Thank you! Yes, I'm self-taught and don't read music unfortunately. I only played three services at this church and this was one of them. I was raised in the Episcopal (Anglican) church. Thanks again!
I was there that Sunday! And it was absolutely breathtaking! I am a big fan, Mr. Ferguson! Thanks for posting this, and for playing to the glory of God!
Fr. John Wallace Wow Fr. Wallace, that's incredibly generous of you! I can't thank you enough and of course Ben Lane my longtime generous friend. I really enjoyed playing those three services. Because of health issues, I haven't been able to practice in months now and miss playing that organ. I hope to return to practicing at least, thank you so very much and such a pleasure to hear from you!
Back in the mid 80s I took a tour of the Austin Organ factory, then went on to St. Joseph's Cathedral to play their beautiful Austin organ. I love Austin Organs.
Psalm 150 “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with harp and lyre, Praise him with timbrel and dancing, Praise him with strings and pipe, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
I have to believe that the largest pipe organ creation has ever seen will have one like you, sir at its console throughout all eternity praising our risen Savior Jesus! What magnificent gifts the Lord has given you!!!
I'm an organist who's "older than dirt," and this video is wonderful! My kind of playing. Excellent leadership, registration, and tempo! That interlude before the last verse blew me away! And I also loved your postlude improvisation! BRAVO!
How I sorely miss the Canon Musician Benjamin Lane whom we lost a handful of years ago, what a "stand up guy" as we say in NYC, he was. Rest well Ben and thanks for your terrific friendship of 30 years and allowing me endless hours on that superb IV/88 that another terrific late friend of mine Gilbert Adams, did some revoicing on that organ making it as wonderful as it is. Thanks to you both and Rest Well gentlemen.
I may be Presbyterian now, but performances like this bring back happy memories of my college days in the Episcopal Church! Bravo! This is SPECTACULAR!
I confess to wondering what the music of heaven will be like while listening to you play. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12: 1-2).
Hello Mark I saw your video 10 11 years ago I was horribly depressed and your music kept me going I met a wonderful woman and got married I was thinking of u last week and now your video pops up!!!may God bless u Mark
"Dr. Ferguson" HAHAHA, LOL LOL LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 THANKS! You're most kind and generous, but in all seriousness, I AM an amateur indeed as essentially I play for my own enjoyment and entertainment. I just happen to share with the public in hopes that my meager efforts might be enjoyed by others. Thanks so much for your viewership, hopeful subscription and your support via your comment as all of it is greatly appreciated indeed. Be well and be safe.
@@bhigdaddymark I subscribed, you're a lot better than I am. I can't play cords very well, but I can play songs note by note and enjoy doing it. I help out with the youth at church and usually before youth group, I play around with some songs on the piano.
Peace and love back to you...FYI--I'm a Black Pentecostal SIstah who's been in music my whole life.....praise God for people like you, who took the time to perfect the art of the pipe organ...and it brings just a bit more of HEAVEN into our lives... GLORY!
There's just NOTHING on Earth SO HEAVENLY as Christian Hymn singing with an authentic grand pipe organ--especially with a world-class organist as this totally talented gentleman obviously is! GLORY TO GOD!!
Happy New Year and all of the very best to you in 2022 Mr. Farris! Thanks so very much for your incredibly kind and most generous comment as it's most appreciated indeed! "World-Class"??? DEFINITELY NOT !!! LOL, that would send the (real) professionally trained organists into a rage and continuous regurgitationLOL, but I'm really humbled by your rather generous compliment. Thanks again, be well and be safe!
Eternal Forever THANKS for your Loving-Kindness Mr Mark..I am a retired Church Organist (Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist) who for 45 Years played mostly by ear and made "a Joyful Noise"--but you Sir are indeed A NATURAL GOD-GIVEN WORLD-CLASS PROFESSIONAL Musician of the Highest Calibre!!
What blows my mind is the intensity of the first chord that comes in immediately after the congregation says Amen!!!!!!I feel transported to heaven just listening to his music. May God bless you young man!
You are truly a gifted musician. Whenever I search for my favorite hymns on youtube, I come across your uploads. The way you perform these hymns is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!
First, I was ordained to the Diaconate in that Cathedral. Second, to see your modulation from key to key, Keeping the pace of the liturgy, and hitting all the best registrations.. well, impressed, even from a lowly violinist.
Dear Bhiddaddymark, I thanks to the Lord for You, You have unknowingly come to my rescue in difficult times. i am not a novice, as I have served as Dean of the American Guild of Organist for 3 years. Giving thanks for your talent and sharing. Dr. Alfred Lewis
Thank you so much, that's really kind of you and I'm happy that you find so much enjoyment in what I do. I hope to continue to make you and everyone happy with my interpretations. Have a great Easter, and do subscribe ;-) Regards, Mark
I think five Oregon is the king of instruments and the music is the Lords music is played and I really appreciate RUclips for streaming this precious music thank you
Unfortunately we in the Catholic church have lost most of these hymms due to the influx of modern music. I'm lucky enough to be at a "traditional" church. Keeps these hymns alive and never let them go.
Rev. Dr. KING Ferguson! (Yes...because you preach from the keyboard...you operate on each tune, disecting it and putting it back together, and you are the KING of the king of instruments) I was in need of a spiritual lift while I work this morning. I was meandering through a variety of genres here on RUclips...attempting to find solace and then I remembered...BigDaddyMark. Now two hours in, my work is flowing, I am singing and my soul is free. God bless brother.
Robert Dabney LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! I don't know what to say after that other than to say thank you so very much for your most generous and very kind comment. I'm honoured and deeply humbled indeed brother, thank you.
