For everyone who has enjoyed this performance, we encourage you to check out our digital concert series - Sounds from St. Olaf, which premieres a new episode every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT. : ruclips.net/p/PLAQGawh84RS7mSYebFXCAgZsStYLysYjw
The organist is not just an organist. He is a man in love with the organ and is fervently expressing his love with the intimate knowledge of its nuances. Every note is perfectly measured; every pause exquisitely timed. Bravo.
Although my dear husband recently passed from Alzheimer’s, it was music such as this most evenings that soothed my soul and helped me continue caring for him. I continue to find peace in sacred music in his absence. I know he is safe and well cared for and his suffering has been relieved.
“Abide in me?” And then this. Heb13: 5b, the Amplified version says, “... for He [God] Himself said, I will in no way abandon you or give you up or leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] in no way leave you helpless, nor abandon you or let you down (relax My hold on you)! [Certainly not!] And then there are still Christians who are moaning and groaning and cry, "Oh God, be with us!". "Be near to us!"... "When we leave this place, come with us oh God!" En: "Oh Lord don't leave us!" "Don't take your Spirit from us!" "Stay with Your Spirit!" That seems very spiritual and humble, but it is also a Christian that prays in unbelief and ignorance, unbiblical, self- and not God-centered and even simply by religious pride, Prov13:10, Jac3:16. It is Old Testament and not for an adult Christian! Everything we think we do without God(s Word) is actually prideful. Because "I" can and do it myself! While God clearly says many times that He will never leave us again; in Heb13:5b even five times in the negative in Greek, especially read the ‘Amplified’ to experience that certainty, peace and joy! And never praying ‘backwards’ (like ‘cursing’?) again! Most Christians then point to Ps51, but this is the OT where the Spirit came upon people and left again! Although David had a great deal of faith in his heart, he was not born again, nor was the Spirit permanently indwelling like the New Covenant believer! Anyway, what terrible ‘prayers’ for the Christian actually, prayers of unbelief, through ignorance and wrong teaching! It has nothing to do with faith, but it is just another knowledge problem. It is clear then that we do not know Father and his Being! Most Christian offer sacrifices and many prayers to God and ask God ‘never to leave them’, but also believe that God does not really hear them! But He always hears, it is not His fault!
I encourage you to visit a Lutheran Church near you! We hold to the beautiful, rich, traditional music and liturgy that teaches the faith and feeds the soul :)
My hat off to the organist. He truly knows how to set the spirit in the room with his playing. Perfect registration of the stops. He never over powered the congregation. I loved how he slowly cut out and let the congregation sing alone and then came back in. I hope that I can some day learn to play like he does.
He is, indeed, a top tier talent on the organ. I had the privilege of singing to his accompaniment while in college. There were many times I was left blown away by his talent.
I must agree that the organist is a true CHURCH organist and knows how to play a hymn, perhaps the most important quality in a good church musician. Well done, all around!
Notice in the congregation that some people aren't singing. I would be one of those because I would be glorifying the sound of the organ like they are probably doing. Have this saved in a youtube file so that I can visit it when I am feeling a little depressed. It sure helps, for sure.
Takes me back to being altar server at Our Saviour's. Classic Lutheran construction and execution. Organ showed unique and powerful chord progression through last refrain. Top notch. Post more!
as usual, nobody mentioned the great audio engineer who faithfully captured every nuance of this music, to God be the Glory! Good job sound person! Stereo too! The way it should be.
Well, actually after the first few bars, the sound engineering was my first "Wow!" thought. Guess I'm a bit of a nerd...but someone did a fantastic job on this to make it sound this good on RUclips.
My heart soars when I see this, NOT just because of the organ and the acoustics. Look at the average age in the choir. Look at the average age in the congregation, and then compare that to contemporary styles of supposed worship. THIS is "Participatory Worship" with people singing in harmony, not entertainment and it DOES appeal to ALL ages. Churches are dying all over the place as they try to "Emulate" the music of a secular world. You know, the ones with the "Millennial Whoop", eg ooh ooh, ooh ooh; aah aah, aah aah; oh oh, oh oh; etc. The older faithfuls "hang in there" while detesting "un-singable" music where the meter of the words does not match the meter of the music. Those are fine for solo work but not for congregational singing. These old people grin and bear it until they all start dying off and the church closes it doors. Let me be clear. There is a time and a place for everything. The Bible tells us in Psalm 96 to Sing a New Song Unto the Lord. Michael W. Smith, Phillips Craig & Dean, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, etc. can emotionally engage and bring me to tears for all the right reasons. However, most of our church musicians are NOT Michael W. Smith. I was recently speaking with a church Music Director and he indicated that studies have shown a world more hungry for a liturgical style of worship. They WANT the church to be something different. I grew up in an era of Rock & Roll, Classical, and Pop music BUT that doesn't mean that I hate the hymns of the church. Quite the contrary. We are called to "Be In The World, Not Of The World". Music can be such a blessing to the soul and its very often the words of a hymn, which come flooding back to bring us comfort. Many of those hymns reflect scripture directly and help us with scripture memory. Often we can recite the lyrics of several verses without thinking about it. How often does a hymn, sometimes hundreds of years old, come to mind as the pastor is preaching a sermon? Try that with contemporary arrangements that fade into obscurity very quickly as we wait for the NEXT big thing. During this time of pandemic, I know what songs I'll be singing in my heart, including the one presented in this video.
I agree. Give me a choir, organ and piano any time. I like some contemporary, on the radio, but when I'm in church I like to be reflective and its hard to do that when you have drums and electric guitars turned all the way to 11 in your face
Well said and all 100% true. THIS is what church (gathering of the saints) and worship together is all about. Hymns are for congregations to sing - they are easier - and full of strong, Biblical truths.
I knew how I felt but couldn't find the right words to describe it...you summed it all up for me. I was a church organist/pianist since I was a child but no longer have an interest in playing the contemporary pieces. I still enjoy playing at home.
I heard someone say once... should the music at church be just like what we hear on the radio and TV,,, or should it be a relief from the secular genres and be filled with reverence? I say give me music like this but that's because it is what I grew up around. I do not care at all for contemporary worship,. it doesn't cause me to be reverent at all. But, we are not to be judge-mental, so if someone likes fog, concert lighting and excessive subwoofers, then as long as they worship God with it,,,, who are we to criticize? I think God doesn't care how we worship Him.
Herr Kaschen : He has never moved, has He? ‘Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies ‘ ‘Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem....’ can be prayed ‘America, America ‘ Have we turned away from God and lost The Way ?
Dear Mike, please draw the conclusion that it is great poetically and compositionally because a wonderful God has given human beings the ability to hear and understand (to a degree) what is true, then to respond with their personal expression of how they apprehend this stuff which God has told us a lot about in Scriptures which have generally the same message.
@Paul Wilson I don't think so, chief. I don't need to buy into the narrative to be able to enjoy the accompanying art. At the end of the day, our self-consciousness (what you'd call "soul") is either mortal or immortal, and neither option requires a god nor is either option more desirable than the other. Let's just enjoy the song, huh!
Neil Campbell Um, no. Lyte was an Anglican. It's actually kind of insulting to say that a person's national origin also determines their religion as well.
