember waking up very early and looking out of my bedroom window as I opened the curtains on the day in 1984 to see it on fire and shouting for my parents to come and look. We stood there open mouthed and hoping against hope it would be saved. So glad it was and this lovely organ with it. I live in another great cathedral city now and like York Minster it has both an amazing organ, choir and a very fine set of bells. The cathedrals and their musical heritage truly are national treasures.
This is the best version of this incredible piece of music on RUclips IMHO. Magnificent perfection as it was meant to be played. No blurring of notes by playing to fast. Total clarity of sound. Thank you so much. James.
First I fell in love with classical music, now the Organ. They really are amazing instruments....I really don't have words to properly describe the beauty of It❤🔥
Wow, that was brilliant,
Wow!! Magnificent!!!
In the late 1970's I visited York on a British Rail Special excursion from Bristol. £3 student rate. I walked into the Minster and the Widor Toccata was being played just as I entered. It filled the whole of the church. It made my first trip to York so memorable. I am so pleased to find this video. Many thanks. (PS, The Organ is not as good as our Willis here at Truro but as a true full blooded Cornishman, born and bred, I bound by blood to sat that. Yorkies should understand the Sentiment)
You do know that the organ was built in London at the New Rotunda works of Henry Willis and sons don't you? The work was destroyed in the blitz of I think 1941 or 1942. True London craftsmen lol later on Willis's settled in Petersfield in Hampshire until going to the wall in the mid 1990's. The Willis name was taken over and a firm in Liverpool started using the name ( Willis's did have a shop in Liverpool as well to work on the Anglican Cathedral organ, but I don't know when it closed.
This is the best content so far by miles! Please do more like this and take advantage of this magnificent instrument
This performance brought absolutely the most wonderful tears to my eyes! STUNNING! Directly to my "listen again" favorites... Thanks!!!
I love the York Minster. I have a picture of me standing beside those big 32’ pipes! Thank you for this video. Cheers from Canada.
I'm *so* glad Mr. Morris plays this work at or near to the *original* tempo that Charles Marie Widor wanted (you can watch and hear Mr. Widor himself play his work also on youtube, believe it or not) ahem. I choral concert- toured here from the US, waaay back in 1975, and I was initially so disappointed that it wasn't Westminster... until I sang in and saw this impressive edifice. What incredible acoustics, and they provide a wonderful chamber from which this organ speaks, as Mr. Morris speaks to the beauty, dignity, and grandeur of this work. Thank You
Widor's recording was made when he was an old man in his 80s, and was made on an organ with a very heavy tracker action. The score is marked _Allegro_ which is significantly faster than Widor played it and rather faster than the tempo chosen by Mr Morris. The key (no pun intended) to the work is to articulate the chords in the left hand so that they impart a sense of movement, otherwise there is a danger that it trundles along in a dull way.
Perfect tempo! Perfect registration where you didn't drown out the pedal!
This gives me chills. This young man is truly gifted.
And practices a lot.
At Sedbergh school during the 70's this was always played when leaving Sunday chapel before going home at the end of term. Shivers down the spine because we were going home and great music of course.
The Toccata was played as the postlude for my Final Religious profession as the postlude. Just glorious!
What a magnificent organ, a wonderful piece of music and an incredible organist.(incidentally loved the socks).
It must be difficult to master the acoustics of the Minster, but it’s a joy to hear so much detail. Masterly played on an instrument placed all over.
Beautiful sounding organ (biased as from York). Expertly played.
It is simply an impressive instrument, wonderfully housed in one of the grandest of English cathedrals. Great interpretation of Benjamin Morris.
Played with precision and as Vidor wrote it and at a vert sensible pace given the size of the Minster, Benjamin. I am an ex organ builder, and had the great pleasure of meeting Dr Francis Jackson in around 1971 when he opened the Father Willis organ taken from St Augustin's Haggerston in Bethnal Green, E2, and refurbished by NP Mander Ltd and installed in St. Dunstan's and All Saints Stepney E1. I was a tuners boy on that occasion and we had just finished tuning the instrument prior to the opening, when Dr Jackson arrived to practice. I remember he was going to play Bach's E flat Major St.Anne Prelude and Fugue and I watched amazed as he played it from memory, very fast and he played the pedals without his shoes on! That was 53 years ago and I remember it as if it were yesterday!
INCREDIBLE THANK YOU!!!
Wonderful - we'd love to have seen inside the case.
Superb post, Benjamin. Lovely photography of the cathedral. Thank you.
Religions one contribution to Mankind.
Epic buildings for which grand organs were built for magnificent music to be written.
Benjamin Morris does Widor proud!
Lovely job. Thank you
Perfectly played at the correct tempo - brilliant! Had this played at our wedding in 1980 as we walked out of the church
The exit music played at my wedding. RIP Dr. Thomas Strode.