Mr. Ferguson, I am amazed at ANYONE who plays the pipe organ, amateur or professional! Anyone who can handle all those registers, stops, buttons, pedals, and read music without falling off the bench has my most utmost admiration and respect! I LOVE watching and am in complete appreciation for the sacrifice of your education to be able to handle an instrument of this magnitude! God bless you, sir, and all your compadres!
Mrs. Holloway, you're most kind and generous with your words and I greatly appreciate it indeed! My dad who wanted to give me piano lessons (and how I regret not allowing it) is probably spinning in his grave knowing that I could've been a far better musician had I taken lessons with him and learned Jazz as he was a Jazz pianist hence the truth that I'm an amateur and certainly not a professional. Thanks again for your kindness. Be well and be safe.
These are two of my favorite hymns...when played brilliantly on the pipe organ is when I get the shivers down the spine. Thank you bigdaddymark for blessing us with your talent. I rarely get to sing these hymns in church anymore as the contemporary style has taken over. Your playing refreshes my spirit!
Thank you so much for your most generous words, that's very kind of you indeed. It's tragic that churches have been casting aside this wonderful stately music of the past in favour of contemporary music in the effort to draw new congregants into the church, how very sad. There are many organs in America that have fallen silent due to this change. Thanks again!
Sine Nomine was played at my grandparents' memorial service (they passed within hours of each other). If you have a recording of (or would consider one) of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" it would mean a great deal to me. Both my grandparents were musicians (grandpa an organist and grandma a pianist). The last words I ever heard my grandmother speak were the first lines of "Great is Thy Faithfulness", which she sung at the piano before she she was hospitalized with a terminal prognosis. Thank you so much! I know these hymns are being sung by the saints in heaven :-)
Awesome Job! Those who criticize you couldn't improvise on a kazoo let alone harmonize a hymn WITHOUT music in font of you! Most organists cannot memorize and that in it self is a gift.
I call them baubles. You are an incredible master of the instrument !! Love how you don't give a shirt and drown out everything!!! Thanks for sharing! Love how you change up stops! Love how you play without music! Excellent recording! Tears up my woofers. There's no way to listen to your playing on head fones! Why are Christians control freaks . The only reason I go to church is the instruments!!! I actually love your muddy playing. Slow and deliberate and so out of the norm!!
Good for YOU !!!! It's about time people stopped equating gorgeous music with fantasy and witchcraft. To me, many "mistakes" turn out to be nothing more than "creativity" !!!! I wish I could find a pipe organ where you don't have to pretend to be one of the faithful to get in the door...... I guess I'll just keep playing rock and roll on my Roland !!!! Great to hear this, "Crown him....." and others..... I will be looking out for more of you excellent renditions.
Hi Mark I listen to your wonderful performance nearly every Sunday morning in the UK. I love the full bodied registrations - they get me going, they put a smile on my face - that means a lot to me! Perfection would be a model railway going around the console at the same time lol! Keep going please - truly inspirational.
laro1002 WOW!! What an incredibly kind, generous and thoughtful comment to post!! I KNEW there was a reason I’ve always loved those from the UK lol. I can’t get over such kindness and I thank you ever so much for your comment. You must be an organist as you mentioned registration and it’s always nice to know that professionals are listening and take a moment to comment. I greatly appreciate that. Thanks!
I have messaged you before, but let me reiterate, you are my go-to RUclips guy when I want to hear a hymn played like it should be. I am a theater organist, and must tell you that your music reminds me of the church when I was a young man. Also appreciate your interpretations such as the final chorus of this song. Thanks for all your postings, and the best to you always! Bill
thetandy2 Hi Bill, thank you so much for your kind and generous words, I appreciate it very much. Receiving private messages here on RUclips for me has been spotty as the alert barely exists, so I hope that I answered you and if not, please forgive me. Thanks again Bill, and all of the best to you.
GLORY!!! It tears me UP when you really 'get into ' something. It stands the hair up and the tears start welling up. I can tell and it's not hard. I can watch and listen and I 'get into' it too. Thanks Bhig Daddy and Happy Bhigdaddy's Day 2 U!
Wonderful........again! I just had to listen to this one again, and the more I listen, the more I hear. The only thing better would if I could have been there. Thanks again, Mark for pouring your heart into your God given talent. I sure appreciate it! It's time to hit the old sackeroo and this will give me something to go to sleep with a smile on my face!
I was an organist for most of my career of 50 odd years. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your improvisations! During those decades, I played at many churches and directed the various choirs. One of my first tasks was to convince the singers that I set the tempo, not them... For a "self proclaimed" amateur, your performance is quite marvelous and inspiring. @FrBillLeaming
Fr. Leaming, I can't thank you enough for your very kind words as they're very most appreciated indeed. I'm an amateur because I never took the steps to become a professional sadly, like taking piano and organ lessons, learning to read music, and thus developing strict discipline. At now 65 years of age, it's way too late (I believe) to begin now unfortunately. I'm merely playing for fun, and I share that with kind and generous people such as yourself. Thanks once again and all of the very best to you kind Sir.
bombarde1701a That’s the problem recording at the console which is about 15 ft from the facade, so it sounds rather loud when out in the nave it isn’t. Some people here (those know it all RUclips armchair critics) think that I’m drowning out the choir and congregation when I’m not at all. When recorded from the nave, the organ sounds wonderful. Thanks!
Thank you kind Sir! You said it all in that comment, and have effectively put this New Yorker at a loss for further words....It's people like YOU, Mr. Burrows, CelestialChoir, and countless others that inspire me. I'm humbled and grateful....