I lost 2 family members in a 10 month period. My aunt Sandy died in June of 2022 at 70 from a heart attack and my grandmother died this April at 96 of natural causes. Ever since they passed away I have never gotten over the losses and I miss them more than anyone else can possibly imagine. This reminds me of them. Oh Aunt Sandy and grandma Bradford if you can hear me, I love you and miss you more than you will ever know! 😭. In loving memory of Sandy Brodin, January 25, 1952- June 2, 2022. And Corinne Bradford, August 27, 1926- April 23, 2023
Mum also recently died from dementia, this song was a non negotiable at her funeral painful and joyous at the same time. A beautiful rendition thank you.
My condolences, as I understand how you are feeling. I am currently caring for my brother-in-law who has dementia, and he is now in the advance stage of this illness
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide When other helpers fail and comforts flee Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see O Thou who changest not, abide with me I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me Abide with me, abide with me
Surely one of the most stirring musical experiences is the combination of a marvelous choir, a superlative organist and a full-throated congregation singing a great hymn. I pray this type music/worship will never go out of fashion. Everything about this experience thrills me beyond words. Thank you, St. Olaf's!
May your prayers be answered... even as we move into The Virtual World. This organist is supurbe. A composer of a very high order. Would love to meet him live. Rt. Rev. Charles V. Davis, A.T.O.M. May 15, 2012 AD.
We should not forget the old hymns as they were written with the soul and spirit. The present day songs are full of sound and fury signifying nothing barring a few.
In the midst of a pandemic and a long dark winter this hymn reminds me that God is with me. The light of the gospel can still penetrate the disquieted soul
Lyrics: Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me. [ Come not in terrors, as the King of kings; But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings: Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea; Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me. ] I need Thy presence every passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless: Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness: Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Amen. But the hymnal book of Korea is not listed of the verse 3 and verse 5. Of course this hymn includes 1 to verse 8. Thank you very much for showing me the whole lyrics. biblestory.tistory.com/443 (If you need verse 7 and 8, please click the link.)
Whatever the heavenly music will be like, it will be unlike anything we've known here, perhaps. It will be greater and better than we can imagine. I want to meet J. S. Bach and hear what he's been up to for the last 270 years.
You are in tune with heaven, I don't want to miss heaven where there is no worries, pain, hunger, fear and darkness. The holy hill of the most High God. Bless your heart 💓
During this time of the pandemic, it is reassuring to hear the Lovely old Hymns and of course the Pipe organ which is one thing we all miss. The Sound effects are also phenomenal. Please Stay Well.
One of my late Grandfather's hymns at his funeral boy do I miss him. But he's at peace now and with the Lord. But now I must sit patient until I am at peace with the Lord and hope to meet my Grandfather again one day. In the Love of Jesus Christ our Saviour Amen ✝️ x
How blessed I am to hear this hymn ..as many times..I am so blessed and thankful to know that Our Father is always there to listen and to help me and all who believe that He will always Abide with you and me..with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I grew up a Mormon and always loved this hymn. We didn't have fancy beautiful cathedrals like this. What a lovely building and tremendous choir, organist, and congregation this is.
This isn’t a cathedral, rather a college chapel at St Olaf College, a Lutheran (ELCA) school in Minnesota. Lutherans are often known as the “singing church” going back to Luther himself, JS Bach and many others who celebrated and wrote music for worship.
I love that head bob followed by the smile by the organist at 4:50. That was totally something the choir had to practice many times and it made him happy to hear them get it right
Not only does it require absolute epitome of skill, but even moreso the absolute trust of the congregation that their music is worship itself, and they agree to do all the music, the musicians, and the inspired presence of the Holy Spirit among and upon them to give themselves completely to the moment. Both are readily and easily seen here. Soli deo gloria!
I agree 100%. I was a professional church musician for over 50 years and would lead the congregation into an a cappella stanza exactly this way; it worked every time! I was raised a Lutheran but have been a happy Anglo- Catholic for decades.
This is the kind of hymn I loved during my childhood and young adulthood and which I miss so much nowadays. Modern church music lacks reverence but my friend says "make a joyful noise" for the Lord so if you can't beat 'em join 'em. This is beautiful, thank you.
Thank you so much for this beautiful recording. Sitting here with my young children I can't help lamenting the decline of traditional hymns in today's churches. Here in Sydney, Australia - almost no child growing up in the church will get to enjoy the deep, worshipful and joyful experience that comes from congregational singing of this nature. Being the son of a church organist and being a church pianist myself, I feel deeply saddened by this phenomenon. We are bereft of churches in our area with traditional hymns and youth under the same roof. At our last church (Anglican), I was asked only once to play for the communion (I am a very experienced musician) and selected 2 beautiful arrangements of "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and "The Old Rugged Cross" instead of the usual Hillsong fare. After the service, there was an endless queue of folk of all ages thanking me for playing these hymns which took them back to their conversions and earlier days of worship. For years they had missed these hymns, lost to the 7/11/3 guitar squad (the same 7 words repeated 11 times over 3 chords...). :-) It was a very telling moment but nothing changed and we ended up leaving. Thank goodness for recordings like this so we and our children can join in with such profoundly beautiful and reverent congregational singing. End of rant! :-) God bless you and cheers from Australia - David
Hi David, in Kuching, Sarawak, we are still singing hymns like this. I love this hymn eventhough it is usually used as a funeral song. Nevertheless, the lyrics are so comforting.
You have to start pushing for this type of Music to be played...nobody else will do it. And much like the Movie"the passion of the Christ" -you know there is an audience for it. This is what is Going to bring people back into the Church - truth and Beauty ( and we have lots of it).
I'm Australian too. In my church in the 1950s, after evening service the young people went to someone's home for hymn-singing. When on a bus trip, we would look at the numberplate of the car in front, and start singing the hymn of that number in the Methodist Hymn Book. I can't get to church any more, but with all the changes I don't miss it so much. It is indeed a shame that young Christians today are possibly losing sight of their glorious hymnal heritage. My favourite hymn? O Thou Who Camest From Above, sung to Hereford. A Wesley "double": grandfather Charles' words, grandson Samuel Sebastian's tune. Kindle a fire of sacred love on the mean altar of my heart.
This song is funerals usually so the grieving family is not in any mood for anything wild but comfort only and he does such a nice job. God bless from the SELK Lutheran of Deutschland. ✝️✝️✝️🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪
A beautifully done "haunting" intro. By far my favorite rendition of this hymn. I especially enjoyed the seemless way in which the organ "disappeared" in verse 4 only to return with a bombastic vengeance in verse 5. Hats off to Dr. Bobb and his excellent choir.
I attend Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where we sing the traditional hymns. Bishop Lyte certainly left a wonderful legacy with "Abide with Me" and "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken." I believe (but am not sure) that he was an Anglican bishop in India when he wrote these hymns. Indeed, in these days of "change and decay," we should meditate on God's faithfulness, and not only at funerals!
A touching hymn written with feeling and resolve! Abide with me Lord, Fast Falls the Eventide!! One of the most popular hymns ever written by Henry F. Lyte and music by Willam H. Monk a composer of our forefathers many, many years ago!! We are indebted to these fine few christian men. Lynnae Larson CT
This was the opening hymn at our late son’s memorial service. After the service my sister in law approached me, emotionally, to say it was the opening hymn at her father’s service. It’s haunting.
Regardless of race, creed or national origin; this timeless hymn has brought peace and reassurance to countless thousands down through the ages! The hymn’s colorblind message assures us of a gentle relationship with our Heavenly Father that takes us through our dark moments of the sting of death, any mental anguish and our worse pain. -- “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, o Lord, ABIDE WITH ME! 😔
We offered this as a prayer-hymn when my brother-in-law went to Heaven (2005) What a great father of 3 girls, husband, carpenter, role model☆☆☆Saint Savior's R.C. Church Brooklyn N.Y.1 Peter3:18
Well Calton Root! I woke up today and yesterday morning with hymns in my heart. I grew up on them in Africa and they have kept in me for over 40 years! Hymns have the Word of God in them.
