I keep coming back to this one - it's a fun improv, and even though my own personal worship sensibilities tend toward the reserved, "high church" variety, the clapping and excitement is an amusing change. I still give it five stars!
This was a beautifuuly mastered piece by the organist, BUT it pisses me off that "we" still don't know how to sit through a performance in Church and enjoy reverently, without "YES" "AMEN" THANK YA" and clapping! That xtra crap from the congregation just ruined it for me.
@UHC4LYFE --- Thank you for the comment. The Choir was actually making most of the noise. Due to the location of the microphones, which they are sitting directly beneath, pretty much anything they say will be picked up.
The Christian faith is centered on the Person of Christ and not on performance. Therefore, the expressions you hear are those of believers worshipping a Majestic God! There is something about the Spirit of God moving upon the heart of man that causes him/her to adore the Lord. Unlike a concert hall where you sit "reverently" as a spectator, the Church is a place that enjoys both reverence and rejoicing as a participator. This is the meaning of Psalms 150. Pastor Gerald E. Freeman
@UHC4LYFE Perhaps you should consider that the way "we" "enjoy" a church performance IS by saying "YES" "AMEN" "THANK YA" and by clapping. To suggest, as you do, that there is only one way that one is suppose to be during a performance like this, is to ignore the great diversity of the human family, or to suggest that one form of expression trumphs all others. If your perferred way of hearing a piece like this is through silence by all but the instrument, then go somewhere where they do that!
In Christ's eyes, it doesn't matter what the color of the skin is. It's the contents of the heart that count. It is AMAZING to see that kind of energy our Lord's church. In a way, it's like the applause is not only to the fantastic organist....but also a round of applause to God. I've had my congregation give rounds of applause to God before while speaking in Temple Talks. It is fantastic to see this amount of energy! Well done, and God bless!
I was critical of the clapping and noise the first time I listened to this great improvisation, but I just noticed that James performed this during an intermission of a gospel choir concert, so listening etiquette was actually not breached, I now conclude. Fortunately, regardless, Christ is praised all the same!
Please give my best to Everett P. Williams and JoVo. Tell them that Desiree Hines who did a recital there 3 years ago says hello.
African-Ameriacan Churches with Pipe/Classical Organs are not like Caucasian churches. They really value their organs and this is their way of praising God for the musical offering. You will never, or seldom, hear "too loud...no 32 reed...no Chamade" from a predominantly African-American Church with a large organ.
I remember you. You played a song during the service, and you had your concert after church. Wonderful performance. When I go back home I may try to find the CD of that concert.
Well if you find the concert CD. Litanies by Jehan Alain was the best performance from that concert. It really sang on that organ! You all were such great hosts, and I look forward to coming back sometime! If you do have a CD, let me know. I'd love a copy.
I know your awesome record, Desiree, but with all due respect, the reason you won't hear "no chamade" in a black Baptist church (like mine, with our 48-rank Casavant) is that the congregations that are that demanding already have trompette en chamades! (Bethany Baptist Brookly, Hartford Memorial Detroit, Friendship Baptist Charlotte, and Metropolitan Baptist D.C.). I have three criteria before I join a church when I move to a town: 1. Baptist. 2. Black. 3. Pipe organ appreciated. I love it!
Personally I dont even consider whether black should be allowed ! It is normal to see them they are lovely people and where I come from "in General they are more open about their relationships with God than white people. . and I think its a good thing. I hope God agrees :)
I agree. I've been a black Baptist all my life, and none of this uncouth clapping crap started until 20 years ago. It's a distraction to those of us who actually want to hear the music that has been prepared -- and it's typically 8 percent of the people making 95 percent of the noise. I know what I'm talking about, and I'm sick of it. I love Dr. Abbington's playing, but a handful of ignorant sloppy people nearly ruined the effect.
you know i'm black and i go to a cogic church...but sometimes the noise just seems out of place...this is a pipe organ and not a hammond! this is a concert intermission....and not offering.
Oh, that's funny of you! LOL!!! I'm COGIC, too. I play the organ for two COGIC churches in Colorado. I wish I could play like this. It does sound like awfrin! LOL. They bout to go in, aint they?
I do not believe so. But sometimes musicians can transcribe music based off of a recording. You may be able to get someone to do it for you. However, I don't think this recording is HQ enough for that. If you are good at improv. you may be able to make something that sounds similar to it that is all your own.
