So much has changed since Macy's took over the original Wanamaker Store but the organ has survived thank goodness. A trip to Wanamaker's for Christmas was a must in the 60'-70's and lunch at the Walnut Room with all of the Christmas decorations just fabulous and a memory that lasts a lifetime. May this tradition live on for generations to come but sadly the changing times seem not to cherish such traditions.
Not anymore! They are closing the building (permantly) in 2 months to be broken up into offices, organ staff was fires, and we dont know the future of the organ!
Built for the St. Louis Worlds Fair, Wanamaker bought the instrument and had it shipped by train to Philadelphia for his new store. It's been expanded and maintained in a 'conditioned' (heated/cooled) space for 100+ years, a remarkable and possibly unique situation. (Unlike the sad situation at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.) Listen for the cymbal roll at 7:10 he adds with his right foot!
Not anymore! They are closing the building (permantly) in 2 months to be broken up into offices, organ staff was fires, and we dont know the future of the organ!
This is the if not mistaken the Wanamaker store in Phila PA, and then macys bought it. So grateful they kept the organ. I had the pleasure with my organ teacher invited to play Ave Maria on this magnificent organ. To say it gave me the chills was one thing. When I finished I was in tears Ave Maria always does it, but that I did it without any errors. The praise my organ instructor and the organist I still recall as tho it was yesterday when in reality it was like 40+ yrs ago. Thank You for letting me to play this magnificent instrument. Had a chance to play several great organs, St Patricks etc but nothing compared to the Wanamaker Organ.
Sadly, when Bloomingdales bought the historic Masonic Temple in downtown Chicago which contained the largest organ in the midwest they destroyed it. Think of it, the very space where the Chicago Symphony did all their first recording because of the grand accoustics, and a oipe organ with two OPERATING consoles, all destroyed to make room for Bloomingdales floundering retail space.
@@dudleydiehl6850 Oh my never knew they had destroyed that magnificent organ. Sorry these instruments need to be save and retailers who buy these stores with such history must be required to not destroy these magnificent instruments.
@@reeblesnarfle5443 not sure i understand your comment....but are talking moola here...yes my desire has been to buy/build a pipe organ but we are talking millions...but the Allen organ etc are a nice sub if you cannot have a Pipe Organ. Thankfully I still have my Conn 651 3 manual and double manual Hammond C3 hoping to find someone I can give them to when I pass on. I rescued the Hammon from the old Frankford High School in Phila, and the Conn I rescued from a church that was being demolished...
Good thing about playing in a store-- you could play the same program every other day and odds are nobody would notice! Who goes to the mall every day?
Similar memorable childhood. My father was the graphic arts director at Wanamakers. Mom would take me downtown (from Germantown), on Friday's we'd hear the organ recital. This was in the 1950's to early 1960's. Fond memories to be sure. Unimpressed by the correct organist, playing theme from Chalie Brown. I had, had it.
What you are hearing here is an instrument most unique in design. Marcel Dupre and Charles Courboin both had quite a bit of say so as to how this organ was designed. It is surely one of our finest organs along with the hall it is in.
Saw this organ in 1973 when Keith Chapman was there - had the chance to play it then and didn't - I wasn't worthy then (still not) so Keith asked what I would like to hear - as it was noontime, I asked him to play the soundtrack from the "Sound of Music" which he played flawlessly. There's us blokes who can play a great church service but then there are the Chapman's and Conte's who can play at a level way beyond the rest of us that is absolutely astonishing. Too bad even today's technologies are incompetent to reproduce or broadcast this amazing sound with fidelity. I guess that's we have settled for far less in today's "music".
And it was so sad and such a loss when Keith Chapman was killed in an accident.........he was an amazing organist. I have a CD of him playing this magnificent instrument and I cherish it dearly ! May he rest in peace + + +
Thanks for the comments! I too am, as you said, “one of those blokes who can play a church service.” The very top of my limited ability, on my very best day, doesn’t scratch at the bottom end of Chapman’s or Conte’s talent. I stand in awe.
With tears in my eyes running down, I humbly say thank you.🙏💜 An etherical performance. One of if not the favorite song of mine, ever! On one of the greatest organs ever! Overwhelmingly Tremendous ! ❤🔥 God bless, and continued astounding performances.🙏💜
Wonderful performance! We have been to Finland. You have to understand that this piece is MORE than a “National” song to them. It is sacred. Sanjosemike
I don't agree. Two performances are given each day during store hours (which is what you're seeing here) & even though shoppers are going about their business, they are listening. This is just as John & Rodman Wanamaker intended. As a native Philadelphian, I can assure you we do not take this organ, its music or its staff/volunteers for granted.
What a daft comment. The university and the Curtis organ is right around the corner, plus Macy’s has a light and organ show for Christmas around this time. Many people in the area and shoppers appreciate this organ much more than some random RUclipsr.
