That is so sad. I heard her at the Albert Hall many years ago. I found her on the internet and emailed her asking her if she would play at our local cathedral not expecting a reply. To my surprise she did but alas I could not arrange it. It turns out that she was exactly the same age as me, to the day. Good bless. RIP Jane.
A great, very great organist, passed away prematurely, Jane Parker Smith, in June 2020. Her memory should be remembered and honored, because she left unforgettable interpretations of the French symphonist organists : this Toccata by Lanquetuit, together with the Toccata by Jules Grison, are the best interpretations on record.
My uncle played this for my new husband and me to walk out to at our recent wedding - it was utterly magical. As another commenter said, it really sends you out with a spring in your step. Absolutely one of my most treasured memories.
This magnificent musical instrument, a wonderful piece of music, and a masterful performance - they deserve better than these tiny computer speakers. To get the full depth, you would have to be in the building. The organ is, well, there are no superlatives to describe its presence. Congratulations to the designer and builder of the instrument: it fits the building perfectly. Congratulations to Ms. Parker-Smith for sharing this as a legacy of musical enjoyment. And a hat-tip to Mssr. Lanquetuit for leaving us your finest music.
+Kim Smith I honestly don't know how she manage to achieve such a clarity in articulation. Literally seems like the organ is breathing and panting... It has to come a lot from the organ too. Almost seems like she has a tremolo set and she matches the tremolo tempo maybe... dunno. Just love that synergy between the organist and his/her instrument. I'm pretty she wouldn't be able to achieve that particular result on any random organ.
A lovely account : precise, articulated playing, with great forward momentum, musical and effective registrations, all round management of the organ. I have played the Gollen at Luzern Concert Hall and it was stunning in all respects. Thanks, Jane.
Jane Parker-Smith’s playing of the Marcel Lanquetuite was wonderful! But phone screens are tiny enough already!!!! Why would someone make the pictures use 1/3 of the screen???!!!!
@originaltommy - I can't think of an American organ like this! Maybe a very late Aeolian-Skinner or a Fisk. It's definitely a European (Franco-German) sound. Nice organ: sounds like a more refined, better-balanced version of the Gloucester Cathedral organ to me, perhaps a hint of Lewis or Willis III (it does remind me of Southwark and Westminster Cathedrals too). Stunning playing from the lovely JPS, as ever. I like the piece - good for weddings. Vierne's B-flat toccata rules over all, though.
I wonder does anybody know of the whereabouts of Jane Parker Smith I'm trying to trace her as I have a piano belonging to her in storage Jane has failed to respond to any letters or emails and I wonder if anybody on this site personally knows her
This is a great rendering of this piece. However, the piece itself isn't as impressive as Widor's famous Toccata (after which it almost seems modeled) because it doesn't have the dynamic twists and turns of that piece or an impressive set-up of the finale. It is, nonetheless, a tuneful and enjoyable work and it could scarcely be played with more panache.
I don't want to be rude but I have to disagree with the way that you compared this wonderful piece of music to Widor's famous Toccata! I don't know whether you are an organist or an organ enthusiast or neither but if you are an organist then this is quite a shallow way to be: to use an overly-famous piece of music against a less well known but equally good piece such as this. If you aren't an organist then I have to say that it's good that you are taking an interest in the less well known side of the organ music world. I understand that this is just your opinion and, as I said before, I don't wish to offend but I do disagree with the fact that you compared it to a radically contrasting work from a completely different composer.
Henry Metcalfe The French-style Toccata is a genre all on its own. Most people have no idea of how extensive it actually is, or of its quite long history. The final from Widor's fifth symphony is in many cases the only one known to the general public. It's up to organists and organ buffs to attract attention to the many interesting pieces in this large family. Some are quite similar, some are more original, but they all belong to a continuous line of development. If anyone wants to go deeper into Widor's Toccata, star with listening to "Fanfare" by Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (Widor's teacher).
Steff2929again I completely agree with you!! I was just saying that, as it is a genre of it's own, it is unfair to try to compare it to something that is very similar, because of the genre, but is very different and it really annoys me how people always compare all organ music to Widor's Toccata!! I have been told that my voluntarys aren't as good a the Toccata when I have played a piece of Bach or something completely different like Mathias. That is what gets to me!
+Steff2929again Hi there, at 55 i know what you"re saying but it was Widors Toccata that brought my attention to classical organ music in general. I was @12 at the time but my parents (classical music lovers themselves) always encouraged me. I just wish i could play a musical instrument now. Especially a piano.
+Henry Metcalfe I am not influenced by the fame, or lack thereof, of any piece. It's the piece itself, and only the piece, that matters. I just find this piece to be more "monochromatic" than Widor's works (esp. 5 and 7) of the predecessor era. That's all I was saying.
I hate religions too but i love old things and i love pipe organ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a magic instrument and the king of instruments ! I do not considerate pipe organ that a religious instrument ! To me its an instrument like the others !