..a good example is the Passion Symphony from Dupre which does not sound the least bit like an improvisation, which it was. He generally said that when he improvised, he would write it down if it still stuck around in his head for more than 3 or so months.....quite a genious. Anyways....best wished to you.
wow that was a rowsing and quite educated improvisation, you know the key to a good improvisation os to not sound like one, which he pulls off easily.....ooohh I still have goosebumps!
Yeah, I heard that from Charlie Callahan and Gerre Hancock, you dont want it to sound "made up" you want it to sound like an original, well rounded, thought out piece....which was what it sounded like, very impressive..
A few summers ago (I've forgotten what year), I was in NYC and attended the summer organ recital series on Tues. evenings at Riverside Church. Dr. Abbington was the organist. Usually at these recitals you'd see very few Black people and if so, they were organists like myself. I remarked to a colleague that I had never seen so many Black people at an organ recital ever. Dr. Abbington's encore was an improv. that got everyone up cheering many times as you heard here. It was exciting!!
A good pipe organ improv can move me to tears much more easily than some of the greatest organ pieces ever composed. I've been blessed to hear magnificent improvisations from some of the world's most highly regarded organists and I can think of none that outshines this glorious work. Blessings for the blessings.
Dr. Abbington is one of the greatest organists I have heard in all the world. I came to know of his dexterity and his inimitable improvisations when he stood in often at my former church, Friendship Baptist in Charlotte, in 2000-01. I was elated when he joined the faculty of my alma mater, Emory.
If memory serves, that is where Bynum Petty got the idea. The Trinity Cathedral console in Trenton, NJ also has these 1-inch square illuminated push buttons, as well as a Presbyterian church not too far off in PA. Very comfortable consoles and terrific sound, but this style DEFINITELY ain't Cavaillé-Coll.
I never thought I'd hear hooting and hollering at an organ concert. I'm either scandalized or refreshed! :)
I've never been able to find anything online and there is nothing on the Petty-Madden website. I have personal pictures from the early 1990s (I was a parishioner there for 17 years) but would have to find them for you. Leander Chapin "Biff" Clafflin recorded a tape there in circa 1985, the cover of which showed the console, or at least the manuals.
Ha...hopefully you didn't take me as rude...wasn't intended that way.
Did you get the link to the CD picture that I posted of the console? I submitted it but it isn't showing on my end. I was wrong about the organist, it was David Liddle playing Basil Harwood, not Biff Clafflin (Claflin, however it is spelled).
Continuation of my comment below....At that recital was Joe Vitacco of JAV Recordings (JV68 here on You Tube) recording the recital. After the recital ended I tried to convince Joe to include that improvised encore on the CD as I had NEVER heard an audience respond as this one had during the performance applauding & CHEERING (It must have scared those White folks to death lol!).That was 1998, the CD is 'Comes Summer Time' JAV Recordings #112. JAV is the best Organ music label ever.
I miss playing the instrument. I wonder if I could somehow wiggle my way to being a guest organist there on a Sunday morning again or giving a recital there. I really don't know anyone there since Dr. Barr left. Oh, I'm somewhat familiar with JoAnn Richardson who conducts one of the choirs.
My God, this is amazing! What an awesome presentation (both by you and Dr. Abbington). I'm speechless. I didn't realize you were an organist and had so much information about the instrument. And lets not forget that Pastor Charles Adams caaan preach. Just brilliant! Some of the best that Detroit has to offer.
Amen..How beautiful....Let's celebrate Dr. King's Birthday (01 16/2011) tomorrow with this...Praise God my friends....Charlottesville, VA
DBGOGIRL 1 year ago
I keep coming back to this one - it's a fun improv, and even though my own personal worship sensibilities tend toward the reserved, "high church" variety, the clapping and excitement is an amusing change. I still give it five stars!
posaune16 1 year ago
This was a beautifuuly mastered piece by the organist, BUT it pisses me off that "we" still don't know how to sit through a performance in Church and enjoy reverently, without "YES" "AMEN" THANK YA" and clapping! That xtra crap from the congregation just ruined it for me.
UHC4LYFE 2 years ago
@UHC4LYFE --- Thank you for the comment. The Choir was actually making most of the noise. Due to the location of the microphones, which they are sitting directly beneath, pretty much anything they say will be picked up.