Ever since I got to play timpani for Finlandia, I've had nothing but respect for performing this beast of a piece. There's a rendition here on youtube where a performance in Finland features a choir, scattered throughout the audience, singing the hymn in the middle of the piece; it's been in my Favorites for years now. That organ is *enormous* and yet Mr. Conte makes it look absolutely effortless...especially with how clear it is in spite of the gigantic echo chamber it's built into.
@@O-sa-car The Wanamaker organ is the largest musical instrument ever built. that alone makes playing any song this complex and great, of historic significance.
@@ashleyy6329 Largest 'fully working' organ. The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ in Atlantic City, New Jersey is apparently the largest but it's still being restored.
@@marko2873 it's larger in pipe count, but the Wanamaker has more stops in areas. For an example there are more string stops on the Wanamaker but the Boardwalk Hall has more diversity of strange and rarely seen things.
Not exactly money-spending music for your typical air-head shopper -or, most likely, for the Macy's management, for that matter- but what a great transcription, and a treat for the handful of classical music, Jean Sibelius and pipe organ lovers among them. (Clearly some recognized the piece.) Thank you for the nice audio. Be still my soul ! (5:13) Goosebumps. Wish I had been there. 🥰😍🥰😍🥰
Seriously? You just bumped into him and he plays THAT spontaneously and mostly out of his head? He is a total genius and God blessed you and us with an incredible performance of a great work of art on the world’s greatest organ. Bravo!
I can understand your amazement, but Mr Conte was playing from a precisely notated score. You can see the coloured markers for stop changes and see him turn the page, at one point. He would have this music stored in his collection, and the visitor was lucky in her request. Much preparation is needed to work up a piece ready for performance, especially on such a large instrument.
Can you not see the score with all the registration changes marked on the music stand in front of him? He may know the piece, but he played from the score.
I can imagine a thousand worse ways to spend time in a shopping mall. Americans can enjoy this as a great piece of music by Jean Sibelius, but they don't know the historical context and importance for all Finns. (Published during the oppression and "russification" period in 1899, when Finland was a grand duchy, a part of the Russian empire) For me this is even more important than our national anthem. After all, you hear the national anthem in sports competitions and other insignificant events, often sung with little or no dignity.
paanikki this is often the case with national anthems. I find patriotic songs other than national anthems to be much more important and musically beautiful.
I played this on Saturday for a festival. I love this piece so much - -probably- my favorite orchestral piece. LONG LIVE(D) SIBELIUS, AND GOD BLESS YOU FINNS! One day I'll go to Finland. I love Sibelius. Whenever I listen to his stuff, I feel stronger, whether it be uplifted (like Andante Festivo) or powerful and heroic (like Finlandia!)
Hey I.m glad you like the Finlandia. It is one of my favorite classical music pieces too. If you go to Finland, Summer time is great. Find a place by the lake and listening Sibelius. Priceless!!
One of the most noble pieces of music ever created. Finland has changed a bit,but when I was there 10 yrs ago, it was so clean, people so nice, food wow. But with so many migrants friends of mine who lived in Finland have left for more rural areas crime has increased and it is very dirty. Sad when illegals/refugees do not assimilate to a great culture and make it like a 3rd world shit hole country....same is happening in Denmark, Sweden, Germany etc.
I was three. Years old when I first heard this organ. I said to mother "I want to do this when I grow up. I did just that and have been a church organists all my life.my first job was when I was a fairly new student. There was a church down the street. The organists got sick on Sunday morning. Aneighbor called to see if I could try to play the service. I was nervous but I did it. She never was able to return and I was there for. Three years.i had to take extra lessons and learn on the job. The choir remained and I directed them as I was learning how. I will always remember and be grateful to hearing that organ at three years old. I studied with Douglas Rafter at park St. Church in boston.what a wonderful man he was and how kind to such a young student. God bless all the organists out there. You make a difference in the world. Bruce Meredith Beecroft.
Please come visit, Gordon. You might enjoy Wanamaker Organ Day (usually first Saturday in June) & most particularly every fifth year celebrating Queen Elizabeth ll jubilee years. Last one in 2017; next one in 2022? This organ was first played in public on June 22, 1911 as your King George V was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Yes, we may have started a fight with your lot in 1776 but we're pretty much over it now. We'd love to share our organ with you.
maestro conte at his best. this kind of instrument was intended to interpret the great orchestral works and the maestro is the leading performer of orchestral transcriptions in the world! unfortunately, the "know-it-alls" will continue to dismiss instruments like this because they don't shriek like a 17th century mechanical instrument. can anyone say with complete certainty that bach would not have loved this organ? i dare you! at the end, watch the maestro reach out and draw specific stops from the "sea" of tablets when most organists would rely upon the combination action and simply "push a button" to change registration. BRAVO, MAESTRO CONTE!!!!!
Wow, I wish I could have been there to hear this LIVE but will have to satisfy my love of this piece by listening to this very well recorded (in my opinion) video!
I’ve been there’s couple of times where he has played this. Usually he doesn’t usually go all out like he has for this performance, usually he stays within the first 3-4 manuals but in this version he used all 6. Even when he plays it quieter it is still a thrilling experience
Gorgeous! I would now visit Philadelphia even if I could only hear and see this organ! Even though there are many more historical places of significance there for Americans and the entire world!
