Have mercy upon me, oh Lord God. Incredibly moving and beautifully played, like a prayer. My husband used to play this when he was alive, quite often and he played it equally beautiful.
One of my favourite pieces of music of all time and I was so pleased to hear it played at a sensible tempo. Everyone else rushes through it giving no meaning. Many thanks.
Before reading the comments I was overwhelmed by this music, and thought how much it resonated with my outlook on the future in an increasingly violent world. The tempo with which this piece is played, above all. I see now that many other people had the same feeling. As much as it saddens me in a certain way, I am heartened to know that there is a mysterious but real common bond between the souls of people distant in culture and condition. Thank you for revealing it.
Incredible, how does Bach do this with simple chords? Sometimes I think the simplest Bach is the most sublime, chorale preludes and the sonatas for violin and keyboard, flute sonatas, all of Bach is great but sometimes I feel the greatness in just 3 parts. Even this is melody, accomp. and bass. I really felt the greatness of Bach in this performance, wonderful sound, so haunting. Going on to St. Anne next, let's see how you do.
Having listened to all available performances on RUclips of this - this tempo and performance is absolutely by far the best - others are so rushed and they lose so much by doing that, utterly brilliant Richard 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
When I learnt this piece I played it a bit faster. I then heard it played a lot faster. Presuming that was the "correct" speed I found myself always slowing down again as it felt unnatural. I shall now play it at this speed - and add the trills and ornaments; my edition has none!
Richard. I played this today at a funeral. We have the same tempo. Every time tears in the eyes. How did Bach do it!? Thank you for your fabulous performance.
I relish those lush chords and all the subtle drifting of colors and moods riding with their progressions. IMHO, this is where you concentrate on Bach's mastery of harmony.
Just as Holy Week in 2020 was so pertinent, this deeply moving, soul-searching music, played so sensitively here, conveys how so many of us feel this Lent, when evil men are wreaking havoc on the innocent.
Incredibly beautiful interpretation, and presentation. Wow. Just wow!!! 100/10 🥳 (And now the fun stuff - love the pedal cam, and the outfit - really ads to the atmosphere, and reminds me of the garage in the snow not long left behind… 😉)
I listen to this incredibly moving piece shortly after having listened to Richard Gowers playing the Reubke at Kings College. I re-read the psalm 94 itself. It reflects our anger and grief at seeing so much violence and destruction, even if we are a thousand miles away from Ukraine. The text of Erbarm dich is a paraphrase and metrical hymn on the Psalm Miserere Mei, also intensely moving at this time of rebuilding our lives from scratch. Thank you, Richard, for this beautiful interpretation.
For me you nailed the tempo...should be a heart beat...I also like the ornaments. It needs the ornamentation, especially the repeat. Amen, nothing says "lent" more than this piece for me either!
What is happening in these days makes us think about the reasons of evil, the meaning of life and God's forgiveness.... so this morning, before the mass, I played this piece in this way and it was a wonderful experience! Your choice of tempo and stops immediately amazed me, it moves and enhances the choral text, perfect for the Lent, perfect for these days! Thank you Richard!
I first thought the tempo too slow, but listening to your performance in its entirety I feel the great anguish felt by the sinner who cries out “Have mercy on me, O Lord God!”
You have really brought this piece to life for me, even though I have been playing it for years. It suited perfectly my sadness and worry about our world at the moment and it was a simply stunning, haunting performance. I just had to play it at the end of Mass on the first Sunday in Lent with as similar a registration as I could find and using the ornamentation as you did for the repeated first section. Thank you.
There is another recording of this piece by Ben Van Oosten at the St Sulplice . Incredibly he uses the big fonds 32 in the pedal in addition to a similar Registration Richard is using here. So appropriate for lent and tremedously played .
It seems to be quite a common way to play it amongst French organists. There is a recording of Cochereau playing it like this as well. It works for me! 😃
This kind of interpretation of BWV 721 gives a new dimension of unparalleled beauty. There are very similar interpretations on other Cavaillé Coll organs, played in similar registrations and manner. So it is not only English, but French as well, to play it portato. I have listened to a more traditional interpretation by Koopman (RUclips), who is said to be closest to "Werktreue", playing much faster, more irregular, with a very "thin" registration, closer to legato, which gives the piece a completely different meaning, I think, legitimate as well. May be that it is closer to Bach's original intentions. But still, with our more contemporary and powerful instruments, organs and pianofortes, the understanding and appreciation of Bach's genius has grown to be the E=mc2 in music. I am convinced that playing Bach's music in different ways, or forms of interpretation, may be even in the sense of the composer, or teacher ("Wohltemperiertes Klavier", "Kunst der Fuge").