MoneyManTC 2 years ago
The Christian faith is centered on the Person of Christ and not on performance. Therefore, the expressions you hear are those of believers worshipping a Majestic God! There is something about the Spirit of God moving upon the heart of man that causes him/her to adore the Lord. Unlike a concert hall where you sit "reverently" as a spectator, the Church is a place that enjoys both reverence and rejoicing as a participator. This is the meaning of Psalms 150. Pastor Gerald E. Freeman
arissaisanangel11 9 months ago
@UHC4LYFE Perhaps you should consider that the way "we" "enjoy" a church performance IS by saying "YES" "AMEN" "THANK YA" and by clapping. To suggest, as you do, that there is only one way that one is suppose to be during a performance like this, is to ignore the great diversity of the human family, or to suggest that one form of expression trumphs all others. If your perferred way of hearing a piece like this is through silence by all but the instrument, then go somewhere where they do that!
Hyphenated08 9 months ago
In Christ's eyes, it doesn't matter what the color of the skin is. It's the contents of the heart that count. It is AMAZING to see that kind of energy our Lord's church. In a way, it's like the applause is not only to the fantastic organist....but also a round of applause to God. I've had my congregation give rounds of applause to God before while speaking in Temple Talks. It is fantastic to see this amount of energy! Well done, and God bless!
gepettotrevor 2 years ago
I still like it!!!!!
CrazyhorseP1 2 years ago
Impressed by the heraty discussion of church and music here. Jesus reigns!
fotok7777777 2 years ago
LOL where i come from baptist churches dont get real organs.
tyuru2 2 years ago
Outstanding! The clapping and voices during the performance were annoying to me, but that's probably just because I'm an uptight honky. Well done!!!
MeinnameistDreck 3 years ago
I was critical of the clapping and noise the first time I listened to this great improvisation, but I just noticed that James performed this during an intermission of a gospel choir concert, so listening etiquette was actually not breached, I now conclude. Fortunately, regardless, Christ is praised all the same!
americanbaptist 2 years ago
I really wish I could play this well. Everything about it is great. Most of all you have made the people in the church happy !
ancientsolar 3 years ago
The Baptists will shout in service! PLAY JIMMIE - YES, LAWD!!! PRAISE HIM! LOL! I love it!!!
WoodWendMusic 3 years ago
FANNNNNNNNNNN___TASSSSSS____TIC!!
AMEN TO our LORD!!!
singapore
ace4711 3 years ago
Great playing my friend. That organ has punch.
Just great all around. love it.
Dave.
dgcmusi 3 years ago
pleas dont ever, EVER, take this down........:)
CrazyhorseP1 3 years ago 2
Wasn't planning on it!! Glad you enjoyed it.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Op wat voor een soort orgel is dit gespeeld? Is hier ook informatie van beschikbaar?
rdamfan 3 years ago
This organ was built in 1988 by the Petty-Madden Organ Company. There are 60 stops, 96 ranks, and 4 manuals. Stops list is located under (more info).
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Praise the LORD - that was awesome, thanks for sharing.
organpipe8 3 years ago
Your welcome!
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
WOW what a performance! too bad the rubes kinda wrecked it. next time, tie their hands to their chairs and gag them please.
kudzu30308 3 years ago
That's our Doc, the greatest in the world! Shout out from Hampton's Ministers' Conference Organist Director's Guild Staff 2008. Patrick A, B'more.
32pedalnotes 3 years ago 3
Completely spoiled by the ignorance of some of the audience
1969rich1969 3 years ago
You have to realize this was intermission at a GOSPEL chior concert.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Hartford is where I did my Detroit deubt!
Please give my best to Everett P. Williams and JoVo. Tell them that Desiree Hines who did a recital there 3 years ago says hello.
African-Ameriacan Churches with Pipe/Classical Organs are not like Caucasian churches. They really value their organs and this is their way of praising God for the musical offering. You will never, or seldom, hear "too loud...no 32 reed...no Chamade" from a predominantly African-American Church with a large organ.
DesireeDeFete 3 years ago
I remember you. You played a song during the service, and you had your concert after church. Wonderful performance. When I go back home I may try to find the CD of that concert.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Well if you find the concert CD. Litanies by Jehan Alain was the best performance from that concert. It really sang on that organ! You all were such great hosts, and I look forward to coming back sometime! If you do have a CD, let me know. I'd love a copy.