I think that they should perform Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony no 2 or no 8 in this venue with a full orchestra and choir in addition to the organ, that would be legendary.
Just wonderful. So good that after about one minute of this performance I deleted a bad performance on a bad digital organ by someone else. Oh, thank you.
Now approaching my 70th year, my most pressing ambition is to visit the US and make a special trip to Macys and hear this wonderful instrument . Atlantic city is also on my bucket list together with the sites associated with the Manhattan project, but primarily and in the words of Organ Morgan ( Dylan Thomas - " Under Milk Wood") it'll be Organ, Organ all the time with me!
The 88-rank string division was designed by Marcel Dupre and built by Kimball. When Dupre asked Rodman Wanamaker about the budget for his work, Wanamaker replied, "No limit, Dupre!"
It's probably the greatest string division ever. Even the world's largest organ in Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City only has 74 ranks across its three string divisions, and only one of those divisions is working right now.
For Markku. I am sorry if I sounded critical and harsh. Not my intention. I must extend my answer by saying that I think you have achieved something remarkable and unique. An opportunity that most of us (on holiday with our cameras) can only dream about. You were at the right place at the right time with a wonderful musician willing to participate in what you wanted. You have obtained a moment of your holiday that you will remember for the rest of your life and, what is more, you have shared it with us. I know the story behind the piece, it is a great work, very poignant and powerful. In my younger days I enjoyed playing it on the organ and did so often. May you be as fortunate in the future. 🤝🤝
Last time I went to our local mall I left several stores because the "music" (almost always rap) was so loud I couldn't hear the sales folks. I asked why it had to be so loud and she said, "I can't hear you!!" LOL But many young people acted as if it was normal to have someone yelling and bleeping as you looked for sweaters or jeans. London's Covent Garden had an open courtyard with professional entertainers - some sang from Phantom and a string quartet performed while we were there. Nice to sip a drink and listen.
I agree that the music is many public places is disgusting.......even in restaurants where you want to eat in peace and relax you have to shout at your party or whomever.......I just want to get up and run out many times due to the irritating music nowadays !!!
@Peter Murray Several healthcare specialists have blamed loud music for part of the recent Covid wave. Studies show that shouting / speaking very loudly spreads Covid 50 times faster than quiet conversation. Stores and restaurants with loud music are cutting their throat - forcing shouting and a rapid spread of the disease. Conversely, a movie house with separated folks and little or no talking is infinitely safer
Where else in the world can one hear the most exquisite pipe organ on the planet. The colors it can sound are not matched anywhere on the planet. Yes I like Cavalle-Coll's in Paris, but this is a different animal. A full orchestra on 6 keyboards. and them some.
That was a great but I know that video doesn't even do it justice. A phone could never capture the true power of that massive organ that you can literally feel when you are there. Would recommend that anyone stops by to experience a performance on it if they are ever in center city Philadelphia. You really have to be there to get the full effect.
Philadelphia is the first area were Finns settled in the US, or it wasn't actually yet the US - it was a Swedish colony, before the English Dutch and Swedes (with Finns) founded the city of Phiadelphia. The colony was mainly in Delaware, but partly in Maryland and a bit in the Pennsylvania too. Philly has some place names deriving from Finnish. Nothing major, but a few anyway. Well don't know the actual number, I just remeber ne word: Mullicka hill. Mullikka (Mull as in pull, stretch the l and k double time - as in maLL Lady & siCK CHorus), means a young bull, a 'kid', adolescent at the most.
Moi client, dès les premières mesures, j'essaie de trouver un endroit où m'asseoir, même par terre et j'écoute dans l'instant, pris sur une vie de fou !
As captured by this recording, the visual of it, all that goes on/happens I hope this entire pipe organ is also designated an engineering accomplishment of history: as is the historic Morris canal across Northern jersey: 1824 to 1924!!!
Although I'm sure the Philadephians (is that even a word?!) would have a stab at the patriotic Finlandia hymni if they had a phonetic lyrics sheet to hand.
@@RoninofRamen yes it is a word. We are called Philadelphians so great job! And most of us Philadelphians love our organ. Especially at Christmas time.
The music is, of course overwhelming the camera microphone. But it certainly gets the point across. I was wondering if there was something on the main floor more important than the playing of this magnificent piece?
Well, Macy's is first & foremost a department store, even if it contains literally a national music treasure. Also, from what I've heard the recitals given are usually large majority classical music, which is not the most appreciated among the average shopper who wants a new suit.
@@KennyCnotG Mr. Wanamaker put the organ in and it is still played every day for the shoppers. I am a proud Philadelphian who is proud that we have this wonder in my hometown!
@@KennyCnotG sad but true. My high school, Frankford HS, has a pipe organ and the floors would rattle when played. It was awesome to hear. Cool that you're a Mummer. What division are you a part of? That is another Philadelphia treasure. I'm glad that you guys (and gals) keep the tradition going. Not so easy anymore but I personally love the parade. I remember the 12 hour parades of the 70s & 80s when my Dad would take me. Take care!