Nice to hear this played with such an interesting registration, and also with the left hand chords separated to such a degree. I played it prior to our Ash Wednesday Eucharist but with just 8 ft Dulciana LH (coupled to 16 ft pedal) and Oboe + Tremulant RH. Rather annoyingly I hadn't left quite enough time to get to the end, and should have omitted the repeat. I am using a rather old-fashioned edition: 23 Organ Chorale Preludes, edited by A M Henderson. I like the book as it has fingering/footing suggestions and, especially in the case of O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross (BWV 622, which I played at the end), the ornaments are written out in full.
Some have said Bach was not designed for the large Romantic French organ such as this. Rubbish. Bach can be played on spoons and teacups. And this performance is sublime!
Ah, a piece of music that I can actually play, but not nearly as well. I should try the 16' Basson instead of the usual Gedeckt and Nazard. The last few notes are done to such perfection that Bach himself would weep.
Mmm I perfectly meet thes prelude choral. Has been the my First piace studied and for the my entry test to accademy music “Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello,Venice in Organ Class.
Thank you Richard, that was simply stunningly beautiful. What were the registrations for the solo and accompaniment? They were as near perfect as I can imagine for a piece such as this.
I guess One shall leave Bach alone on this one, without trill, since it seems to me that Bach exposes his soul here, so to say.. but, a shift in reg. And adding some tremulant can lift it even higher.. Have to try this one…day
I will never understand why many musicians do not like whole or half notes and play trinos, mordents and many other ornaments all the time if they are not written at all.
Certainly an interesting interpretation. But this is marked “manualiter”, so one has to presume that the separation of the chorale melody, and the use of pedals, was not Bach’s intention. Interesting though, because this seems to be the preferred English interpretation, and the one I originally learned at school in Bath. I now play a rather different version.
got to say I'm struck by how Bach uses individual notes/chords as harmony underneath main melody, was also thinking on later reflection it's almost a bit disjointing and unsettling.
Very nice tempo but why these ornamentations. For me, they are too much and do not respect the Erbam Dich text which advocates humility rather than frills.
Have mercy upon me, oh Lord God. Incredibly moving and beautifully played, like a prayer. My husband used to play this when he was alive, quite often and he played it equally beautiful.
If all the people of the planet listened to half an hour of Bach a day, there would be more peace, tranquility and spirituality
You're right
Y más amor
Eine geniale Idee
If they added some sublime Mozart, life would be elevated to new heights.
Nonesense, most of the world's dictators and criminals listened to classical music like this.
One of my favourite pieces of music of all time and I was so pleased to hear it played at a sensible tempo. Everyone else rushes through it giving no meaning. Many thanks.
Before reading the comments I was overwhelmed by this music, and thought how much it resonated with my outlook on the future in an increasingly violent world. The tempo with which this piece is played, above all.
I see now that many other people had the same feeling. As much as it saddens me in a certain way, I am heartened to know that there is a mysterious but real common bond between the souls of people distant in culture and condition.
Thank you for revealing it.
Du Pur Bonheur ! merci du fond du cœur ❤ ! !
Incredible, how does Bach do this with simple chords? Sometimes I think the simplest Bach is the most sublime, chorale preludes and the sonatas for violin and keyboard, flute sonatas, all of Bach is great but sometimes I feel the greatness in just 3 parts. Even this is melody, accomp. and bass. I really felt the greatness of Bach in this performance, wonderful sound, so haunting. Going on to St. Anne next, let's see how you do.
I am moved to tears. Literally. This wonderful piece captures the spirit of Lent and the dire tragedy of a suffering world.
Thank you for this Bach chorale in these troubling times 💛💙💛💙 🙏🙏
Having listened to all available performances on RUclips of this - this tempo and performance is absolutely by far the best - others are so rushed and they lose so much by doing that, utterly brilliant Richard 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks very much!
It is indeed a great performance. Have you heard Latry in his “Bach to the future”?
When I learnt this piece I played it a bit faster. I then heard it played a lot faster. Presuming that was the "correct" speed I found myself always slowing down again as it felt unnatural. I shall now play it at this speed - and add the trills and ornaments; my edition has none!
@@PauloSilva252yes his is nice a slow
Richard. I played this today at a funeral. We have the same tempo. Every time tears in the eyes. How did Bach do it!? Thank you for your fabulous performance.
I relish those lush chords and all the subtle drifting of colors and moods riding with their progressions. IMHO, this is where you concentrate on Bach's mastery of harmony.
Just as Holy Week in 2020 was so pertinent, this deeply moving, soul-searching music, played so sensitively here, conveys how so many of us feel this Lent, when evil men are wreaking havoc on the innocent.
Oh how we need God's mercy at this time in the world. Great chorale choice. I also like the new pedal perspective. Thanks Richard.