DesireeDeFete 3 years ago
Will do. I'll get back with you in December when I head back home.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Everett Williams is no longer there, he now serves a church in Washington, DC.
rmb10 3 years ago
I know your awesome record, Desiree, but with all due respect, the reason you won't hear "no chamade" in a black Baptist church (like mine, with our 48-rank Casavant) is that the congregations that are that demanding already have trompette en chamades! (Bethany Baptist Brookly, Hartford Memorial Detroit, Friendship Baptist Charlotte, and Metropolitan Baptist D.C.). I have three criteria before I join a church when I move to a town: 1. Baptist. 2. Black. 3. Pipe organ appreciated. I love it!
americanbaptist 3 years ago
Personally I dont even consider whether black should be allowed ! It is normal to see them they are lovely people and where I come from "in General they are more open about their relationships with God than white people. . and I think its a good thing. I hope God agrees :)
God Bless
ancientsolar 3 years ago
me too I'd settle for AME
oldsoul9 2 years ago
If you really want to experience "High Church," you will skip The 1st two criteria and join the Episcopal Church!
UHC4LYFE 2 years ago
Miss u at Morgan State you should have been made the chairpeson of the music Department
happyorganist 3 years ago
Play Dr Abbington!!!
TrebleStaff 3 years ago 2
i understand but like i said, it's distracting me from lissening to the organ.
josan2511105 3 years ago
I agree. I've been a black Baptist all my life, and none of this uncouth clapping crap started until 20 years ago. It's a distraction to those of us who actually want to hear the music that has been prepared -- and it's typically 8 percent of the people making 95 percent of the noise. I know what I'm talking about, and I'm sick of it. I love Dr. Abbington's playing, but a handful of ignorant sloppy people nearly ruined the effect.
americanbaptist 3 years ago
Oh, don't be such a snob!
WoodWendMusic 3 years ago
The music is beautiful but the clapping and hollering is very distracting, people, enjoy the music in sillence...
josan2511105 3 years ago
See, you have to understand that when black folk have the spirit touch us, sometimes we can't help but shouting.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
you know i'm black and i go to a cogic church...but sometimes the noise just seems out of place...this is a pipe organ and not a hammond! this is a concert intermission....and not offering.
handelfan610 3 years ago
i meant to put a lol up there...let the spirit move!
handelfan610 3 years ago
Oh, that's funny of you! LOL!!! I'm COGIC, too. I play the organ for two COGIC churches in Colorado. I wish I could play like this. It does sound like awfrin! LOL. They bout to go in, aint they?
lol
RevunBuford 3 years ago
i know someone is in there ready to take off that wig and dance lol...i've seen that too.
handelfan610 3 years ago
He Played the Hell outta that organ.....Lucifer would be jealous.
americannegr0 3 years ago
no no no Lucifer IS jealous.
handelfan610 3 years ago
There is no more Lucifer. He is Satan now.
americannegr0 3 years ago
@americannegr0-- Do you really think he cares what you call him? Lucifer is the name that was given, Ah Satan is more of a title than a name.
counselor2b 2 years ago
Interesting improv. Has elements of theater organ and classical.
Hammondlover2 4 years ago
Wow, this is wonderful. Is this music inprint ???
musicdude6132 4 years ago
I do not believe so. But sometimes musicians can transcribe music based off of a recording. You may be able to get someone to do it for you. However, I don't think this recording is HQ enough for that. If you are good at improv. you may be able to make something that sounds similar to it that is all your own.
MoneyManTC 4 years ago
..a good example is the Passion Symphony from Dupre which does not sound the least bit like an improvisation, which it was. He generally said that when he improvised, he would write it down if it still stuck around in his head for more than 3 or so months.....quite a genious. Anyways....best wished to you.
orgatrain 4 years ago
wow that was a rowsing and quite educated improvisation, you know the key to a good improvisation os to not sound like one, which he pulls off easily.....ooohh I still have goosebumps!
orgatrain 4 years ago
I have actually never heard anyone say that before. Interesting perspective!!!
MoneyManTC 4 years ago
Yeah, I heard that from Charlie Callahan and Gerre Hancock, you dont want it to sound "made up" you want it to sound like an original, well rounded, thought out piece....which was what it sounded like, very impressive..
orgatrain 4 years ago
Play that organ DOC!
musicadei 4 years ago
A few summers ago (I've forgotten what year), I was in NYC and attended the summer organ recital series on Tues. evenings at Riverside Church. Dr. Abbington was the organist. Usually at these recitals you'd see very few Black people and if so, they were organists like myself. I remarked to a colleague that I had never seen so many Black people at an organ recital ever. Dr. Abbington's encore was an improv. that got everyone up cheering many times as you heard here. It was exciting!!
bhigdaddymark 4 years ago
Do you remember what it was on?