Dear Sir, my friend in Christ. This was the best improvisation of this great choral I have ever heard. God bless You all ! Best wishes from Hamburg/Germany PS: Sir, in my eyes You are a genius...really
Thank you Sir! I greatly appreciate your kind and generous words. I'm glad that you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up, and I hope that you're a subscriber or that you'll consider subscribing to my channel and possibly supporting the channel with your continued viewership and any donation/s that you can make which also would be most appreciated and helpful. Donation information is in the description. Thanks again, happy holidays, be well and be safe!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WELL DONE When you bring a tear to my eye and a tightness to my throat YOU have done well for you have touched my very soul. Thank you for sharing your talents from GOD to the rest of the world. Pax+
Firs time I listen an organist like you among many and well re-known. Nobody knows the pleasure to play an organ and the majesty of such instrument. Well done!
Dennis Skinner What a coincidence that you should ask, as we're working on it now finally after some years of delay. When it's available believe me, EVERYONE will know. Thank you for asking, and please bear with me.
Thank you, I get chills trying not to make any mistakes, and when I do, it really sends chills down my spine and raises my blood pressure LOL! Thank you so very much!
YES! This is the way it should be! I love how you don't take any prisoners. The final words are spoken and then, BAM, in comes the organ at full throttle. (Too bad, if he wanted to say any more. He had his chance and now he's blown it!) Thanks for the upload.
You are "ridiculous" on the keys~!!!!" And where is your music? In your head? My goodness! All the descants are wonderful. Not a note out of place! I love it! I will be watching for more of you on video!!!!!! May the good Lord continue to bless the works of your hands!!!!
You're most welcome James, that was a difficult question to answer properly and I wanted to answer it as best I could and encourage you as well.But I noticed that I never answered your original question. Yes, this hymn is easy for me only because I know it well NOW, but there was a time when I DIDN'T know it so well so perhaps I DID answer your question by suggesting practicing. Listen to your favourite hymn over and over and try to duplicate what you've heard. Try it in different keys too >>
Thanks for your very kind words of encouragement Mr. Kersey, it's greatly appreciated indeed. What do you preside over and how many manuals and ranks? Thanks again.
@@bhigdaddymark Unfortunately, I am not an organist. "The pipe organ at St. James' is a 57 stop, approximately 40 rank instrument comprising pipework of the builders Miller and Able, Hillgreen Lane, and Peragallo. The Peragallo company rebuilt the instrument in 1994, reusing pipework from the previous two installations, some of which dates from before 1900. It is a three-manual and pedal instrument housed in a 1960’s era Austin console. It is tonally most at home playing the French Symphonic repertoire, but handles a wide variety of styles well, and due to its two expressive divisions, is an excellent instrument for choral accompaniment. The current instrument was tonally redesigned and expanded in the American Classical tradition by the Peragallo Pipe Organ Co. of Paterson, NJ during the mid-1990s. Some of the pipework dates back to the original instrument of over a century ago, with enclosed swell and choir divisions. All of the pipework is located in the east wall of the chancel behind two facades, with the console partially hidden from view below. " Taken from our website: www.stjames-longbranch.org I do have a great appreciation for organ music, especially church music. I am the Coordinator for Liturgical Ministries, Co-Chairman of the Historical Committee and a former Senior Warden. I greatly appreciate your talent. God Bless
@@kenkersey1479 Thanks so much the your detailed information and link, that's most appreciated and thanks for your kind words as always, again much appreciated indeed. Happy Easter and be safe.
An absolutely amazing rendition of a most beloved classic! Your playing really gives me a lot of ideas to involve in my organ playing for church. Especially your intro! LOVED IT!!! God Bless and keep glorifying his name through music! :D
Thank you so much for your very kind words, I greatly appreciate it indeed! I'm just playing for fun as I'm NOT a trained professional organist, so I fully appreciate your enjoyment of what I do as I enjoy sharing with you all my meager efforts on the organ. Happy Belated Thanksgiving and you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
It takes a lot to control such a magnificent instrument as the organ and this man here is gifted. My father in law is the organist for Providence, Rhode Island's Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Sir Philip Faraone. He is in charge of the church's mighty Casavant manual tracker organ with around 6600 pipes up to 32 feet. If you are ever in the area check it out. It is an organ that goes in noticed, I believe it is the largest manual tracker organ in North America and every pipe even the ones on display have a purpose. This is my favorite of all time hymns. And your improvisations are fantastic.
+Nicholas G Thank you Nicholas very much! At this point, I'll wait for the weather to warm up again before going to Rhode Island as I do have friends there. I believe that I've seen a video here on RUclips of that organ. I'll be sure to check it out next summer!
Wonderful accompaniment! As for all your critics, lets see them lead a cathedral choir, and do it according to their so-called "standards". Isnt the music supposed to be for the Glory of God anyway?! All being said, well done!
Thanks for your kind and most generous comment, it's very appreciated indeed and I'm humbled! I hope that you had fun and learned a lot in school. Are you now playing anywhere? Merry Christmas to you and your family!
@@bhigdaddymark Merry Christmas to you and the family. No, I am not playing anywhere. Michael Gittens was my piano teacher and an excellent one. I ended up switching majors but I still love to hear the organ. Your playing gave me joy once again. Be blessed and keep on blessing us!
I realize this is a post from a number of years ago but your performance was magnificent. There is no instrument in the world can rival that of a beautiful pipe organ. God Bless You for your wonderful God given talent. Simply stunning
Love your commanding playing style. Not afraid to open her up. I like how the congregation has really adapted to your style, too, with the interludes and tempo changes for effect.
tuebor1837 Thank you so very much for your kind words. I still feel as though I played it too fast (my timing stinks) despite knowing of a well known organist who gets through hymns rather quickly except he doesn't miss a note ever when he plays as he's brilliant. Thanks again!
HOLY COW BIG DADDY MARK!!!!!!!! You NAILED it!!!! I am in eternal awe of your playing, and am absolutely thrilled to see footage of you playing for a church service!!!!!!!!