Just thought I’d try something new 😉
Just beautiful. The world needs to listen the crying for peace at this time. Mercy!
Incredibly beautiful interpretation, and presentation. Wow. Just wow!!! 100/10 🥳
(And now the fun stuff - love the pedal cam, and the outfit - really ads to the atmosphere, and reminds me of the garage in the snow not long left behind… 😉)
I listen to this incredibly moving piece shortly after having listened to Richard Gowers playing the Reubke at Kings College. I re-read the psalm 94 itself. It reflects our anger and grief at seeing so much violence and destruction, even if we are a thousand miles away from Ukraine. The text of Erbarm dich is a paraphrase and metrical hymn on the Psalm Miserere Mei, also intensely moving at this time of rebuilding our lives from scratch. Thank you, Richard, for this beautiful interpretation.
Richard, beautiful piece, played with wonderful deliberation! Thanks from an old Brit.
Man I did not expect the lead tone, but wow do is shiver any soul that's there.
2:03 Wow those trills are haunting.
Beautiful. I played this today for Ash Wednesday Morning Service at 6:30 am.
Very moving in light of the violent times in which we live. Why oh why can't we live in peace on this earth?
What a beautiful and reflective piece for Ash Wednesday. Much appreciated.
Richard! That trill starting just after 4:40.... brilliant!
Прекрасно, умираю и воскресаю и восхищаюсь- Баха - дал сам Бог!
finally an organist that puts the details of the various « sounds » used while playing. thank you 🙏🏼
amazing performance
For me you nailed the tempo...should be a heart beat...I also like the ornaments. It needs the ornamentation, especially the repeat. Amen, nothing says "lent" more than this piece for me either!
Erbarm dich mein is always ethereal, and this interpretation is even more so.
What is happening in these days makes us think about the reasons of evil, the meaning of life and God's forgiveness.... so this morning, before the mass, I played this piece in this way and it was a wonderful experience! Your choice of tempo and stops immediately amazed me, it moves and enhances the choral text, perfect for the Lent, perfect for these days! Thank you Richard!
Ew, religious
Gorgeous piece, gorgeous sounds! This really does sound like the real thing.
You should hear it in the room - it sounds even better! Oh wait…. 😉
Superb tempo and performance- the registration for this was gorgeous, such a moving piece, bravo 🖤🏴👏🏻
Beautiful, just beautiful. Loved the ornamentation and now I understand being told, if you know what you are doing, make the ornamentation your own.
I first thought the tempo too slow, but listening to your performance in its entirety I feel the great anguish felt by the sinner who cries out “Have mercy on me, O Lord God!”
Das ist so gut.Auch dieses Tempo.Dieser wundervolle Klang.
Thank you Richard. So very beautiful and poignant in the midst of the madness.😥
Pure Excellence!
One of my favourites!
very majestic controlled excellent performance Thank You!
Perfection Monsieur , .... et Hommage à vous Monsieur BACH , vous êtes un Délice.
Très belle interprétation, j'aime beaucoup la profondeur et le tempo lent de cet air. Il est parfait pour la Communion, je trouve.💗
Thank you!
Thank you for listing the registration. ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT! Beautiful performance.
Love the trills!
Thank you! 😊
Stunning!!
You have really brought this piece to life for me, even though I have been playing it for years. It suited perfectly my sadness and worry about our world at the moment and it was a simply stunning, haunting performance. I just had to play it at the end of Mass on the first Sunday in Lent with as similar a registration as I could find and using the ornamentation as you did for the repeated first section. Thank you.
Beautiful chorale!
Con Bach ogni nota porta in cielo!
Beautiful music and well played. Thank you very much for your videos, Richard.
I enjoy playing this piece in Lent, beautiful registration @Richard McVeigh thank you for posting.
So beautifully played, Richard and so fitting at this time! Thank you!
Very moving. Thank you❤
Profound & moving performance...inviting thoughtful reflection...
Loved this interpretation. Beautiful registration. So poignant !
Lovely performance. I love this registration and tempo and interpretation.
thank you.
Thank you! The "fonds" in the accomp. are so beautifully French!
Thanks!
So artful, moving, stirring to the soul. I don't believe this will ever grow old.
Thank you so much Margaret! x
It's lovely. It makes my soul feel better
There is another recording of this piece by Ben Van Oosten at the St Sulplice . Incredibly he uses the big fonds 32 in the pedal in addition to a similar Registration Richard is using here. So appropriate for lent and tremedously played .
It seems to be quite a common way to play it amongst French organists. There is a recording of Cochereau playing it like this as well. It works for me! 😃
This is sumptuous. I like Castagnet's version too.
Latry is very much in this line of tempo as well
Can you please provide a link to the recording you referenced? Thank you.