This is how it’s done. While we live in a world of evil change and ever-disturbing decay Christ is our light and stay. His death and resurrection are our only hope.
beautiful!!! The last verse of abide with me alternately gives me chills or makes me cry…. I have asked this hymn to be sung at my memorial service when the Lord calls me home.
imagine that you've been going to this congregation so long that you're just, "yep. just an average sunday evening service." and everyone watching this on youtube is thinking, "holy moley! this choir and organist are amazing!! yes, even the audio engineering is spot on! stunning!!!"
Am enoch musana put me in your prayer I need also to play like this, I play hymns in st John's cathedral fort portal,ruenzori diocese in Uganda East africa
Well, my name is Olaf and I was born in Holland. There is NOTHING like a pipe organ. And believe me, there is SO MUCH MORE to one of these than the decorated pipes you may see in the auditorium! Look it up on a search engine for full appreciation!
So proud to see so many young people there in that church are loving the hymns that truly praise & worship The Lord! Unlike the night-club style apostate music in so many modern-day (so-called) churches! That hymn was absolutely GLORIOUS! HEAVENLY praise to God!!
Timeless hymn. I heard this hymn as a child in my family church which was Anglican. I feel the same excitement and joy which I did as a child. God bless.
In a pew in Northern Canada, my mother used to sing this hymn with my father and my brother and me. It is true what commentator Nino Nieman says: just when you want to begin to despair about America, you see something like this, you see a community of people advocating for SOMETHING GOOD and you recognize, again, the essential goodness of the American people. Oh my God we have so much work to do but when I hear this hymn and see all those flags above this congregation, I, a Buddhist, think: OK OK, maybe just we can redress the wrong and start a new republic because this old old one is just wearing us all out. Thank you so much, St. Olaf Cantorei and Congregation, YOU GIVE US HOPE AT A TIME OF DESPAIR AND ABJECT HOPELESSNESS
Amen, fellow American James Loney. I feel like Canada should act as our hard-nosed debt counsellor (as metaphor), who brings the unwise debtor into a strict tutelage over 3-4 years until that misuse of money and credit is never gonna happen again. Alas! We must work this out on our own. I DO believe there is a centrist majority made up those "libtard snowflakes" and Ms Clinton's famous "deplorables" who still have a heart. We also have developed a strong will to pretty much start over again. If Joe Biden can just keep the POTUS chair nice n warm for 4 years so we can sort it out from the bottom up as a federal democracy (like yours), we may have a chance. Meanwhile: yes/oui! Namely, "help of the helpless oh abide with me." I hope against hope. Nothing but the best, James, to you-yours-your nation made of two great "founding peoples."
@@markbell9973 we can only hope with the ever growing connection between the United States, the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealths of New Zealand & Australia.. and my home country the United Kingdom that we start straying the correct path once again.
So sorry for you - I am going through the very same thing having lost my sister two months ago ,finding the huge void left by her passing very hard to cope with.
Since some made comparisons to Anglican evensong, while others commented on the length and quietness of the introduction, allow me as an Anglican and as one who has played also for Lutheran churches, to reply. All hymns do not have to be introduced with a "let's make whoopee for the Lord" [quoted from Lloyd C. Douglas]. This introduction was also in excellent Lutheran tradition--a chorale prelude on the tune/words to lead into the singing. This was one purpose for the chorale preludes/partitas from before Bach down to the present. Bach particularly used symbolism and tone painting in his chorale preludes and cantatas. The Lutheran and the Anglican fusion in this superb submission was perfect. In the Anglican tradition, Evensong is at times very meditative and both soft and loud--the psalms sung sometimes in a dramatic fashion to Anglican chant and the organ tone/text painting while the congregation follows the words and reflects on their import. It is even better, nay, demands, live acoustics such as we have here. All of this combined with a relaxed tempo that allows one to focus on the words. In toto, the lack of speed and restlessness in both speech and music as though one has all night for the service makes for a sense of eternity--quite a moving experience. As an aside, I should like to think that the late Hermann Schlicker, the original builder of the organ, and the late Walter Holtkamp, grandfather of the present Holtkamp rebuilder of this organ, are both looking down and smiling.
This. What some are calling an over-long introduction is really a chorale-prelude leading into the hymn. As an organist I almost always base my prelude on the opening hymn. One of my issues with my current liturgy (Episcopal) is that there is a gap between the prelude and the opening hymn consisting of a welcome and then the opening responses, divorcing the prelude from the hymn. Drives me nuts. To compensate I often use a shorter improvisation to introduce the hymn rather than to just play through it. To someone who asked about the setting, I'm almost 100% sure that it is an improvisation (well done, BTW) but I could be wrong. I'm not a big fan of Abide with me (sorry) and personally find this all a bit of a wasted effort on a mediocre hymn, but that's just me.
I particularly appreciate your comment concerning tempo. I attend an evangelical church where it sometimes feels like it’s “let’s hurry and get this over”. The words need time to awaken the mind and stir the soul. I so miss the beauty of harmony and inspired arrangements in today’s contemporary evangelical services. I fear it has been the dumbing down of corporate worship music.
I do agree that Chris Holtkamp did a magnificent job with his 2006 rebuild of this instrument, and it is easily his magnum opus. However, I'm not sure that Walter and Hermann would have liked the changes that Christian made to the instrument, as he sought to add features that the two original builders of this organ rebelled against. For example, the organ has four different celeste ranks, a Tuba on 18" of wind, a Vox Humana on the Swell, and more 8' foundation tone than either of the original builders usually employed in their instruments.
@@gobigold its a prefect hymn for a Evensong , I do like the song though. I joined a local Episcopal church many years ago ( 1976), and I had visited a Lutheran but found the Episcopal liturgy put together better and enjoyed it more than the Lutheran style
Oooh, that were grand! I was brought up on this stuff and it's very stirring. The organist leaving off during the third verse was inspired - the sound of the congregation and the choir together unaccompanied was wonderful. I wish our church had this number of congregation and choir! Bravo sir.
My Grandparents funeral songs. Over 500 people walked through the line to say their sympathies for each on my Mother’s side in that 20th century day when we Germans and other good Europeans made up America. I was very blessed as a child growing up as I was surrounded by sooo many wonderful German Lutheran relatives. It was truly a better time than now with all these wicked shadow government people.
St. Olaf's choir and congregation offer the closest to a heavenly experience when they sing. This is as sublime as your recording of Ar Hyd Y Nos sung to the hymn 'Tis the Church Triumphant Singing'. A dexterous organist, I must add... I particularly like his registration.
The tenderest and most reflective of introductions I have ever heard to this hymn. A masterpiece- increasing with fervor to the point where the 16' reeds and 32' stops are brought in to an incredible final climax on the last verse. Kudos to the choir and organist!
Oh that more congregations sang like this!! Such sensitive organ accompaniment that draws the singer to sing from the depths of their soul!!! Amazing transition for the final stanza. You could see the organists singing along!! THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
I'm afraid that good organ playing may be a dying art. Most churches today either don't use their organs or they don't even have them anymore. Whole generations have grown up without learning to appreciate good organ music. Plus, playing the organ with both feet and both hands is hard! I played organ, but it was always a struggle to do it well.