Lots of great things happening here. This organist is a great player and a superb transcriber of all kinds of non-organ compositions. Great piece of music, especially in the hands of Mr. Conte! Thank you PRC...
This is a worthwhile video despite the awful audio quality. I could have done with fewer scenes of the shoppers and at least one scene of the pedals. Nonetheless, thank you for making and sharing this.
I loved the scenes of the shoppers, especially that one lady standing in the middle just loving it and taking the whole thing in. 'Twas beautiful, I tell ya! :D A number of shoppers just stopped everything and listened. (I would have liked to see the pedalboard, though. :) ~Cindy! :)
Still I wonder if there is need for so many manuals. There might be more pipes and therefore more stops, but still just two hands and feet remain to play...
I had to look up the Finnish lyrics to the hymn and quietly sing along. I learned it originally 60 years ago to sing with a youth orchestra. Go here to watch and hear a choir sing it: ruclips.net/video/e4Avblfbw0U/видео.html And follow along here: genius.com/Jean-sibelius-finlandia-hymn-lyrics Or here: Oi Suomi, katso, Sinun päiväs koittaa Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa Sun päiväs koittaa, oi synnyinmaa Oi nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle Pääs seppälöimä suurten muistojen Oi nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle Sä että karkoitit orjuuden Ja ettet taipunut sä sorron alle On aamus alkanut, synnyinmaa
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Shopping at this Macy’s is a little better than Amazon...
So much has changed since Macy's took over the original Wanamaker Store but the organ has survived thank goodness. A trip to Wanamaker's for Christmas was a must in the 60'-70's and lunch at the Walnut Room with all of the Christmas decorations just fabulous and a memory that lasts a lifetime. May this tradition live on for generations to come but sadly the changing times seem not to cherish such traditions.
Not anymore! They are closing the building (permantly) in 2 months to be broken up into offices, organ staff was fires, and we dont know the future of the organ!
@@OrganNLou don't know about offices, a lot of the building is already offices and the occupancy rate is less than 30% the last I read.
Built for the St. Louis Worlds Fair, Wanamaker bought the instrument and had it shipped by train to Philadelphia for his new store. It's been expanded and maintained in a 'conditioned' (heated/cooled) space for 100+ years, a remarkable and possibly unique situation. (Unlike the sad situation at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.) Listen for the cymbal roll at 7:10 he adds with his right foot!
Not anymore! They are closing the building (permantly) in 2 months to be broken up into offices, organ staff was fires, and we dont know the future of the organ!
This is the if not mistaken the Wanamaker store in Phila PA, and then macys bought it.
So grateful they kept the organ.
I had the pleasure with my organ teacher invited to play Ave Maria on this magnificent organ.
To say it gave me the chills was one thing.
When I finished I was in tears Ave Maria always does it, but that I did it without any errors.
The praise my organ instructor and the organist I still recall as tho it was yesterday when in reality it was like 40+ yrs ago.
Thank You for letting me to play this magnificent instrument.
Had a chance to play several great organs, St Patricks etc but nothing compared to the Wanamaker Organ.
It was Wanamakers now it's Macy's and the organ is still played daily.
Sadly, when Bloomingdales bought the historic Masonic Temple in downtown Chicago which contained the largest organ in the midwest they destroyed it. Think of it, the very space where the Chicago Symphony did all their first recording because of the grand accoustics, and a oipe organ with two OPERATING consoles, all destroyed to make room for Bloomingdales floundering retail space.
@@dudleydiehl6850 Oh my never knew they had destroyed that magnificent organ. Sorry these instruments need to be save and retailers who buy these stores with such history must be required to not destroy these magnificent instruments.
@@tambrosia One would think.... but are are talking moola here....
🖕🙄🖕
@@reeblesnarfle5443 not sure i understand your comment....but are talking moola here...yes my desire has been to buy/build a pipe organ but we are talking millions...but the Allen organ etc are a nice sub if you cannot have a Pipe Organ.
Thankfully I still have my Conn 651 3 manual and double manual Hammond C3 hoping to find someone I can give them to when I pass on. I rescued the Hammon from the old Frankford High School in Phila, and the Conn I rescued from a church that was being demolished...
I've always wanted to hear Finlandia on this organ. Dream come true.
Thank you for this video.
:) You welcome!
If you ever visit Wanamakers for their daily concerts you might be able to hear this in person because it is a frequent one that he plays.
Good thing about playing in a store-- you could play the same program every other day and odds are nobody would notice! Who goes to the mall every day?
@@jamesrmcgalliard137 exactly!
Hard to imagine that Mr. Conte, like the rest of us, only has ten fingers and two feet! Marvelous!
My mom and I would take the train from Upper Darby to go to Wanamakers at Christmas and listen to that organ!! (60s and 70s)
Primetime!