So beautiful...! Thank you from France
this is beautiful beyond words
I really enjoy listening to your playing thanks for posting - Dunno about those crazy cats!
Sublime. Thank you.
Tears
Very beautiful. Thank you.
My goodness. Am I in love?
Brilliant! A real master piece!
Superb!
MAGNIFIQUE
Loved having the registrations at the beginning!
Pure Excellence
Some times only Bach will do. These are those times.
Plus que merveilleux de tempo, de jeux, , Seulement écouter
Это обворожительно
Wonderful and perfect registration!
Many thanks Sverre!
This kind of interpretation of BWV 721 gives a new dimension of unparalleled beauty. There are very similar interpretations on other Cavaillé Coll organs, played in similar registrations and manner. So it is not only English, but French as well, to play it portato. I have listened to a more traditional interpretation by Koopman (RUclips), who is said to be closest to "Werktreue", playing much faster, more irregular, with a very "thin" registration, closer to legato, which gives the piece a completely different meaning, I think, legitimate as well. May be that it is closer to Bach's original intentions. But still, with our more contemporary and powerful instruments, organs and pianofortes, the understanding and appreciation of Bach's genius has grown to be the E=mc2 in music. I am convinced that playing Bach's music in different ways, or forms of interpretation, may be even in the sense of the composer, or teacher ("Wohltemperiertes Klavier", "Kunst der Fuge").
Pierre Cochereau at Notre Dame, Paris. ruclips.net/video/yKxb0NmvdFs/видео.html
Antonius Koopman, Amsterdam. ruclips.net/video/k3CNS2iK790/видео.html
Nice to hear this played with such an interesting registration, and also with the left hand chords separated to such a degree. I played it prior to our Ash Wednesday Eucharist but with just 8 ft Dulciana LH (coupled to 16 ft pedal) and Oboe + Tremulant RH. Rather annoyingly I hadn't left quite enough time to get to the end, and should have omitted the repeat. I am using a rather old-fashioned edition: 23 Organ Chorale Preludes, edited by A M Henderson. I like the book as it has fingering/footing suggestions and, especially in the case of O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross (BWV 622, which I played at the end), the ornaments are written out in full.
Thanks!!!
Beautiful!!
Some have said Bach was not designed for the large Romantic French organ such as this.
Rubbish.
Bach can be played on spoons and teacups.
And this performance is sublime!
Best Version
Ah, a piece of music that I can actually play, but not nearly as well. I should try the 16' Basson instead of the usual Gedeckt and Nazard. The last few notes are done to such perfection that Bach himself would weep.
Lovely Richard!
This goes into my music folder!
Praying for Ukraine!💔🙏
I will have a go at this speed metronome speed 58 , I like the ornaments , the version of music is manuals only but can add the pedal
Mmm I perfectly meet thes prelude choral. Has been the my First piace studied and for the my entry test to accademy music “Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello,Venice in Organ Class.
Thank you Richard, that was simply stunningly beautiful. What were the registrations for the solo and accompaniment? They were as near perfect as I can imagine for a piece such as this.
I guess One shall leave Bach alone on this one, without trill, since it seems to me that Bach exposes his soul here, so to say.. but, a shift in reg. And adding some tremulant can lift it even higher.. Have to try this one…day
I will never understand why many musicians do not like whole or half notes and play trinos, mordents and many other ornaments all the time if they are not written at all.
Why is the combination piston action at the start so loud? As usual Grat playing!
I turned it up for effect.
What reg did you use? The speed is hypnotic and you’ve conveyed an incredible depth of emotion without romanticising it. Superb !
Thank you. The exact registration is on the screen…
Certainly an interesting interpretation. But this is marked “manualiter”, so one has to presume that the separation of the chorale melody, and the use of pedals, was not Bach’s intention. Interesting though, because this seems to be the preferred English interpretation, and the one I originally learned at school in Bath. I now play a rather different version.
💟
Moving
but of all you played it beautifully
got to say I'm struck by how Bach uses individual notes/chords as harmony underneath main melody, was also thinking on later reflection it's almost a bit disjointing and unsettling.
two cats at the left and right of the manuals :)
from which book are you playing from, I need to get me this volume, thank you,
🖤🖤🖤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💙💛🇺🇦
👋👍🏻😃
Слава Богу!
What's the edition of the sheet music you're using?
It’s just the 2-stave version in the Bärenreiter edition.
Maybe a tremulant at the cantus firmus and vox humana will give it more emotion.
Hello Richard, I'm a pianist in Ghana.. please can you surprise me as one of your biggest fans by purchasing the Reharm book for me please...
Bach with a vox celeste... interesting. He had only the unda maris at his time.
Very nice tempo but why these ornamentations. For me, they are too much and do not respect the Erbam Dich text which advocates humility rather than frills.