Totally astonishing and wonderful lifting our hearts to God almighty
You really don't get too many of those to the pound..Magnificent !!!!!
By FAR the best interpretation of the piece! Perfect tempo, perfect registration!
MAGNIFICENT ❤
Played at my wedding.
Ooooh so good enjoyed it immensely. Played so well with passion
That’s a pretty big sound alright. Well done. The guy in the Newark, NJ cathedral does a nice job too.
Great sound and tempo... so many today play so quickly with impatience, it destroys the soul. Kia Ora from New Zealand. 💜💜
They are gorgeous, the Cathedral and the organ, and Ben's rendition Is perfect!
As an 8 year old chorister in Shrewsbury, I heard our choirmaster John Sykes play this piece occasionally after Eucharist from 1968. Until viewing this video I didn’t realise it was “trendy”, being showcased only in 1961. I watched in the organ loft as John worked a lot more frantically. I was waiting for my lift home.
He was pretty good in Whitesnake too.
Pure dead brilliant, so it is! Fantastic!! Thank you.🙏
As an agnostic person, I don't often get to go to churches and hear organ music. However last time I did, they played this piece and it blew my mind. One of the, if not THE most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. Hats down to the organist who was playing it, an incredible tune in so many ways.
Magnificent! One tires of "Anything you can play, I can play faster". This is a really stirring rendering.
At the time Widor wrote this, he had Dupre as a disciple, and Dupre's fame and composing skill were already becoming legendary. It's said that Widor composed this to show Dupre and the music world that he "still had it". 😛
Beautifully played-thoroughly enjoyed! 🇨🇦
Yes! Awesome!!! Thank you for recording and posting!!!!
My late parents had this at their wedding in the 1940s and ended up spending a minor fortune on a "stereogram" that was able to play it pretty well on a 45rpm record. I still have that disc and play it occasionally on my Linn Sondek LP12. It still sounds FAR better than any digital version :)
I've often wondered how people play with two hands and feet on separate keyboards. Must have several brains.
We at Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah are delighted to have Harrison & Harrison, the builder of the York Minster organ, build an entirely new edition of our existing H &H instrument for delivery in 2026. This will be the church’s Tricentennial Organ, and Harrison & Harrison’s third organ built in the US. Our music director, the respected and esteemed George Fergus, formerly of The National Cathedral in Washington, DC, is at the helm of this wonderful project. What a pleasure to hear such a great rendition of the Widor Toccata on this amazing organ!
You are fortunate indeed - a bounty of riches! Is there a way to keep abreast of the build of the new organ at Christ Church?
@@YorkMinsterOfficial the Vestry will be signing a contract with Harrison & Harrison this week. I will forward your inquiry to George Fergus, our music director and organist. He can provide a better answer than I can. Thank you so much for being as excited as we are!
Played at the perfect speed
An excellent performance just perfect.
Love it! Had this played at my wedding walking my new wife down the aisle. Impressive piece played beautifully.
Iv'e been to York Minster and heard this magnificent instrument live, every bone in your body feels it.
Same here at my wedding in 1977.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!!!! A true piece of heaven! I was so emotionally moved to the core of my being. Can't get enough. The videography, editing, and drone work were superb and wonderfully transcendent. Thank you ever so much for making my day. I shall endeavor to listen when I need it most! Cheers,
Yes, yes, yes to all that about tempo and phrasing. This is also a really beautiful video of the amazing York Minster! Thanks.
Great playing, by the way SNAZZY SOX
Superb performance. Thank you.
The recessional music for mine and my husband's wedding. Happy memories ❤
Our's too in 1974!
i was waiting for the performance to fail .it came to the edge of precipice but wow..i thought widor could be only played on cavaillle-coll.
A great piece by Widor! Also like St Saeun organ symphony, 4th movement Powerfull end to the whole works! Fraser❤❤❤
I had the pleasure of singing at York Minster in 1959 as a visiting choir marvelous experience
What a fitting piece of music to match our majestic york minster.
Beautiful.
Stolen Catholic Church.
How can he sit so still with so much power at his fingertips? I'm amused by the crayola pipes that reflect the stained glass. His interperation reflects the architechture of the building, well-planned, breathtakingly beautiful, tasteful, perfect. I also appreciate the aerial view of the chest to see that some of the pipes have been installed sideways. Really love this video.
It was a dream come true to have this played at my wedding at Lutheran Church of The Redeemer (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) in 1997 for my wedding - the pipe organ and organist there are FABULOUS. I could hardly contain my joy!
Hi Mary. Very glad you enjoyed the video of the Assistant Director of Music playing Widor's Toccata. - Rosalind