Without churches, priests, bishops, christianity, there would be no organ around. The organ IS a religious instrument. Consider you're probably having a transfert XD
Forgive me please but open your mind ! Listen music differently i think ! Religion is not the only one identity of this instrument ! what do you feel when you listen to this instrument ? Did you think that the romantic composer : Charles Tournemire has composed his musics just when he was thinking to the Holy Bible ? And Widor ? And Liszt ? Please ! Open your mind and tell me what is your feeling when you listen to this, just your feeling, your own imagination not the religious or greek origins of this instrument ! Nevermind if most of the pipe organs are in churches ! Some Pipe organs are located in a concert hall ! Don't you know what kind of strange sounds a pipe organ is able to do when a musician improvise on ?
Bastien Delagneau sorry, it's YOU the one who has to open his mind! The organ was born, and lives with religious music. You can not debate this, it's history. Then, if you like cinema's organs 8USA XX century) or organs in theaters (on which by the way organists play RELIGIOUS MUSIC) then go on.
In memory of the great Jane-Parker Smith. True inspirational icon. She will be dearly missed.
Rest in peace, Dear Jane.
may she rest in peace
RIP Maestra Parker-Smith 😢
I was deeply saddened to learn of Jane Parker-Smith's passing. She was a rare talent.
Very sad indeed, and much too soon.
A truly inspiring player. There was never a dull moment in her playing.
That is so sad. I heard her at the Albert Hall many years ago. I found her on the internet and emailed her asking her if she would play at our local cathedral not expecting a reply. To my surprise she did but alas I could not arrange it. It turns out that she was exactly the same age as me, to the day. Good bless. RIP Jane.
RIP, she was my schoolboy idol.
Same to us here :)
When my brother and me saw her on german TV (the concert in Speyer 1981) she became quasi a part of the family.
Please prove me wrong 'no one can play this piece like her' I am on the edge of my seat its like a roller coaster just amazing!'
A great, very great organist, passed away prematurely, Jane Parker Smith, in June 2020.
Her memory should be remembered and honored, because she left unforgettable interpretations of the French symphonist organists : this Toccata by Lanquetuit, together with the Toccata by Jules Grison, are the best interpretations on record.
Definitely an underrated piece. Just love those magical but powerful chords.
My uncle played this for my new husband and me to walk out to at our recent wedding - it was utterly magical. As another commenter said, it really sends you out with a spring in your step. Absolutely one of my most treasured memories.
A splendid, uplifting piece, and an excellent performance! I had never heard this before. Thanks for posting.
This magnificent musical instrument, a wonderful piece of music, and a masterful performance - they deserve better than these tiny computer speakers. To get the full depth, you would have to be in the building. The organ is, well, there are no superlatives to describe its presence. Congratulations to the designer and builder of the instrument: it fits the building perfectly. Congratulations to Ms. Parker-Smith for sharing this as a legacy of musical enjoyment. And a hat-tip to Mssr. Lanquetuit for leaving us your finest music.
This is to me the best articulated performance of this piece, and what an instrument
Ross Morrow brilliant performance isn't it
An amazing piece played on an amazing organ!
A month ago, I was allowed to play on this organ.
It was great! I love this fantastic instrument!!!
So good to think of Jane, remembering her performing this piece. She was a true force of nature, a genius organist, and simply a lovely human being.
I love it when I can hear CLEAR ARTICULATION in such a complex piece. Thank you for putting in the effort to do such a good job!
+Kim Smith I know that feeling. Doesn't happen that often. But JPS knows how to do it.
+Kim Smith I honestly don't know how she manage to achieve such a clarity in articulation. Literally seems like the organ is breathing and panting... It has to come a lot from the organ too. Almost seems like she has a tremolo set and she matches the tremolo tempo maybe... dunno. Just love that synergy between the organist and his/her instrument. I'm pretty she wouldn't be able to achieve that particular result on any random organ.
+kojak Because she is one of Britain's finest organists! She gave a Proms debut at only 18 years of age.
Austin Walker USOC Belfast: Excellent piece and playing.I hope thatJane comes to Belfast to play the Mullholland Organ in the Ulster Hall soon!
@@mattbod I was at her solo prom. I believe she was 21 but agree with you : she was certainly one of our finest.
This Toccata belongs simply to the greatest organ-toccatas EVER......
Jane is such a sparkling performer and so much fun to work with. She really brings the music up off the page!
The acoustics of that church fit this organ perfectly. Stupendous sound, especially the bass.
what a fabulous rendition of this piece - on such a great set of tubes!! Memorable, indeed.
She interprets the work of the best. I love her music!!
Amazing instrument. Wonderful buffet and exquisite accoustics. Very nice interpretation by the way !
I love Jane Parker-Smith's playing on this organ and all other recordings of her,too,that I have heard.The organ is very fine,too.Well done,Jane.
A lovely account : precise, articulated playing, with great forward momentum, musical and effective registrations, all round management of the organ. I have played the Gollen at Luzern Concert Hall and it was stunning in all respects. Thanks, Jane.
Truly awesome !
One of those pieces that send you out of Church with a spring in your step!