Similar memorable childhood. My father was the graphic arts director at Wanamakers. Mom would take me downtown (from Germantown), on Friday's we'd hear the organ recital. This was in the 1950's to early 1960's. Fond memories to be sure. Unimpressed by the correct organist, playing theme from Chalie Brown. I had, had it.
😂 The train... 😂 You took the El from 69th St.
Amazing.
Richard P. Condie on the Wannamaker Organ in Philadelphia was an experience.Such a gifted and talented man
Peter Richard Conte is his name.
Finally, somebody who knows how to play the beast. Wonderful. Thanks.
Epic Markku! Thank you for sharing and thank you Maestro Conte . . . always a pleasure to hear you play!
Finlandia is the best classical music i just love this so mutch.
Jean Sebelius a master in music.
What you are hearing here is an instrument most unique in design. Marcel Dupre and Charles Courboin both had quite a bit of say so as to how this organ was designed. It is surely one of our finest organs along with the hall it is in.
Saw this organ in 1973 when Keith Chapman was there - had the chance to play it then and didn't - I wasn't worthy then (still not) so Keith asked what I would like to hear - as it was noontime, I asked him to play the soundtrack from the "Sound of Music" which he played flawlessly. There's us blokes who can play a great church service but then there are the Chapman's and Conte's who can play at a level way beyond the rest of us that is absolutely astonishing. Too bad even today's technologies are incompetent to reproduce or broadcast this amazing sound with fidelity. I guess that's we have settled for far less in today's "music".
To true. The only way to truly experience a organ is to be there in person!!
And it was so sad and such a loss when Keith Chapman was killed in an accident.........he was an amazing organist. I have a CD of him playing this magnificent instrument and I cherish it dearly ! May he rest in peace + + +
Thanks for the comments! I too am, as you said, “one of those blokes who can play a church service.” The very top of my limited ability, on my very best day, doesn’t scratch at the bottom end of Chapman’s or Conte’s talent. I stand in awe.
With tears in my eyes running down, I humbly say thank you.🙏💜 An etherical performance.
One of if not the favorite song of mine, ever! On one of the greatest organs ever! Overwhelmingly Tremendous ! ❤🔥
God bless, and continued astounding performances.🙏💜
The word 'grandeur' is inadequate.
Simply splendid.
Wonderful performance! We have been to Finland. You have to understand that this piece is MORE than a “National” song to them. It is sacred.
Sanjosemike
Absolutely Gob bless. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace!
Yes this song is very important to all the finns.it is in our dna.greetings from🇫🇮
Yes, it is. Thank you.
It is said that Sibelius is the only musician who ever received a pension from the government.
So many shoppers going noisily along, heedless of the gift they were being given.
I know it is so sad that people could be so disrespectful.
I don't agree. Two performances are given each day during store hours (which is what you're seeing here) & even though shoppers are going about their business, they are listening. This is just as John & Rodman Wanamaker intended. As a native Philadelphian, I can assure you we do not take this organ, its music or its staff/volunteers for granted.
What a daft comment. The university and the Curtis organ is right around the corner, plus Macy’s has a light and organ show for Christmas around this time. Many people in the area and shoppers appreciate this organ much more than some random RUclipsr.
Dummies....
@@Hardia882 😎👍💜🙏
Ever since I got to play timpani for Finlandia, I've had nothing but respect for performing this beast of a piece. There's a rendition here on youtube where a performance in Finland features a choir, scattered throughout the audience, singing the hymn in the middle of the piece; it's been in my Favorites for years now.
That organ is *enormous* and yet Mr. Conte makes it look absolutely effortless...especially with how clear it is in spite of the gigantic echo chamber it's built into.
I'm not sure if you realize exactly what you happened to capture here . . This is literally a historic live performance of this piece.
What makes it historic - the Wanamaker?
@@O-sa-car The Wanamaker organ is the largest musical instrument ever built. that alone makes playing any song this complex and great, of historic significance.
@@ashleyy6329 Largest 'fully working' organ. The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ in Atlantic City, New Jersey is apparently the largest but it's still being restored.
@@marko2873 it's larger in pipe count, but the Wanamaker has more stops in areas. For an example there are more string stops on the Wanamaker but the Boardwalk Hall has more diversity of strange and rarely seen things.
@@marko2873 Correct, although the Wanamaker organ has more ranks the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ has more pipes by a lot (about 5000 more pipes).
Not exactly money-spending music for your typical air-head shopper -or, most likely, for the Macy's management, for that matter- but what a great transcription, and a treat for the handful of classical music, Jean Sibelius and pipe organ lovers among them. (Clearly some recognized the piece.)
Thank you for the nice audio. Be still my soul ! (5:13) Goosebumps. Wish I had been there. 🥰😍🥰😍🥰
Seriously? You just bumped into him and he plays THAT spontaneously and mostly out of his head? He is a total genius and God blessed you and us with an incredible performance of a great work of art on the world’s greatest organ. Bravo!
I can understand your amazement, but Mr Conte was playing from a precisely notated score. You can see the coloured markers for stop changes and see him turn the page, at one point. He would have this music stored in his collection, and the visitor was lucky in her request. Much preparation is needed to work up a piece ready for performance, especially on such a large instrument.