@@musiclover148 It is indeed, sir. Like Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church located in Florida and Grace Community Church located in Los Angeles, they use the organ for playing the hymns. I love the organ hymn. Because the sound of the organ is majestic, so I feel the holy spirit of the Lord.(Especially I love Ms. Diane Bish, who is the very famous organist in the United States of America.) Of course as what you said, playing the organ is hard and difficult. Nevertheless, I'm very thankful of you to strive to play the organ well. God will surely love you. And God bless you.
@@musiclover148 There is hope for the future. Tune in to encinitaschurch.com at 9:25am PDT on any Sunday during the COVID-19 shutdown for online church, or watch and listen to the recording later. At SDUMC we are blessed with the best pipe organ in north coastal San Diego County and an extremely talented young lady, Sarah Amos, who brings out the best in the instrument.
On life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Each phrase of this poem is glorious, the hymntune and harmony suit it perfectly. And that organ, perfection.
This is the most beautiful arrangement and performance of this glorious hymn. I have other recordings of it but I keep coming back to this one. From the lovely soft introduction to the rousing final verse - just magnificent. Brilliant organist, and the choir superb - and the organ sounds magnificent, too!. Thank you for this inspiring rendition.
As a kid, I thought, a music like this, is always a Christmas song. I was always excited during Lenten season as I could hear this kind of music on the radio.
Soy católico de rito romano, cubano americano, esto me lleva a Dios. Dios está presente dentro de todo el que con fervor, sinceridad y humildad le invoca...
As a Secular Humanist church organist (brought up in a traditional, mainline church), I still love to hear, and play, these noble hymns with a great pipe organ. Thankfully, the Episcopal church (among other mainline churches) STILL USE THEIR HYMNALS regularly. 👍
I return to this recording again and again. The amazing words and music are so perfectly matched. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me…
As for this old south Episcopalian church musician, these Lutherans can do NO WRONG. If music and liturgy at St Olaf were anymore BEAUTIFUL, we couldn't stand it! And yes that Holtkamp organ is to die for!
I taught at Sewanee when Dr. Joseph Running [a St. Olaf bachelor's degree recipient and doctor's in music from Florida State] was organist-choirmaster, and the University had a superb men's choir. I am now an emeritus professor (from another institution), and I play a Holtkamp for an Episcopal church in Georgia. I would like to give more information, but not in a public forum.
As a former Lutheran, now Anglo-Catholic, I agree with you. John Ferguson on St. Olaf faculty was a room mate of mine when we were at Oberlin Conservatory. The Holtkamp is to die for but it doesn't sound like a Holtkamp. The instrument I played for 36 years before my retirement was a II/42 Casavant - also to die for!
I woke up this morning with this song on my lips and in my heart. It brings back memories of evening prayer services and the security of knowing that with God's abiding presence, all would be well. I needed to hear this today, the first day of 2021.
So touchy so awesome they have praised The Awesome GOD JESUS CHRIST..like in the Heaven..GOD Bless u forever Amen..thank you so much touch our heart and our soul..
Church music at its very best; inspiring and worshipful in all respects. It is what I try so feebly to achieve. That said, this was probably the highlight, hymn - wise of the service. To quote a friend of mine "Every hymn does not have to be a motet!"
For everyone who has enjoyed this performance, we encourage you to check out our digital concert series - Sounds from St. Olaf, which premieres a new episode every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. CT. : ruclips.net/p/PLAQGawh84RS7mSYebFXCAgZsStYLysYjw
Love this video listen to it every single month if not week
Can you tell me who the organist is playing this amazing rendition of an awesome hymn?
This is so incredibly moving and amazing... Can you tell me who the organist is for this arrangement???
Shalom
Please I need the score for arrangement the organist played
AMO quem REGE E TOCA. JÁ TIVE UMA REGENTE QUE FAZIA O MESMO.
My wife suffers from Alzheimers I listen to this each night to remember, to remember to be kind.
The power of Music. Best wishes.
God bless you this Christmas, William.
TAKE HER TO THE VET!
Remember your hope is in Jesus alone and that's truly a comfort
The organist is not just an organist. He is a man in love with the organ and is fervently expressing his love with the intimate knowledge of its nuances. Every note is perfectly measured; every pause exquisitely timed. Bravo.
A true organist will know his instrument inside and out and will know how to brings it's soul out
Kinky
You sound kinda creepy
Although my dear husband recently passed from Alzheimer’s, it was music such as this most evenings that soothed my soul and helped me continue caring for him. I continue to find peace in sacred music in his absence. I know he is safe and well cared for and his suffering has been relieved.
I lost my husband to Alzheimer’s also , he was sick many years. These hymns do soothe my soul ❤✝️🙏🏻😇🙌🏻
Amen !
God bless you Madam and hold you in the palm of His hand.
❤❤❤
It is the music that keeps me bound to Christianity. Of all religions it is the only one that inspired such unparalleled beauty in music.
"Help of the helpless, O abide with me". How many generations have been comforted by this timeless prayer and confession.
I know I am! Life is easier if the I know the Lord abides with me!
Andre Jongepier right now we certainly need it the world needs it..
I am writing this in 2020 -- in the middle of isolation from the Covid virus. So moving!
I am comforted with it💯
“Abide in me?” And then this. Heb13: 5b, the Amplified version says, “... for He [God] Himself said, I will in no way abandon you or give you up or leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] in no way leave you helpless, nor abandon you or let you down (relax My hold on you)! [Certainly not!]
And then there are still Christians who are moaning and groaning and cry, "Oh God, be with us!". "Be near to us!"... "When we leave this place, come with us oh God!" En: "Oh Lord don't leave us!" "Don't take your Spirit from us!" "Stay with Your Spirit!" That seems very spiritual and humble, but it is also a Christian that prays in unbelief and ignorance, unbiblical, self- and not God-centered and even simply by religious pride, Prov13:10, Jac3:16. It is Old Testament and not for an adult Christian! Everything we think we do without God(s Word) is actually prideful. Because "I" can and do it myself! While God clearly says many times that He will never leave us again; in Heb13:5b even five times in the negative in Greek, especially read the ‘Amplified’ to experience that certainty, peace and joy! And never praying ‘backwards’ (like ‘cursing’?) again!
Most Christians then point to Ps51, but this is the OT where the Spirit came upon people and left again! Although David had a great deal of faith in his heart, he was not born again, nor was the Spirit permanently indwelling like the New Covenant believer!
Anyway, what terrible ‘prayers’ for the Christian actually, prayers of unbelief, through ignorance and wrong teaching! It has nothing to do with faith, but it is just another knowledge problem. It is clear then that we do not know Father and his Being! Most Christian offer sacrifices and many prayers to God and ask God ‘never to leave them’, but also believe that God does not really hear them! But He always hears, it is not His fault!
This is the best rendition of this hymn I Ve seen so far . May the name of the lord be praised both now and forever Amen.
Amen!!!
THIS is the music I grew up with in Church. How I miss it!
I encourage you to visit a Lutheran Church near you! We hold to the beautiful, rich, traditional music and liturgy that teaches the faith and feeds the soul :)
Go back to church !
My hat off to the organist. He truly knows how to set the spirit in the room with his playing. Perfect registration of the stops. He never over powered the congregation. I loved how he slowly cut out and let the congregation sing alone and then came back in. I hope that I can some day learn to play like he does.