PLUS - I've once been working for Austin Organs Co. in Hartford CT. Seeing the KNOBS and the console, I was surprised it was not Austin Organ you played. Well, you can't tell the man by the dress itself, it seems! :) Magnificent job you are doing! Respect, Sir!
What a wonderful video Mark! Your playing is spot-on. Very festive....the organ for those who don't know is a 4/88 rank 1972 Tellers at St. Luke's Episcopal Cathedral, Orlando. Taoseno, Arlington,VA
I must try that idea for the 2nd alleluia of the line... it is an interesting and effective effect. This playing is perfect! I especially like the fast pace and strong registration, which carries excellently what can be a somewhat 'dragging' hymn. This works!
I have never heard anyone play by ear so accurately. Fantastic listening skills. I read music and would work very hard to play at this level. Awesome 👍
Wish I had the patience to coordinate my hands and feet. Wish I had learned to play the organ. From a musician-keyboardist point of view, the GREAT ones like the expert organist in the video MAKE IT LOOS SO EASY: YOU ROCK! 🙂 I have hit the LIKE icon, commented, and subscribed.
I thank you for sharing your gift with the world through RUclips. I'm sure the worship services in which you play allow all worshippers to enjoy the presence of God through your gifted hands and heart for music. I only wish I could have been in the service. You play the way the writer of the Hymn intended for the song to be played and sung. Your timing for this Hymn was excellent! Most play it too fast or too slow, but you were great. Thank you so much and may God continue to use you!!
Amateur I certainly am kind sir, but THANK YOU so very much for your kind and generous comment as it's people like you that makes this "fun" activity of mine worth sharing (most times lol). THANK YOU!!! Be well and be safe.
@@bhigdaddymark You create beauty in this world. I listened to some of your other posts also. Again, thank you- it’s a brave and noble soul who does that. Too often there doesn’t seem to be enough time, talent, or just space in this world for that beauty to flourish. You have a gift, and you are willing to share it- and that makes all the difference. I truly appreciate what you’ve shared. You be well too.
I am an organist of 15 years. My soul was doing cartwheels listening to this. That is how to lead a congregation. God Bless you. Amen!
+Gary Robertson
Thank you Gary! That's kind of you!
He was doing a fugue in the middle, very nice!!
Thank you! Yes, I'm self-taught and don't read music unfortunately. I only played three services at this church and this was one of them. I was raised in the Episcopal (Anglican) church. Thanks again!
Mark Ferguson, Amateur Organist that’s brilliant.
Playing by ear is a true gift! Wonderful command at the console.
@@BenPazza03
Thanks for your kind words, very much appreciated indeed!
@@mikeharding3417
Thank you so much for your kind comment, greatly appreciated!
Mark I really enjoy coming to youtube to hear/see you play.
I was there that Sunday! And it was absolutely breathtaking! I am a big fan, Mr. Ferguson! Thanks for posting this, and for playing to the glory of God!
Fr. John Wallace
Wow Fr. Wallace, that's incredibly generous of you! I can't thank you enough and of course Ben Lane my longtime generous friend. I really enjoyed playing those three services. Because of health issues, I haven't been able to practice in months now and miss playing that organ. I hope to return to practicing at least, thank you so very much and such a pleasure to hear from you!
Do not listen to those arm chair organists! Your playing, timing, & execution of it is I will say again Majestic & Inspired!
THANK YOU!! I've learned to ignore those 'critics'....
Back in the mid 80s I took a tour of the Austin Organ factory, then went on to St. Joseph's Cathedral to play their beautiful Austin organ. I love Austin Organs.
Psalm 150
“Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
Praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with harp and lyre,
Praise him with timbrel and dancing,
Praise him with strings and pipe,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.”
I have to believe that the largest pipe organ creation has ever seen will have one like you, sir at its console throughout all eternity praising our risen Savior Jesus! What magnificent gifts the Lord has given you!!!
Paul Johnson
Mr. Johnson that's very kind of you, thank you ever so much for your kind words.
I'm an organist who's "older than dirt," and this video is wonderful! My kind of playing. Excellent leadership, registration, and tempo! That interlude before the last verse blew me away! And I also loved your postlude improvisation! BRAVO!
John Keith
Thank you kind Sir, you're most generous!
Mr. Ferguson, I’m an organist at a Baptist church. You absolutely blow me away with your playing. The Lord gave you a special talent. God Bless you.
How I sorely miss the Canon Musician Benjamin Lane whom we lost a handful of years ago, what a "stand up guy" as we say in NYC, he was. Rest well Ben and thanks for your terrific friendship of 30 years and allowing me endless hours on that superb IV/88 that another terrific late friend of mine Gilbert Adams, did some revoicing on that organ making it as wonderful as it is. Thanks to you both and Rest Well gentlemen.
I may be Presbyterian now, but performances like this bring back happy memories of my college days in the Episcopal Church! Bravo! This is SPECTACULAR!
I confess to wondering what the music of heaven will be like while listening to you play. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12: 1-2).
Hello Mark I saw your video 10 11 years ago I was horribly depressed and your music kept me going I met a wonderful woman and got married I was thinking of u last week and now your video pops up!!!may God bless u Mark
You're no amateur Dr. Ferguson, you're a professional.
"Dr. Ferguson" HAHAHA, LOL LOL LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
THANKS! You're most kind and generous, but in all seriousness, I AM an amateur indeed as essentially I play for my own enjoyment and entertainment. I just happen to share with the public in hopes that my meager efforts might be enjoyed by others. Thanks so much for your viewership, hopeful subscription and your support via your comment as all of it is greatly appreciated indeed.
Be well and be safe.