Can you not see the score with all the registration changes marked on the music stand in front of him? He may know the piece, but he played from the score.
I can imagine a thousand worse ways to spend time in a shopping mall.
Americans can enjoy this as a great piece of music by Jean Sibelius, but they don't know the historical context and importance for all Finns. (Published during the oppression and "russification" period in 1899, when Finland was a grand duchy, a part of the Russian empire) For me this is even more important than our national anthem. After all, you hear the national anthem in sports competitions and other insignificant events, often sung with little or no dignity.
paanikki ✓
paanikki this is often the case with national anthems. I find patriotic songs other than national anthems to be much more important and musically beautiful.
Thank you for the history.
not in a mall, downtown Philadelphia
califdad4 The Wanamaker building is literally considered the first mall ever constructed
You are amongst few who really capture the masses with their music. People just dont seem to care anymore.. Greetings from Germany!
I've stood where that woman was standing a few times. Mind-blowing indeed.
I don’t quite get this experience shopping at Moe Coles. I hope those that have this pleasure really appreciate it. Just magnificent !
Absolutely wonderful - echo & all ! Boy, would I love to play that baby !
Me too. But better still, I would love to hear my young music idol, Gert van Hoef play it.
Peter is also an excellent organist.
I played this on Saturday for a festival. I love this piece so much - -probably- my favorite orchestral piece. LONG LIVE(D) SIBELIUS, AND GOD BLESS YOU FINNS!
One day I'll go to Finland.
I love Sibelius. Whenever I listen to his stuff, I feel stronger, whether it be uplifted (like Andante Festivo) or powerful and heroic (like Finlandia!)
Hey I.m glad you like the Finlandia. It is one of my favorite classical music pieces too. If you go to Finland, Summer time is great. Find a place by the lake and listening Sibelius. Priceless!!
One of the most noble pieces of music ever created.
Finland has changed a bit,but when I was there 10 yrs ago, it was so clean, people so nice, food wow.
But with so many migrants friends of mine who lived in Finland have left for more rural areas crime has increased and it is very dirty.
Sad when illegals/refugees do not assimilate to a great culture and make it like a 3rd world shit hole country....same is happening in Denmark, Sweden, Germany etc.
thanks for performing - and posting. Wonderful realization of a musical favorite of mine. And in the Great Cathedral Of Mammon!
What an absolute treat. Thank you for posting.
28.000 plus pipes ! How can you not love this king of instruments?
Once in a lifetime opportunity ! Thank you for sharing !!
Wonderful! This keyboard player really know his stuff! Many thanks.
BRILLIANT tune.SO well performed.
I was three. Years old when I first heard this organ. I said to mother "I want to do this when I grow up. I did just that and have been a church organists all my life.my first job was when I was a fairly new student. There was a church down the street. The organists got sick on Sunday morning. Aneighbor called to see if I could try to play the service. I was nervous but I did it. She never was able to return and I was there for. Three years.i had to take extra lessons and learn on the job. The choir remained and I directed them as I was learning how. I will always remember and be grateful to hearing that organ at three years old. I studied with Douglas Rafter at park St. Church in boston.what a wonderful man he was and how kind to such a young student. God bless all the organists out there. You make a difference in the world. Bruce Meredith Beecroft.
many years ago I knew the organist, was privileged enough to be invited to the console enclave to watch him play,
What a special moment! Both for you, the shoppers, and us on RUclips. Thanks so much for capturing this and sharing with us.
fancy having to tune this organ I would loved to have seen this mighty organ
Gordon Exmouth UK
It's still there. Come visit!
Please come visit, Gordon. You might enjoy Wanamaker Organ Day (usually first Saturday in June) & most particularly every fifth year celebrating Queen Elizabeth ll jubilee years. Last one in 2017; next one in 2022? This organ was first played in public on June 22, 1911 as your King George V was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Yes, we may have started a fight with your lot in 1776 but we're pretty much over it now. We'd love to share our organ with you.
@@Hardia882 Sadly @ 88 no can do much as I would love to thank you VERY much
Gordon EXMOUTH UK
There is no one who has done more to feature this instrument than PRC.......hands down!
maestro conte at his best. this kind of instrument was intended to interpret the great orchestral works and the maestro is the leading performer of orchestral transcriptions in the world! unfortunately, the "know-it-alls" will continue to dismiss instruments like this because they don't shriek like a 17th century mechanical instrument. can anyone say with complete certainty that bach would not have loved this organ? i dare you! at the end, watch the maestro reach out and draw specific stops from the "sea" of tablets when most organists would rely upon the combination action and simply "push a button" to change registration. BRAVO, MAESTRO CONTE!!!!!
Bravo!!!
thank you for posting this, it was beautiful, and I'm sure, quite a experience for you
Wow, I wish I could have been there to hear this LIVE but will have to satisfy my love of this piece by listening to this very well recorded (in my opinion) video!