I totally agree with you. The organist registration is superb! Listen to those 4 part harmony voices.
I love that he sings along as well!
He is, indeed, a top tier talent on the organ. I had the privilege of singing to his accompaniment while in college. There were many times I was left blown away by his talent.
I've been playing organ since I was 6. And I wish I could have studied under one such as this man
I've been playing the organ since I was 6 and I'm 67 years old. I wish I could have studied under a master such as this man.
Can you coach me sir?
I must agree that the organist is a true CHURCH organist and knows how to play a hymn, perhaps the most important quality in a good church musician. Well done, all around!
Notice in the congregation that some people aren't singing. I would be one of those because I would be glorifying the sound of the organ like they are probably doing. Have this saved in a youtube file so that I can visit it when I am feeling a little depressed. It sure helps, for sure.
John Robinson Amen. Organist is carrying the choir and congreggation instead of displaying himself. Great director.
John Robinson beautiful x
Takes me back to being altar server at Our Saviour's. Classic Lutheran construction and execution. Organ showed unique and powerful chord progression through last refrain. Top notch. Post more!
especially when to drop out and let the people sing!
as usual, nobody mentioned the great audio engineer who faithfully captured every nuance of this music, to God be the Glory! Good job sound person! Stereo too! The way it should be.
Oh yes and don't forget about the great audio engineer!
Well, actually after the first few bars, the sound engineering was my first "Wow!" thought. Guess I'm a bit of a nerd...but someone did a fantastic job on this to make it sound this good on RUclips.
It really does sound fantastic. Balanced perfectly. I do audio work and I know how hard it is to balance a complex scenario such as this.
Indeed. Amazing performances all around including the sound engineers.
Thank you for mentioning this. Too many live recordings in churches do not sound this good.
My heart soars when I see this, NOT just because of the organ and the acoustics. Look at the average age in the choir. Look at the average age in the congregation, and then compare that to contemporary styles of supposed worship. THIS is "Participatory Worship" with people singing in harmony, not entertainment and it DOES appeal to ALL ages.
Churches are dying all over the place as they try to "Emulate" the music of a secular world. You know, the ones with the "Millennial Whoop", eg ooh ooh, ooh ooh; aah aah, aah aah; oh oh, oh oh; etc. The older faithfuls "hang in there" while detesting "un-singable" music where the meter of the words does not match the meter of the music. Those are fine for solo work but not for congregational singing. These old people grin and bear it until they all start dying off and the church closes it doors.
Let me be clear. There is a time and a place for everything. The Bible tells us in Psalm 96 to Sing a New Song Unto the Lord. Michael W. Smith, Phillips Craig & Dean, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, etc. can emotionally engage and bring me to tears for all the right reasons. However, most of our church musicians are NOT Michael W. Smith.
I was recently speaking with a church Music Director and he indicated that studies have shown a world more hungry for a liturgical style of worship. They WANT the church to be something different. I grew up in an era of Rock & Roll, Classical, and Pop music BUT that doesn't mean that I hate the hymns of the church. Quite the contrary. We are called to "Be In The World, Not Of The World".
Music can be such a blessing to the soul and its very often the words of a hymn, which come flooding back to bring us comfort. Many of those hymns reflect scripture directly and help us with scripture memory. Often we can recite the lyrics of several verses without thinking about it. How often does a hymn, sometimes hundreds of years old, come to mind as the pastor is preaching a sermon? Try that with contemporary arrangements that fade into obscurity very quickly as we wait for the NEXT big thing.
During this time of pandemic, I know what songs I'll be singing in my heart, including the one presented in this video.
I agree. Give me a choir, organ and piano any time. I like some contemporary, on the radio, but when I'm in church I like to be reflective and its hard to do that when you have drums and electric guitars turned all the way to 11 in your face
Well said and all 100% true. THIS is what church (gathering of the saints) and worship together is all about. Hymns are for congregations to sing - they are easier - and full of strong, Biblical truths.
@@johnsmith6586 exactly.
I knew how I felt but couldn't find the right words to describe it...you summed it all up for me. I was a church organist/pianist since I was a child but no longer have an interest in playing the contemporary pieces. I still enjoy playing at home.
I heard someone say once... should the music at church be just like what we hear on the radio and TV,,, or should it be a relief from the secular genres and be filled with reverence? I say give me music like this but that's because it is what I grew up around. I do not care at all for contemporary worship,. it doesn't cause me to be reverent at all. But, we are not to be judge-mental, so if someone likes fog, concert lighting and excessive subwoofers, then as long as they worship God with it,,,, who are we to criticize? I think God doesn't care how we worship Him.
Such a timely hymn for what the world is going through. "Oh thou that changest not abide with me."
Amen!
Oh thou that changest not*
"help of the helpless ..."
Even in the Darkest hours, the Lord will abide with us.
Herr Kaschen : He has never moved, has He? ‘Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies ‘ ‘Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem....’ can be prayed ‘America, America ‘ Have we turned away from God and lost The Way ?
I'm Jewish (and atheist) but this is one of my favorite musical pieces of any genre. It lifts the spirit like no other.
Dear Mike, please draw the conclusion that it is great poetically and compositionally because a wonderful God has given human beings the ability to hear and understand (to a degree) what is true, then to respond with their personal expression of how they apprehend this stuff which God has told us a lot about in Scriptures which have generally the same message.
@Paul Wilson
I don't think so, chief. I don't need to buy into the narrative to be able to enjoy the accompanying art.
At the end of the day, our self-consciousness (what you'd call "soul") is either mortal or immortal, and neither option requires a god nor is either option more desirable than the other.
Let's just enjoy the song, huh!
Stop genociding Palestinians
In 2021 more than ever "we need God's presence in every waking hour." 🙏🙌
It is a beautiful Anglican hymn which can be appreciated by people of all faiths. It rises above denominations.
Norman Teigen very true statement. I'm Apostolic and I love this hymn, always have!
Norman Teigen you you will have a
beauty has no religion ... by claiming it you destroy it
Anglican Hymn? Words Written by a Scot - - not Anglican ! the tune maybe , but not the words !!!
Neil Campbell Um, no. Lyte was an Anglican.
It's actually kind of insulting to say that a person's national origin also determines their religion as well.
I lost 2 family members in a 10 month period. My aunt Sandy died in June of 2022 at 70 from a heart attack and my grandmother died this April at 96 of natural causes. Ever since they passed away I have never gotten over the losses and I miss them more than anyone else can possibly imagine. This reminds me of them. Oh Aunt Sandy and grandma Bradford if you can hear me, I love you and miss you more than you will ever know! 😭. In loving memory of Sandy Brodin, January 25, 1952- June 2, 2022. And Corinne Bradford, August 27, 1926- April 23, 2023
Mum also recently died from dementia, this song was a non negotiable at her funeral painful and joyous at the same time. A beautiful rendition thank you.
My condolences, as I understand how you are feeling. I am currently caring for my brother-in-law who has dementia, and he is now in the advance stage of this illness
🙏🏼🙏🏼
Hymn playing at its very best. A great organist with a superb organ, plus a magnificent hymn. What a combination!
It's a masterclass in Hymn playing.
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away
Change and decay in all around I see
O Thou who changest not, abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, o Lord, abide with me
Abide with me, abide with me
Surely one of the most stirring musical experiences is the combination of a marvelous choir, a superlative organist and a full-throated congregation singing a great hymn. I pray this type music/worship will never go out of fashion. Everything about this experience thrills me beyond words. Thank you, St. Olaf's!
amen to that!!