@@bhigdaddymark I subscribed, you're a lot better than I am. I can't play cords very well, but I can play songs note by note and enjoy doing it. I help out with the youth at church and usually before youth group, I play around with some songs on the piano.
Superb! Glory to God, and a blessed All Saints' Day, Mark Ferguson!
THANK YOU and the very same to you for All Saints Day!
Peace and love back to you...FYI--I'm a Black Pentecostal SIstah who's been in music my whole life.....praise God for people like you, who took the time to perfect
the art of the pipe organ...and it brings just a bit more of HEAVEN into our lives...
GLORY!
There's just NOTHING on Earth SO HEAVENLY as Christian Hymn singing with an authentic grand pipe organ--especially with a world-class organist as this totally talented gentleman obviously is! GLORY TO GOD!!
Happy New Year and all of the very best to you in 2022 Mr. Farris!
Thanks so very much for your incredibly kind and most generous comment as it's most appreciated indeed!
"World-Class"???
DEFINITELY NOT !!! LOL, that would send the (real) professionally trained organists into a rage and continuous regurgitationLOL, but I'm really humbled by your rather generous compliment. Thanks again, be well and be safe!
Eternal Forever THANKS for your Loving-Kindness Mr Mark..I am a retired Church Organist (Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist) who for 45 Years played mostly by ear and made "a Joyful Noise"--but you Sir are indeed A NATURAL GOD-GIVEN WORLD-CLASS PROFESSIONAL Musician of the Highest Calibre!!
What blows my mind is the intensity of the first chord that comes in immediately after the congregation says Amen!!!!!!I feel transported to heaven just listening to his music. May God bless you young man!
Thank you!!
Thank you Mark . One can feel the divine presence in the church with your music because you give everything to our Lord Jesus . Praise the Lord .
You are truly a gifted musician. Whenever I search for my favorite hymns on youtube, I come across your uploads. The way you perform these hymns is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!
ech4949 Thank you so much for your very kind and generous comment, it's much appreciated.
ruclips.net/video/PhLTKkHIzfg/видео.html
Watch out for my improvisation on the hymn tune (nun danket)
First, I was ordained to the Diaconate in that Cathedral. Second, to see your modulation from key to key, Keeping the pace of the liturgy, and hitting all the best registrations.. well, impressed, even from a lowly violinist.
Dear Bhiddaddymark,
I thanks to the Lord for You, You have unknowingly come to my rescue in difficult times. i am not a novice, as I have served as Dean of the American Guild of Organist for 3 years. Giving thanks for your talent and sharing. Dr. Alfred Lewis
+Alfred Lewis Thank you Dr. Lewis, thanks very kind and generous of you! What region were you the Dean in?
Playing with zest, energy and conscious of the congregation. It's all joyful work. Well done sir
Thank you so much, that's really kind of you and I'm happy that you find so much enjoyment in what I do. I hope to continue to make you and everyone happy with my interpretations. Have a great Easter, and do subscribe ;-)
Regards,
Mark
I think five Oregon is the king of instruments and the music is the Lords music is played and I really appreciate RUclips for streaming this precious music thank you
Thank you!
Over and over again we find that
He Can do what our strength could never do, and He WILL do what our hearts could never imagine
My grandmother was a Church organist. Well done! And one of my favorite Hymns!
Unfortunately we in the Catholic church have lost most of these hymms due to the influx of modern music. I'm lucky enough to be at a "traditional" church. Keeps these hymns alive and never let them go.
Rev. Dr. KING Ferguson! (Yes...because you preach from the keyboard...you operate on each tune, disecting it and putting it back together, and you are the KING of the king of instruments) I was in need of a spiritual lift while I work this morning. I was meandering through a variety of genres here on RUclips...attempting to find solace and then I remembered...BigDaddyMark. Now two hours in, my work is flowing, I am singing and my soul is free. God bless brother.
Robert Dabney
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! I don't know what to say after that other than to say thank you so very much for your most generous and very kind comment. I'm honoured and deeply humbled indeed brother, thank you.
Mr. Ferguson, I am amazed at ANYONE who plays the pipe organ, amateur or professional! Anyone who can handle all those registers, stops, buttons, pedals, and read music without falling off the bench has my most utmost admiration and respect! I LOVE watching and am in complete appreciation for the sacrifice of your education to be able to handle an instrument of this magnitude! God bless you, sir, and all your compadres!
Mrs. Holloway, you're most kind and generous with your words and I greatly appreciate it indeed! My dad who wanted to give me piano lessons (and how I regret not allowing it) is probably spinning in his grave knowing that I could've been a far better musician had I taken lessons with him and learned Jazz as he was a Jazz pianist hence the truth that I'm an amateur and certainly not a professional. Thanks again for your kindness. Be well and be safe.
These are two of my favorite hymns...when played brilliantly on the pipe organ is when I get the shivers down the spine. Thank you bigdaddymark for blessing us with your talent. I rarely get to sing these hymns in church anymore as the contemporary style has taken over. Your playing refreshes my spirit!
Thank you so much for your most generous words, that's very kind of you indeed. It's tragic that churches have been casting aside this wonderful stately music of the past in favour of contemporary music in the effort to draw new congregants into the church, how very sad. There are many organs in America that have fallen silent due to this change. Thanks again!
Sine Nomine was played at my grandparents' memorial service (they passed within hours of each other). If you have a recording of (or would consider one) of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" it would mean a great deal to me. Both my grandparents were musicians (grandpa an organist and grandma a pianist). The last words I ever heard my grandmother speak were the first lines of "Great is Thy Faithfulness", which she sung at the piano before she she was hospitalized with a terminal prognosis. Thank you so much! I know these hymns are being sung by the saints in heaven :-)
I've replayed this video soooooo many times
JoJodahookman
Thanks, appreciated!