I’ve been there’s couple of times where he has played this. Usually he doesn’t usually go all out like he has for this performance, usually he stays within the first 3-4 manuals but in this version he used all 6. Even when he plays it quieter it is still a thrilling experience
Good job well played! I love that organ! Nice video.
Superb! Thank you a lot for taking time to share this with us!
Wonderful. I didn’t appreciate the historical significance of this most moving music. Tears streaming down my face.
Colin Baldwin. U.K.
WOW!
Gorgeous! I would now visit Philadelphia even if I could only hear and see this organ! Even though there are many more historical places of significance there for Americans and the entire world!
A few well placed high quality microphones and a real recording device would send the organ sound to heaven...Cellphone audio was just a teaser
Amazing that they can handle all of the keyboards and systems and
still continue to play thee music! !
So very beautiful.
Magnificent. Finlandia a favorite symphonic poem.
Fabulous treasure for lovers of Sibelius's Finlandia !
I think that they should perform Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony no 2 or no 8 in this venue with a full orchestra and choir in addition to the organ, that would be legendary.
The organ in Mahler's 8 is minimally employed. Why not the Saint Saens 3d?
Just wonderful. So good that after about one minute of this performance I deleted a bad performance on a bad digital organ by someone else. Oh, thank you.
"HOLLY....it's your landing lights!!"
Wow! This was beautiful.
Now approaching my 70th year, my most pressing ambition is to visit the US and make a special trip to
Macys and hear this wonderful instrument . Atlantic city is also on my bucket list together with the sites associated with the Manhattan project, but primarily and in the words of Organ Morgan ( Dylan Thomas - " Under Milk Wood") it'll be Organ, Organ all the time with me!
Please do come. It's still a wonderful country.
I would love to hear Finlandia played at one of the after-hours evening concerts. Maybe it's been done & I missed it.
Beautiful!!
I lived in Philadelphia for several years and heard this wonderful instrument often. What a treat!
There will never be another Virgil Fox.His rendition of Come Sweet Death excellent,awesome
PS thanks to Ray Biswanger who has kept this instrument alive and restored.
And Curt Mangel!
William Shepard And a bazillion other people, particularly Macy’s for funding ongoing restoration.
1:20 OMG the strings
The 88-rank string division was designed by Marcel Dupre and built by Kimball. When Dupre asked Rodman Wanamaker about the budget for his work, Wanamaker replied, "No limit, Dupre!"
It's probably the greatest string division ever. Even the world's largest organ in Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City only has 74 ranks across its three string divisions, and only one of those divisions is working right now.
He didn't have his helper flipping switches for him.
I hope to play the organ in the near future!
For Markku. I am sorry if I sounded critical and harsh. Not my intention. I must extend my answer by saying that I think you have achieved something remarkable and unique. An opportunity that most of us (on holiday with our cameras) can only dream about. You were at the right place at the right time with a wonderful musician willing to participate in what you wanted. You have obtained a moment of your holiday that you will remember for the rest of your life and, what is more, you have shared it with us. I know the story behind the piece, it is a great work, very poignant and powerful. In my younger days I enjoyed playing it on the organ and did so often. May you be as fortunate in the future. 🤝🤝
Among a few other organist and music, this baptizes my new l a r g e computer screen for youtube watching.
Beautiful old pipe organ !
Last time I went to our local mall I left several stores because the "music" (almost always rap) was so loud I couldn't hear the sales folks. I asked why it had to be so loud and she said, "I can't hear you!!" LOL But many young people acted as if it was normal to have someone yelling and bleeping as you looked for sweaters or jeans. London's Covent Garden had an open courtyard with professional entertainers - some sang from Phantom and a string quartet performed while we were there. Nice to sip a drink and listen.
I agree that the music is many public places is disgusting.......even in restaurants where you want to eat in peace and relax you have to shout at your party or whomever.......I just want to get up and run out many times due to the irritating music nowadays !!!
@Peter Murray Several healthcare specialists have blamed loud music for part of the recent Covid wave. Studies show that shouting / speaking very loudly spreads Covid 50 times faster than quiet conversation. Stores and restaurants with loud music are cutting their throat - forcing shouting and a rapid spread of the disease. Conversely, a movie house with separated folks and little or no talking is infinitely safer
Magnificent!!
I think both shoppers enjoyed it very much.
Where else in the world can one hear the most exquisite pipe organ on the planet. The colors it can sound are not matched anywhere on the planet. Yes I like Cavalle-Coll's in Paris, but this is a different animal. A full orchestra on 6 keyboards. and them some.
Agreed the strings are unparalleled.
That was a great but I know that video doesn't even do it justice. A phone could never capture the true power of that massive organ that you can literally feel when you are there.
Would recommend that anyone stops by to experience a performance on it if they are ever in center city Philadelphia. You really have to be there to get the full effect.
Philadelphia is the first area were Finns settled in the US, or it wasn't actually yet the US - it was a Swedish colony, before the English Dutch and Swedes (with Finns) founded the city of Phiadelphia. The colony was mainly in Delaware, but partly in Maryland and a bit in the Pennsylvania too.