The best rendition I've heard of this. Fabulous.
an endearing piece of music.
Amagnificent interpretation and performance.
Beautiful!
this is really fantastic
Perfection !
yep, best rendition on youtube until this moment.
It is bombastic fantastic , this performance is perfect. Lady Jane must be a cool person!
Jane Parker-Smith’s playing of the Marcel Lanquetuite was wonderful! But phone screens are tiny enough already!!!! Why would someone make the pictures use 1/3 of the screen???!!!!
Wow!!!! Powerfull........
Never heard of Lanquetuit before but will look out for more. Good stuff!!
I've enjoyed this revelation
Magnificent!
A toccata indeed! Well done!
Reminds me of Widor. Just a simple fingerpiece, but oh my, I love those fingerpieces! :)
Eine Interpretation, an der man Mass nehmen kann !
@originaltommy - I can't think of an American organ like this! Maybe a very late Aeolian-Skinner or a Fisk. It's definitely a European (Franco-German) sound. Nice organ: sounds like a more refined, better-balanced version of the Gloucester Cathedral organ to me, perhaps a hint of Lewis or Willis III (it does remind me of Southwark and Westminster Cathedrals too). Stunning playing from the lovely JPS, as ever. I like the piece - good for weddings. Vierne's B-flat toccata rules over all, though.
Thank you Jesus
Kanye West needs to hear this shit.
@johnorganum She was born on May 20, 1950.
I wonder does anybody know of the whereabouts of Jane Parker Smith I'm trying to trace her as I have a piano belonging to her in storage Jane has failed to respond to any letters or emails and I wonder if anybody on this site personally knows her
phil thompson she has a web site contact her there.
This is a great rendering of this piece. However, the piece itself isn't as impressive as Widor's famous Toccata (after which it almost seems modeled) because it doesn't have the dynamic twists and turns of that piece or an impressive set-up of the finale. It is, nonetheless, a tuneful and enjoyable work and it could scarcely be played with more panache.
I don't want to be rude but I have to disagree with the way that you compared this wonderful piece of music to Widor's famous Toccata! I don't know whether you are an organist or an organ enthusiast or neither but if you are an organist then this is quite a shallow way to be: to use an overly-famous piece of music against a less well known but equally good piece such as this. If you aren't an organist then I have to say that it's good that you are taking an interest in the less well known side of the organ music world. I understand that this is just your opinion and, as I said before, I don't wish to offend but I do disagree with the fact that you compared it to a radically contrasting work from a completely different composer.
Henry Metcalfe
The French-style Toccata is a genre all on its own. Most people have no idea of how extensive it actually is, or of its quite long history. The final from Widor's fifth symphony is in many cases the only one known to the general public. It's up to organists and organ buffs to attract attention to the many interesting pieces in this large family. Some are quite similar, some are more original, but they all belong to a continuous line of development. If anyone wants to go deeper into Widor's Toccata, star with listening to "Fanfare" by Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (Widor's teacher).
Steff2929again I completely agree with you!! I was just saying that, as it is a genre of it's own, it is unfair to try to compare it to something that is very similar, because of the genre, but is very different and it really annoys me how people always compare all organ music to Widor's Toccata!! I have been told that my voluntarys aren't as good a the Toccata when I have played a piece of Bach or something completely different like Mathias. That is what gets to me!
+Steff2929again Hi there, at 55 i know what you"re saying but it was Widors Toccata that brought my attention to classical organ music in general. I was @12 at the time but my parents (classical music lovers themselves) always encouraged me. I just wish i could play a musical instrument now. Especially a piano.
+Henry Metcalfe I am not influenced by the fame, or lack thereof, of any piece. It's the piece itself, and only the piece, that matters. I just find this piece to be more "monochromatic" than Widor's works (esp. 5 and 7) of the predecessor era. That's all I was saying.
I hate religions too but i love old things and i love pipe organ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a magic instrument and the king of instruments ! I do not considerate pipe organ that a religious instrument ! To me its an instrument like the others !
Without churches, priests, bishops, christianity, there would be no organ around. The organ IS a religious instrument. Consider you're probably having a transfert XD
I think you are not a musician to say that !
Bastien Delagneau seriously?
Forgive me please but open your mind ! Listen music differently i think ! Religion is not the only one identity of this instrument !
what do you feel when you listen to this instrument ?
Did you think that the romantic composer : Charles Tournemire has composed his musics just when he was thinking to the Holy Bible ? And Widor ? And Liszt ?
Please ! Open your mind and tell me what is your feeling when you listen to this, just your feeling, your own imagination not the religious or greek origins of this instrument !
Nevermind if most of the pipe organs are in churches ! Some Pipe organs are located in a concert hall !
Don't you know what kind of strange sounds a pipe organ is able to do when a musician improvise on ?
Bastien Delagneau sorry, it's YOU the one who has to open his mind! The organ was born, and lives with religious music. You can not debate this, it's history. Then, if you like cinema's organs 8USA XX century) or organs in theaters (on which by the way organists play RELIGIOUS MUSIC) then go on.