JoJodahookman t*
Metoo! :D
Awesome Job! Those who criticize you couldn't improvise on a kazoo let alone harmonize a hymn WITHOUT music in font of you! Most organists cannot memorize and that in it self is a gift.
Mark, you rock Heaven! Praise the Lord of Hosts forever and forever!!
Tim Heiberger
Thanks again Tim, Happy New Year!
I call them baubles. You are an incredible master of the instrument !! Love how you don't give a shirt and drown out everything!!! Thanks for sharing! Love how you change up stops! Love how you play without music! Excellent recording! Tears up my woofers. There's no way to listen to your playing on head fones! Why are Christians control freaks . The only reason I go to church is the instruments!!! I actually love your muddy playing. Slow and deliberate and so out of the norm!!
“Nei cieli un grido risuonò”🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏........beautiful maestro
Thank you! Be well and be safe!
Mark. I have lost count tne number of times I have listened to you playing this great hymn, one of my all time favorite youtube videos
Good for YOU !!!! It's about time people stopped equating gorgeous music with fantasy and witchcraft. To me, many "mistakes" turn out to be nothing more than "creativity" !!!! I wish I could find a pipe organ where you don't have to pretend to be one of the faithful to get in the door...... I guess I'll just keep playing rock and roll on my Roland !!!!
Great to hear this, "Crown him....." and others..... I will be looking out for more of you excellent renditions.
Hi Mark
I listen to your wonderful performance nearly every Sunday morning in the UK. I love the full bodied registrations - they get me going, they put a smile on my face - that means a lot to me! Perfection would be a model railway going around the console at the same time lol! Keep going please - truly inspirational.
laro1002
WOW!! What an incredibly kind, generous and thoughtful comment to post!! I KNEW there was a reason I’ve always loved those from the UK lol. I can’t get over such kindness and I thank you ever so much for your comment. You must be an organist as you mentioned registration and it’s always nice to know that professionals are listening and take a moment to comment. I greatly appreciate that. Thanks!
Who would dare critique anyone playing under the anointing of God? God bless you for your giving so much.
Thank you Ms. Brown!
I have messaged you before, but let me reiterate, you are my go-to RUclips guy when I want to hear a hymn played like it should be. I am a theater organist, and must tell you that your music reminds me of the church when I was a young man. Also appreciate your interpretations such as the final chorus of this song. Thanks for all your postings, and the best to you always! Bill
thetandy2
Hi Bill, thank you so much for your kind and generous words, I appreciate it very much. Receiving private messages here on RUclips for me has been spotty as the alert barely exists, so I hope that I answered you and if not, please forgive me. Thanks again Bill, and all of the best to you.
it seems if you want the BEST of anything--it always comes back to this guy !
Mike! Wow...
That's quite a nice thing to say and I greatly appreciate it indeed. I'm fortunate to have people like you in my corner, thanks man!
GLORY!!! It tears me UP when you really 'get into ' something. It stands the hair up and the tears start welling up. I can tell and it's not hard. I can watch and listen and I 'get into' it too. Thanks Bhig Daddy and Happy Bhigdaddy's Day 2 U!
Lewie McNeely
Again, that's very kind and generous of you Lewie thank you so much!
STILL just stating facts, Pal.
all I can say is OH WOW!. Lord has given you a talent not many of us have!. Keep on blessing others! See you in Heaven!
Just wonderful and in our grand Episcopal Church tradition!
Robert Parr
Thank you Mr. Parr!
Rightly so. For “The Amateur Organist” whose performance is Westminster Abbey worthy.
Peace and Blessings.
Wonderful........again! I just had to listen to this one again, and the more I listen, the more I hear. The only thing better would if I could have been there. Thanks again, Mark for pouring your heart into your God given talent. I sure appreciate it! It's time to hit the old sackeroo and this will give me something to go to sleep with a smile on my face!
Lewie McNeely
LOL, thanks Lewie you're too kind.
Not really, Mark. Just time someone told the truth around here!
I was an organist for most of my career of 50 odd years. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your improvisations! During those decades, I played at many churches and directed the various choirs. One of my first tasks was to convince the singers that I set the tempo, not them...
For a "self proclaimed" amateur, your performance is quite marvelous and inspiring.
@FrBillLeaming
Fr. Leaming,
I can't thank you enough for your very kind words as they're very most appreciated indeed. I'm an amateur because I never took the steps to become a professional sadly, like taking piano and organ lessons, learning to read music, and thus developing strict discipline.
At now 65 years of age, it's way too late (I believe) to begin now unfortunately. I'm merely playing for fun, and I share that with kind and generous people such as yourself.
Thanks once again and all of the very best to you kind Sir.
nice hearing the convocaton in the background leading up to the well done music
David Rose
Thank you sir, much appreciated indeed.
The louder the better! ;)
bombarde1701a
That’s the problem recording at the console which is about 15 ft from the facade, so it sounds rather loud when out in the nave it isn’t. Some people here (those know it all RUclips armchair critics) think that I’m drowning out the choir and congregation when I’m not at all. When recorded from the nave, the organ sounds wonderful. Thanks!
Wonderful, Mark, just wonderful.
Dave Pattenden
That's kind of you Dave, thanks so much.
Beautiful playing, my favorite hymn too.
BRAVO and so many thanks for posting and sharing with the world.
Pax+
Just continue to praise God through your glorious gift . God Bless!
You're kind and generous and I greatly appreciate your sincere words, THANK YOU!!
Thank you kind Sir! You said it all in that comment, and have effectively put this New Yorker at a loss for further words....It's people like YOU, Mr. Burrows, CelestialChoir, and countless others that inspire me. I'm humbled and grateful....