May your prayers be answered... even as we move into The Virtual World. This organist is supurbe. A composer of a very high order. Would love to meet him live. Rt. Rev. Charles V. Davis, A.T.O.M. May 15, 2012 AD.
Amen!
Bravo! Thank you for sharing this video.
We should not forget the old hymns as they were written with the soul and spirit. The present day songs are full of sound and fury signifying nothing barring a few.
You haven't cited Shakespeare in your quotation ☺️
Amen to that!😇
In the midst of a pandemic and a long dark winter this hymn reminds me that God is with me. The light of the gospel can still penetrate the disquieted soul
Lyrics:
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
[ Come not in terrors, as the King of kings;
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings:
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me. ]
I need Thy presence every passing hour:
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Amen.
But the hymnal book of Korea is not listed of the verse 3 and verse 5.
Of course this hymn includes 1 to verse 8.
Thank you very much for showing me the whole lyrics.
biblestory.tistory.com/443 (If you need verse 7 and 8, please click the link.)
THNX
Thanks for the text. You knew it was irresistible to join in !
Thank you for the lyrics!
It would have been nice if subtitles were used thanks for adding them.
Just imagine if Music sound this GOOD imagine what heaven will sound like. The Organist and the Choir did Exceptionally WELL....
Whatever the heavenly music will be like, it will be unlike anything we've known here, perhaps. It will be greater and better than we can imagine. I want to meet J. S. Bach and hear what he's been up to for the last 270 years.
Music Lover by
@@francisszatkowski4211 What do you mean, "by?"
You are in tune with heaven, I don't want to miss heaven where there is no worries, pain, hunger, fear and darkness. The holy hill of the most High God. Bless your heart 💓
I wondered this same thing for years. I look forward to hearing it and singing.
I’m sorry but if I were in this service I would have burst into applause after this…just beyond uplifting and a true church organist.
During this time of the pandemic, it is reassuring to hear the Lovely old Hymns and of course the Pipe organ which is one thing we all miss. The Sound effects are also phenomenal. Please Stay Well.
Tears in my eyes
Music for the soul for those of us who worship through the word and song!
This is EXACTLY what a good pipe organ,organist, and roomful of people are SUPPOSED TO DO. Thank you.
This is just how I remember being in Chapel when I was a student in 1960. I get choked up listening to this magnificent sound
One of my late Grandfather's hymns at his funeral boy do I miss him. But he's at peace now and with the Lord.
But now I must sit patient until I am at peace with the Lord and hope to meet my Grandfather again one day.
In the Love of Jesus Christ our Saviour Amen ✝️ x
Amen and praise the Lord, Jesus.
Sometimes I wonder why some people would hit the dislike button for such a wonderful hymn.
moses okoh I think the dislike button is used to show the dislike
of the organists lengthy
introduction, rather than the hymn itself.
Sometimes people accidentally hit the dislike button and don’t realize it. I have actually accidentally done this myself.
Because people misread the button description .... They obviously think it means "Dis I Like"
What a blessing it is - and must be - to be in a singing community of believers like this! I am ever grateful for the music emanating from St. Olaf.
How blessed I am to hear this hymn ..as many times..I am so blessed and thankful to know that Our Father is always there to listen and to help me and all who believe that He will always Abide with you and me..with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Amen.
I grew up a Mormon and always loved this hymn. We didn't have fancy beautiful cathedrals like this. What a lovely building and tremendous choir, organist, and congregation this is.
This isn’t a cathedral, rather a college chapel at St Olaf College, a Lutheran (ELCA) school in Minnesota. Lutherans are often known as the “singing church” going back to Luther himself, JS Bach and many others who celebrated and wrote music for worship.
The Pipe Organ with this wonderful choir and congregational singing just don't get any better than this. Thank you!!!!
I love that head bob followed by the smile by the organist at 4:50. That was totally something the choir had to practice many times and it made him happy to hear them get it right
Now THAT is how to lead and inspire congregational singing.
AMEN!!
Not only does it require absolute epitome of skill, but even moreso the absolute trust of the congregation that their music is worship itself, and they agree to do all the music, the musicians, and the inspired presence of the Holy Spirit among and upon them to give themselves completely to the moment. Both are readily and easily seen here. Soli deo gloria!
I agree 100%. I was a professional church musician for over 50 years and would lead the congregation into an a cappella stanza exactly this way; it worked every time! I was raised a Lutheran but have been a happy Anglo- Catholic for decades.
This is the kind of hymn I loved during my childhood and young adulthood and which I miss so much nowadays. Modern church music lacks reverence but my friend says "make a joyful noise" for the Lord so if you can't beat 'em join 'em. This is beautiful, thank you.
A masterclass in hymn playing.
Thank you so much for this beautiful recording. Sitting here with my young children I can't help lamenting the decline of traditional hymns in today's churches. Here in Sydney, Australia - almost no child growing up in the church will get to enjoy the deep, worshipful and joyful experience that comes from congregational singing of this nature. Being the son of a church organist and being a church pianist myself, I feel deeply saddened by this phenomenon. We are bereft of churches in our area with traditional hymns and youth under the same roof.
At our last church (Anglican), I was asked only once to play for the communion (I am a very experienced musician) and selected 2 beautiful arrangements of "There is a Green Hill Far Away" and "The Old Rugged Cross" instead of the usual Hillsong fare. After the service, there was an endless queue of folk of all ages thanking me for playing these hymns which took them back to their conversions and earlier days of worship. For years they had missed these hymns, lost to the 7/11/3 guitar squad (the same 7 words repeated 11 times over 3 chords...). :-) It was a very telling moment but nothing changed and we ended up leaving. Thank goodness for recordings like this so we and our children can join in with such profoundly beautiful and reverent congregational singing. End of rant! :-) God bless you and cheers from Australia - David
Hi David, in Kuching, Sarawak, we are still singing hymns like this. I love this hymn eventhough it is usually used as a funeral song. Nevertheless, the lyrics are so comforting.
You have to start pushing for this type of Music to be played...nobody else will do it. And much like the Movie"the passion of the Christ" -you know there is an audience for it.
This is what is Going to bring people back into the Church - truth and Beauty ( and we have lots of it).
J
Like this Lutheran college chapel, many Lutheran parishes in the US still continue to sing traditional hymns...
I'm Australian too. In my church in the 1950s, after evening service the young people went to someone's home for hymn-singing. When on a bus trip, we would look at the numberplate of the car in front, and start singing the hymn of that number in the Methodist Hymn Book.
I can't get to church any more, but with all the changes I don't miss it so much.
It is indeed a shame that young Christians today are possibly losing sight of their glorious hymnal heritage.
My favourite hymn? O Thou Who Camest From Above, sung to Hereford. A Wesley "double": grandfather Charles' words, grandson Samuel Sebastian's tune.
Kindle a fire of sacred love on the mean altar of my heart.
This song is funerals usually so the grieving family is not in any mood for anything wild but comfort only and he does such a nice job. God bless from the SELK Lutheran of Deutschland. ✝️✝️✝️🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪
יבורכו האנשים שכתבו את המילים והלחן של השיר היפה הזה.
Blessed are the people who wrote the lyrics and melody of this beautiful song.
A beautifully done "haunting" intro. By far my favorite rendition of this hymn. I especially enjoyed the seemless way in which the organ "disappeared" in verse 4 only to return with a bombastic vengeance in verse 5. Hats off to Dr. Bobb and his excellent choir.