Philly has some place names deriving from Finnish. Nothing major, but a few anyway. Well don't know the actual number, I just remeber ne word: Mullicka hill. Mullikka (Mull as in pull, stretch the l and k double time - as in maLL Lady & siCK CHorus), means a young bull, a 'kid', adolescent at the most.
timomastosalo m
It's wonderfull. it's amazing 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇧🇷👋🇧🇷👋 From Manaus Am Brazil
Only in America... The largest functioning pipe-organs. The Wanamaker at Macy's is (only)☻Ne. 2.... Amazing!
a wee bit of heaven
Moi client, dès les premières mesures, j'essaie de trouver un endroit où m'asseoir, même par terre et j'écoute dans l'instant, pris sur une vie de fou !
If I could hear one thing before I die, it would be stood awestruck there on that sales floor listening to this man - or in Helsinki of course :)
As captured by this recording, the visual of it, all that goes on/happens I hope this entire pipe organ is also designated an engineering accomplishment of history: as is the historic Morris canal across Northern jersey: 1824 to 1924!!!
Marvelous
Awesome young fellow!
Je crois que ce lieu commercial est le seul endroit au monde où l'on peut y faire un flash mob à l'orgue 😊
Bravo!
I swear there are people in the hall below singing "Be still my soul" during the 6/7th minute.
Although I'm sure the Philadephians (is that even a word?!) would have a stab at the patriotic Finlandia hymni if they had a phonetic lyrics sheet to hand.
@@RoninofRamen yes it is a word. We are called Philadelphians so great job! And most of us Philadelphians love our organ. Especially at Christmas time.
Melissa Nevin I was down there during Christmas a few years back, actually a couple of days later, and heard it live and it was magical!
That's the magic of the Vox Humana ranks.
@@melissanevin5034 I would love it 24/7!!!❤❤❤
The music is, of course overwhelming the camera microphone. But it certainly gets the point across. I was wondering if there was something on the main floor more important than the playing of this magnificent piece?
Well, Macy's is first & foremost a department store, even if it contains literally a national music treasure. Also, from what I've heard the recitals given are usually large majority classical music, which is not the most appreciated among the average shopper who wants a new suit.
@@KennyCnotG Mr. Wanamaker put the organ in and it is still played every day for the shoppers. I am a proud Philadelphian who is proud that we have this wonder in my hometown!
@@melissanevin5034 I work in philly & am a mummer, and that instrument is a fabulous national treasure. Sadly, the general public could care less :(
@@KennyCnotG sad but true. My high school, Frankford HS, has a pipe organ and the floors would rattle when played. It was awesome to hear. Cool that you're a Mummer. What division are you a part of? That is another Philadelphia treasure. I'm glad that you guys (and gals) keep the tradition going. Not so easy anymore but I personally love the parade. I remember the 12 hour parades of the 70s & 80s when my Dad would take me. Take care!
Das ist der Nachteil, das dieses wunderbare Instrument in einem Kaufhaus sthet, diese Ignoranten unten halten einfach nicht die Banausenfresse!!!!
Haunting...
Musical accompaniment for classy shopping.
my favorite too I play it on youtube for my 2 year old grand daughter she like the video of the baby ducks
Peter Conte where is your rolled up newspaper to register with 😄
Majestoso! Impossível não se emocionar.
I met that man at a concert he played on my church organ.
For the love of god, why couldn’t this have been recorded in stereo? Damn.
Such an impressive exercise, an amazing opportunity...and his tempos are atrocious.
Lots of great things happening here. This organist is a great player and a superb transcriber of all kinds of non-organ compositions. Great piece of music, especially in the hands of Mr. Conte! Thank you PRC...
Wow I would shop at Macy's if there was a huge organ at my local one.
This is a worthwhile video despite the awful audio quality. I could have done with fewer scenes of the shoppers and at least one scene of the pedals. Nonetheless, thank you for making and sharing this.
I loved the scenes of the shoppers, especially that one lady standing in the middle just loving it and taking the whole thing in. 'Twas beautiful, I tell ya! :D A number of shoppers just stopped everything and listened. (I would have liked to see the pedalboard, though. :) ~Cindy! :)
Still I wonder if there is need for so many manuals. There might be more pipes and therefore more stops, but still just two hands and feet remain to play...
Were you watching closely? Playing 'symphonic' transcriptions are exactly why these sort of organs need so many manuals.
Oh!!!!
I had to look up the Finnish lyrics to the hymn and quietly sing along. I learned it originally 60 years ago to sing with a youth orchestra. Go here to watch and hear a choir sing it: ruclips.net/video/e4Avblfbw0U/видео.html
And follow along here: genius.com/Jean-sibelius-finlandia-hymn-lyrics
Or here:
Oi Suomi, katso, Sinun päiväs koittaa
Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa
Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois
Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
Sun päiväs koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Oi nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Pääs seppälöimä suurten muistojen
Oi nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Sä että karkoitit orjuuden
Ja ettet taipunut sä sorron alle
On aamus alkanut, synnyinmaa