I found your magnificent of rendition of Lasst uns Erfreuen on the net. You are truly talented and awesome!
Thank you, you are kind!
Thrilling! Nothing one could even imagine to criticize.
THANK YOU!! You and your family be well and be safe!
Dear Sir, my friend in Christ. This was the best improvisation of this great choral I have ever heard. God bless You all ! Best wishes from Hamburg/Germany PS: Sir, in my eyes You are a genius...really
Thank you Sir! I greatly appreciate your kind and generous words. I'm glad that you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up, and I hope that you're a subscriber or that you'll consider subscribing to my channel and possibly supporting the channel with your continued viewership and any donation/s that you can make which also would be most appreciated and helpful. Donation information is in the description. Thanks again, happy holidays, be well and be safe!
great passion and enthusiasm. I love the sound of that pipe. Wow.... rich. Would love to visit and play that magnificent instrument.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING
WELL DONE
When you bring a tear to my eye and a tightness to my throat YOU have done well for you have touched my very soul.
Thank you for sharing your talents from GOD to the rest of the world.
Pax+
Thank YOU!! Your very kind and generous words are greatly appreciated indeed and I can't thank you enough for them. THANK YOU!!!!
Firs time I listen an organist like you among many and well re-known. Nobody knows the pleasure to play an organ and the majesty of such instrument. Well done!
Thank you kind Sir!!
Mark when is your book on alternate harmonies coming out?
Dennis Skinner What a coincidence that you should ask, as we're working on it now finally after some years of delay. When it's available believe me, EVERYONE will know. Thank you for asking, and please bear with me.
Mark 'BhigDaddyMark' Ferguson great.
Thank you Sir!
Thank you, I get chills trying not to make any mistakes, and when I do, it really sends chills down my spine and raises my blood pressure LOL! Thank you so very much!
YES! This is the way it should be!
I love how you don't take any prisoners. The final words are spoken and then, BAM, in comes the organ at full throttle. (Too bad, if he wanted to say any more. He had his chance and now he's blown it!)
Thanks for the upload.
+Offshoreorganbuilder Lol, thank you!
As your title says amateur, you are NOT! You are very talented and gifted! Keep it up and continue providing your gift.
You are "ridiculous" on the keys~!!!!" And where is your music? In your head? My goodness! All the descants are wonderful. Not a note out of place! I love it! I will be watching for more of you on video!!!!!! May the good Lord continue to bless the works of your hands!!!!
You're most welcome James, that was a difficult question to answer properly and I wanted to answer it as best I could and encourage you as well.But I noticed that I never answered your original question. Yes, this hymn is easy for me only because I know it well NOW, but there was a time when I DIDN'T know it so well so perhaps I DID answer your question by suggesting practicing. Listen to your favourite hymn over and over and try to duplicate what you've heard. Try it in different keys too >>
After this, I bet there was ZERO dust anywhere near those organ pipes!
What a fantastic display of organ talent!
Thank you for your most generous compliment, it's much appreciated indeed!
Wow Mark! I missed this gem years ago. Good thing yt recommented it to me just now. I can feel the spirit in your playing.
Well done. Stay at it. Thoroughly enjoyed this. God Bless from Episcopal/Anglican St. James' Church, Long Branch, NJ.
Thanks for your very kind words of encouragement Mr. Kersey, it's greatly appreciated indeed. What do you preside over and how many manuals and ranks? Thanks again.
@@bhigdaddymark
Unfortunately, I am not an organist. "The pipe organ at St. James' is a 57 stop, approximately 40 rank instrument comprising pipework of the builders Miller and Able, Hillgreen Lane, and Peragallo. The Peragallo company rebuilt the instrument in 1994, reusing pipework from the previous two installations, some of which dates from before 1900. It is a three-manual and pedal instrument housed in a 1960’s era Austin console. It is tonally most at home playing the French Symphonic repertoire, but handles a wide variety of styles well, and due to its two expressive divisions, is an excellent instrument for choral accompaniment. The current instrument was tonally redesigned and expanded in the American Classical tradition by the Peragallo Pipe Organ Co. of Paterson, NJ during the mid-1990s. Some of the pipework dates back to the original instrument of over a century ago, with enclosed swell and choir divisions. All of the pipework is located in the east wall of the chancel behind two facades, with the console partially hidden from view below. " Taken from our website: www.stjames-longbranch.org I do have a great appreciation for organ music, especially church music. I am the Coordinator for Liturgical Ministries, Co-Chairman of the Historical Committee and a former Senior Warden. I greatly appreciate your talent. God Bless
@@kenkersey1479
Thanks so much the your detailed information and link, that's most appreciated and thanks for your kind words as always, again much appreciated indeed. Happy Easter and be safe.
An absolutely amazing rendition of a most beloved classic!
Your playing really gives me a lot of ideas to involve in my organ playing for church.
Especially your intro! LOVED IT!!! God Bless and keep glorifying his name through music! :D
What rich and beautiful harmony! I would love to attend a service where you play it from start to finish! Thanks
You, sir, ARE A TREASURE!!
And YOU Sir, are very kind and quite generous and most appreciated, thank you ever so much!
Awesome!
Don Brickey
Thanks Don!
You have what many organist don’t have and that’s God Given Talent. I’m so impressed by this video. I wish I could play like you do. Excellent job!!
Thank you so much for your very kind words, I greatly appreciate it indeed! I'm just playing for fun as I'm NOT a trained professional organist, so I fully appreciate your enjoyment of what I do as I enjoy sharing with you all my meager efforts on the organ. Happy Belated Thanksgiving and you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
I was brought to my knees when I first heard your organ music I became much closer to God. Praise you and bless u mark
Newell Schandelmier
WOW!! That's awfully kind and generous of you! Thank you so much for your kind words.