This must be the hymn of the time now than ever before in our time
I attend Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where we sing the traditional hymns. Bishop Lyte certainly left a wonderful legacy with "Abide with Me" and "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken." I believe (but am not sure) that he was an Anglican bishop in India when he wrote these hymns. Indeed, in these days of "change and decay," we should meditate on God's faithfulness, and not only at funerals!
A touching hymn written with feeling and resolve! Abide with me Lord, Fast Falls the Eventide!! One of the most popular hymns ever written by Henry F. Lyte and music by Willam H. Monk a composer
of our forefathers many, many years ago!! We are indebted to these fine few christian men.
Lynnae Larson CT
If the sounds of Heaven are more beautiful than this hymn, then the majesty of such devotion and praise must be beyond comprehension.
This was the opening hymn at our late son’s memorial service. After the service my sister in law approached me, emotionally, to say it was the opening hymn at her father’s service. It’s haunting.
Regardless of race, creed or national origin; this timeless hymn has brought peace and reassurance to countless thousands down through the ages! The hymn’s colorblind message assures us of a gentle relationship with our Heavenly Father that takes us through our dark moments of the sting of death, any mental anguish and our worse pain. -- “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, o Lord, ABIDE WITH ME! 😔
I had never had this hymn played so smoothly. The organist is the real king of stops 👍🙌
We offered this as a prayer-hymn when my brother-in-law went to Heaven (2005) What a great father of 3 girls, husband, carpenter, role model☆☆☆Saint Savior's R.C. Church Brooklyn N.Y.1 Peter3:18
Well Calton Root! I woke up today and yesterday morning with hymns in my heart. I grew up on them in Africa and they have kept in me for over 40 years! Hymns have the Word of God in them.
This is how it’s done. While we live in a world of evil change and ever-disturbing decay Christ is our light and stay. His death and resurrection are our only hope.
beautiful!!! The last verse of abide with me alternately gives me chills or makes me cry…. I have asked this hymn to be sung at my memorial service when the Lord calls me home.
This is one of the hymns I want sung at my funeral.
imagine that you've been going to this congregation so long that you're just, "yep. just an average sunday evening service." and everyone watching this on youtube is thinking, "holy moley! this choir and organist are amazing!! yes, even the audio engineering is spot on! stunning!!!"
Excellent Hymn........The last line - In life in death O Lord Abide with me is so meaningful and heart touching.
Am enoch musana put me in your prayer I need also to play like this, I play hymns in st John's cathedral fort portal,ruenzori diocese in Uganda East africa
Beautiful intro and sensitive accompaniment. Just the right amount of organ for the last verse--thrilling without overpowering. Kudos to Prof. Bobb.
I love all the old hymns of faith. In this erra, you hardly hear these hymns anymore.
Every time I hear this song I get tears in my eyes.
Well, my name is Olaf and I was born in Holland. There is NOTHING like a pipe organ. And believe me, there is SO MUCH MORE to one of these than the decorated pipes you may see in the auditorium! Look it up on a search engine for full appreciation!
One of my favourite hymns..It’s His Grace..that is the greatest gift..especially since He abides with me..and every believer. Amen, and thank you.
So proud to see so many young people there in that church are loving the hymns that truly praise & worship The Lord! Unlike the night-club style apostate music in so many modern-day (so-called) churches! That hymn was absolutely GLORIOUS! HEAVENLY praise to God!!
This is a Lutheran college chapel vespers, so why so many younger people, but agree is nice
In my opinion the best vocal version of this on RUclips. Played many times both from start, and from 2:18 where the singing begins. Simply wonderful.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Timeless hymn. I heard this hymn as a child in my family church which was Anglican.
I feel the same excitement and joy which I did as a child. God bless.
In a pew in Northern Canada, my mother used to sing this hymn with my father and my brother and me. It is true what commentator Nino Nieman says: just when you want to begin to despair about America, you see something like this, you see a community of people advocating for SOMETHING GOOD and you recognize, again, the essential goodness of the American people. Oh my God we have so much work to do but when I hear this hymn and see all those flags above this congregation, I, a Buddhist, think: OK OK, maybe just we can redress the wrong and start a new republic because this old old one is just wearing us all out. Thank you so much, St. Olaf Cantorei and Congregation, YOU GIVE US HOPE AT A TIME OF DESPAIR AND ABJECT HOPELESSNESS
Amen, fellow American James Loney. I feel like Canada should act as our hard-nosed debt counsellor (as metaphor), who brings the unwise debtor into a strict tutelage over 3-4 years until that misuse of money and credit is never gonna happen again. Alas! We must work this out on our own. I DO believe there is a centrist majority made up those "libtard snowflakes" and Ms Clinton's famous "deplorables" who still have a heart. We also have developed a strong will to pretty much start over again. If Joe Biden can just keep the POTUS chair nice n warm for 4 years so we can sort it out from the bottom up as a federal democracy (like yours), we may have a chance. Meanwhile: yes/oui! Namely, "help of the helpless oh abide with me." I hope against hope. Nothing but the best, James, to you-yours-your nation made of two great "founding peoples."
@@markbell9973 we can only hope with the ever growing connection between the United States, the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealths of New Zealand & Australia.. and my home country the United Kingdom that we start straying the correct path once again.
How lucky was I to come across this tonight? ....... VERY LUCKY. Thankyou.
I recently lost my beloved sister, she loved this hymn think of her every time it's played thank you.
So sorry for you - I am going through the very same thing having lost my sister two months ago ,finding the huge void left by her passing very hard to cope with.
so beautiful. in these uncertain times i am comforted by these hymns.
Since some made comparisons to Anglican evensong, while others commented on the length and quietness of the introduction, allow me as an Anglican and as one who has played also for Lutheran churches, to reply. All hymns do not have to be introduced with a "let's make whoopee for the Lord" [quoted from Lloyd C. Douglas]. This introduction was also in excellent Lutheran tradition--a chorale prelude on the tune/words to lead into the singing. This was one purpose for the chorale preludes/partitas from before Bach down to the present. Bach particularly used symbolism and tone painting in his chorale preludes and cantatas. The Lutheran and the Anglican fusion in this superb submission was perfect. In the Anglican tradition, Evensong is at times very meditative and both soft and loud--the psalms sung sometimes in a dramatic fashion to Anglican chant and the organ tone/text painting while the congregation follows the words and reflects on their import. It is even better, nay, demands, live acoustics such as we have here. All of this combined with a relaxed tempo that allows one to focus on the words. In toto, the lack of speed and restlessness in both speech and music as though one has all night for the service makes for a sense of eternity--quite a moving experience.
As an aside, I should like to think that the late Hermann Schlicker, the original builder of the organ, and the late Walter Holtkamp, grandfather of the present Holtkamp rebuilder
of this organ, are both looking down and smiling.
This. What some are calling an over-long introduction is really a chorale-prelude leading into the hymn. As an organist I almost always base my prelude on the opening hymn. One of my issues with my current liturgy (Episcopal) is that there is a gap between the prelude and the opening hymn consisting of a welcome and then the opening responses, divorcing the prelude from the hymn. Drives me nuts. To compensate I often use a shorter improvisation to introduce the hymn rather than to just play through it. To someone who asked about the setting, I'm almost 100% sure that it is an improvisation (well done, BTW) but I could be wrong. I'm not a big fan of Abide with me (sorry) and personally find this all a bit of a wasted effort on a mediocre hymn, but that's just me.