It takes a lot to control such a magnificent instrument as the organ and this man here is gifted. My father in law is the organist for Providence, Rhode Island's Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Sir Philip Faraone. He is in charge of the church's mighty Casavant manual tracker organ with around 6600 pipes up to 32 feet. If you are ever in the area check it out. It is an organ that goes in noticed, I believe it is the largest manual tracker organ in North America and every pipe even the ones on display have a purpose. This is my favorite of all time hymns. And your improvisations are fantastic.
+Nicholas G
Thank you Nicholas very much! At this point, I'll wait for the weather to warm up again before going to Rhode Island as I do have friends there. I believe that I've seen a video here on RUclips of that organ. I'll be sure to check it out next summer!
ruclips.net/video/PhLTKkHIzfg/видео.html
Watch out for my improvisation on the hymn tune (nun danket)
Wonderful accompaniment! As for all your critics, lets see them lead a cathedral choir, and do it according to their so-called "standards". Isnt the music supposed to be for the Glory of God anyway?! All being said, well done!
+StarPostZone Thank you, and so sorry for the delayed response. You put that perfectly.
I love the harmonies!
Thank you!
I know this is 11 years old, but your playing is timeless. I studied organ in school and you are extremely gifted!
Thanks for your kind and most generous comment, it's very appreciated indeed and I'm humbled! I hope that you had fun and learned a lot in school. Are you now playing anywhere? Merry Christmas to you and your family!
@@bhigdaddymark Merry Christmas to you and the family. No, I am not playing anywhere. Michael Gittens was my piano teacher and an excellent one. I ended up switching majors but I still love to hear the organ. Your playing gave me joy once again. Be blessed and keep on blessing us!
I realize this is a post from a number of years ago but your performance was magnificent. There is no instrument in the world can rival that of a beautiful pipe organ. God Bless You for your wonderful God given talent. Simply stunning
WOW!!
Thanks so very much for your incredibly generous and kind words, I'm greatly humbled and stunned. Be well and be safe and thanks again.
most excellent , and such a dignified tempo !!!!!!
Love your commanding playing style. Not afraid to open her up. I like how the congregation has really adapted to your style, too, with the interludes and tempo changes for effect.
tuebor1837
Thank you so very much for your kind words. I still feel as though I played it too fast (my timing stinks) despite knowing of a well known organist who gets through hymns rather quickly except he doesn't miss a note ever when he plays as he's brilliant. Thanks again!
HOLY COW BIG DADDY MARK!!!!!!!! You NAILED it!!!! I am in eternal awe of your playing, and am absolutely thrilled to see footage of you playing for a church service!!!!!!!!
Abe! Where have you been? Man, it's good to hear from you again! Thanks buddy.
PLUS - I've once been working for Austin Organs Co. in Hartford CT. Seeing the KNOBS and the console, I was surprised it was not Austin Organ you played. Well, you can't tell the man by the dress itself, it seems! :) Magnificent job you are doing! Respect, Sir!
Thanks Be To God. Alleluia, Alleluia !
You are so musically anointed.
***** Thank you so much Maria!
What a wonderful video Mark! Your playing is spot-on. Very festive....the organ for those who don't know is a 4/88 rank 1972 Tellers at St. Luke's Episcopal Cathedral, Orlando. Taoseno, Arlington,VA
What an Organist!!!! God bless your works!!
What a kind and most generous comment that I so humbly appreciate. Please be well and be safe!
Wonderful. I am in tears.
I must try that idea for the 2nd alleluia of the line... it is an interesting and effective effect. This playing is perfect! I especially like the fast pace and strong registration, which carries excellently what can be a somewhat 'dragging' hymn. This works!
Thanks Markus, so are YOU!
I have never heard anyone play by ear so accurately. Fantastic listening skills. I read music and would work very hard to play at this level. Awesome 👍
Just what I needed to lift my spirits this All Saint's Tide. Thank you, Mark!
Excellent! I have always loved how the bass line moved in this hymn.
Nice footwork!
Nice improv - gave that fine instrument a workout.
Bill Branning Thank you kind Sir! I think that we can thank J.S. Bach for arranging this fine hymn as I believe he adapted it. Thank you!
Fabulous reharmonization of the last verse!
Wow!! You just can’t teach this kind of playing. This is from the heart!
Wish I had the patience to coordinate my hands and feet. Wish I had learned to play the organ. From a musician-keyboardist point of view, the GREAT ones like the expert organist in the video MAKE IT LOOS SO EASY: YOU ROCK! 🙂 I have hit the LIKE icon, commented, and subscribed.
I absolutely love your playing Mark! Keep up the great work!
Butters ROW
Thank you so very much, that’s kind of you!
Magnificent performance, Mark!
I thank you for sharing your gift with the world through RUclips. I'm sure the worship services in which you play allow all worshippers to enjoy the presence of God through your gifted hands and heart for music. I only wish I could have been in the service. You play the way the writer of the Hymn intended for the song to be played and sung. Your timing for this Hymn was excellent! Most play it too fast or too slow, but you were great. Thank you so much and may God continue to use you!!
You may be a gentleman of many parts, but you are no amateur.
Thank you for giving beautiful voice to my favorite hymn.
Amateur I certainly am kind sir, but THANK YOU so very much for your kind and generous comment as it's people like you that makes this "fun" activity of mine worth sharing (most times lol). THANK YOU!!!
Be well and be safe.
@@bhigdaddymark You create beauty in this world. I listened to some of your other posts also. Again, thank you- it’s a brave and noble soul who does that. Too often there doesn’t seem to be enough time, talent, or just space in this world for that beauty to flourish. You have a gift, and you are willing to share it- and that makes all the difference. I truly appreciate what you’ve shared. You be well too.