I particularly appreciate your comment concerning tempo. I attend an evangelical church where it sometimes feels like it’s “let’s hurry and get this over”. The words need time to awaken the mind and stir the soul. I so miss the beauty of harmony and inspired arrangements in today’s contemporary evangelical services. I fear it has been the dumbing down of corporate worship music.
I do agree that Chris Holtkamp did a magnificent job with his 2006 rebuild of this instrument, and it is easily his magnum opus. However, I'm not sure that Walter and Hermann would have liked the changes that Christian made to the instrument, as he sought to add features that the two original builders of this organ rebelled against. For example, the organ has four different celeste ranks, a Tuba on 18" of wind, a Vox Humana on the Swell, and more 8' foundation tone than either of the original builders usually employed in their instruments.
@@gobigold its a prefect hymn for a Evensong , I do like the song though. I joined a local Episcopal church many years ago ( 1976), and I had visited a Lutheran but found the Episcopal liturgy put together better and enjoyed it more than the Lutheran style
All I know ... it wa beautifully sung and played
A great hymn of comfort when we are alone--alone in all kinds of ways. "Don't leave me," we say; "please stay."
Oooh, that were grand! I was brought up on this stuff and it's very stirring. The organist leaving off during the third verse was inspired - the sound of the congregation and the choir together unaccompanied was wonderful. I wish our church had this number of congregation and choir! Bravo sir.
My Grandparents funeral songs. Over 500 people walked through the line to say their sympathies for each on my Mother’s side in that 20th century day when we Germans and other good Europeans made up America. I was very blessed as a child growing up as I was surrounded by sooo many wonderful German Lutheran relatives. It was truly a better time than now with all these wicked shadow government people.
So glad my family and I sang this as the final hymn at my father's memorial service. It Is Well With My Soul was the final hymn at my mum's service.
Amazing rendition of this hymn! Especially how the organist calms down at 5:04 and boom at 5:39 he’s back. Just wonderful!!
St. Olaf's choir and congregation offer the closest to a heavenly experience when they sing. This is as sublime as your recording of Ar Hyd Y Nos sung to the hymn 'Tis the Church Triumphant Singing'. A dexterous organist, I must add... I particularly like his registration.
The tenderest and most reflective of introductions I have ever heard to this hymn. A masterpiece- increasing with fervor to the point where the 16' reeds and 32' stops are brought in to an incredible final climax on the last verse. Kudos to the choir and organist!
This organ playing is so inspiring me that it is the best of the best that I've heard.
Oh that more congregations sang like this!! Such sensitive organ accompaniment that draws the singer to sing from the depths of their soul!!! Amazing transition for the final stanza. You could see the organists singing along!! THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
@@thedonthompsonchorale633 Amen!
I'm afraid that good organ playing may be a dying art. Most churches today either don't use their organs or they don't even have them anymore. Whole generations have grown up without learning to appreciate good organ music. Plus, playing the organ with both feet and both hands is hard! I played organ, but it was always a struggle to do it well.
@@musiclover148 It is indeed, sir. Like Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church located in Florida and Grace Community Church located in Los Angeles, they use the organ for playing the hymns. I love the organ hymn. Because the sound of the organ is majestic, so I feel the holy spirit of the Lord.(Especially I love Ms. Diane Bish, who is the very famous organist in the United States of America.) Of course as what you said, playing the organ is hard and difficult. Nevertheless, I'm very thankful of you to strive to play the organ well. God will surely love you. And God bless you.
@@musiclover148 There is hope for the future. Tune in to encinitaschurch.com at 9:25am PDT on any Sunday during the COVID-19 shutdown for online church, or watch and listen to the recording later. At SDUMC we are blessed with the best pipe organ in north coastal San Diego County and an extremely talented young lady, Sarah Amos, who brings out the best in the instrument.
God's perfect character manifested through this masterpiece ! Soulful! Divine Magic! Amen! We are created in his image and likeness!
Yes we are. Thank you!
On life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Each phrase of this poem is glorious, the hymntune and harmony suit it perfectly.
And that organ, perfection.
Love that hymn so very much 😢❤. What an amazing and wonderful job.
We sang this every night last thing at campfire, when I was at camp as a child. I never forgot it. "Thanks for the day, comerades!"
Beautiful organ... Good morning to the fine people of St Olaf
This is the most beautiful arrangement and performance of this glorious hymn. I have other recordings of it but I keep coming back to this one. From the lovely soft introduction to the rousing final verse - just magnificent. Brilliant organist, and the choir superb - and the organ sounds magnificent, too!. Thank you for this inspiring rendition.
The audio engineer did a magnificent job!
No joke.! You know how difficult to record this is. Shame it wasn't in 1080p
As a kid, I thought, a music like this, is always a Christmas song. I was always excited during Lenten season as I could hear this kind of music on the radio.
Soy católico de rito romano, cubano americano, esto me lleva a Dios. Dios está presente dentro de todo el que con fervor, sinceridad y humildad le invoca...
Beautiful Lutheran Service. You just can’t beat em.
Stunning. Beautiful organ. I weeped when the choir first came in. So sick.
As a Secular Humanist church organist (brought up in a traditional, mainline church), I still love to hear, and play, these noble hymns with a great pipe organ.
Thankfully, the Episcopal church (among other mainline churches) STILL USE THEIR HYMNALS regularly. 👍
The organist is amazing! Thank you so much..
I return to this recording again and again. The amazing words and music are so perfectly matched.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me…
How are there 26 people that don't like this???
I love this hymn so much. I never get tired listening to it. Its place me at a peace no matter what I'm going through.
Amen Amen.
As for this old south Episcopalian church musician, these Lutherans can do NO WRONG. If music and liturgy at St Olaf were anymore BEAUTIFUL, we couldn't stand it! And yes that Holtkamp organ is to die for!
I taught at Sewanee when Dr. Joseph Running [a St. Olaf bachelor's degree recipient and doctor's in music from Florida State] was organist-choirmaster, and the University had a superb men's choir. I am now an emeritus professor (from another institution), and I play a Holtkamp for an Episcopal church in Georgia. I would like to give more information, but not in a public forum.
I knew Joseph Running and Robbe Delcamp and his wife Susan who used to do solo work for me.
As a former Lutheran, now Anglo-Catholic, I agree with you. John Ferguson on St. Olaf faculty was a room mate of mine when we were at Oberlin Conservatory. The Holtkamp is to die for but it doesn't sound like a Holtkamp. The instrument I played for 36 years before my retirement was a II/42 Casavant - also to die for!
I wasn't aware that the 1960 Schlicker organ had been replaced. This Holtkamp instrument sounds wonderful.
RR JR
It makes me weep
Don't worry, sir. It fills you with his holy spirit again.
So did I when I first listened to this with this organ arrangement.
I woke up this morning with this song on my lips and in my heart. It brings back memories of evening prayer services and the security of knowing that with God's abiding presence, all would be well. I needed to hear this today, the first day of 2021.
One of my all-time favorite Bach pieces and done so beautifully. I never tire of hearing it. Thank you so much!
Not by Bach. Beautiful, nonetheless.
So touchy so awesome they have praised The Awesome GOD JESUS CHRIST..like in the Heaven..GOD Bless u forever Amen..thank you so much touch our heart and our soul..
The organist!!
Church music at its very best; inspiring and worshipful in all respects. It is what I try so feebly to achieve. That said, this was probably the highlight, hymn - wise of the service. To quote a friend of mine "Every hymn does not have to be a motet!"