MoneyManTC 4 years ago
No, I think it was a hymn, but I don't remember which one. I'll never forget the audience reaction though. It was absolutely thrilling.....
bhigdaddymark 4 years ago
A good pipe organ improv can move me to tears much more easily than some of the greatest organ pieces ever composed. I've been blessed to hear magnificent improvisations from some of the world's most highly regarded organists and I can think of none that outshines this glorious work. Blessings for the blessings.
scottybrooklyn 4 years ago
Dr. Abbington is one of the greatest organists I have heard in all the world. I came to know of his dexterity and his inimitable improvisations when he stood in often at my former church, Friendship Baptist in Charlotte, in 2000-01. I was elated when he joined the faculty of my alma mater, Emory.
americanbaptist 4 years ago
This is absolutely one of the best impros I have ever heard. The music and the video are marvelous, GREAT JOB !!!
vernsparker 4 years ago 2
that is far from a cavaille coll style console....beside that GREAT Improv
djbjr1130 4 years ago
Based on information that I looked up, they said that it was. But I could always be wrong.
MoneyManTC 4 years ago
Looks more like the console of my local 1970s Reiger ;-)
posaune16 4 years ago
If memory serves, that is where Bynum Petty got the idea. The Trinity Cathedral console in Trenton, NJ also has these 1-inch square illuminated push buttons, as well as a Presbyterian church not too far off in PA. Very comfortable consoles and terrific sound, but this style DEFINITELY ain't Cavaillé-Coll.
I never thought I'd hear hooting and hollering at an organ concert. I'm either scandalized or refreshed! :)
obxemt 3 years ago
Do you know where I can find a picture of the one at Trinity?
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
I've never been able to find anything online and there is nothing on the Petty-Madden website. I have personal pictures from the early 1990s (I was a parishioner there for 17 years) but would have to find them for you. Leander Chapin "Biff" Clafflin recorded a tape there in circa 1985, the cover of which showed the console, or at least the manuals.
obxemt 3 years ago
Also you were the second person to get on me about the console, so I have now removed it from the discription.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
Ha...hopefully you didn't take me as rude...wasn't intended that way.
Did you get the link to the CD picture that I posted of the console? I submitted it but it isn't showing on my end. I was wrong about the organist, it was David Liddle playing Basil Harwood, not Biff Clafflin (Claflin, however it is spelled).
obxemt 3 years ago
No I didn't find it as rude, because one other person made a comment on it earlier. When I go back home in July I am going to get more info.
I also have not recieved the link.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
I still can't get the links to post so I sent you a private message with them. Hopefully that will work!
obxemt 3 years ago
Have Carol Cole ever played that pipe organ???
Ovaljean 3 years ago
No, She would always play the Hammond, or at Christmas the Piano.
MoneyManTC 3 years ago
one of the best impros I've heard so far!
fluteceleste 4 years ago
Continuation of my comment below....At that recital was Joe Vitacco of JAV Recordings (JV68 here on You Tube) recording the recital. After the recital ended I tried to convince Joe to include that improvised encore on the CD as I had NEVER heard an audience respond as this one had during the performance applauding & CHEERING (It must have scared those White folks to death lol!).That was 1998, the CD is 'Comes Summer Time' JAV Recordings #112. JAV is the best Organ music label ever.
bhigdaddymark 4 years ago
THIS IS AWESOME...I LOVE THIS!!!
praise4christ375 4 years ago
I miss playing the instrument. I wonder if I could somehow wiggle my way to being a guest organist there on a Sunday morning again or giving a recital there. I really don't know anyone there since Dr. Barr left. Oh, I'm somewhat familiar with JoAnn Richardson who conducts one of the choirs.
SigfridKargElert 4 years ago
My God, this is amazing! What an awesome presentation (both by you and Dr. Abbington). I'm speechless. I didn't realize you were an organist and had so much information about the instrument. And lets not forget that Pastor Charles Adams caaan preach. Just brilliant! Some of the best that Detroit has to offer.
SigfridKargElert 4 years ago
I am not an organist however, I love the instrument.
MoneyManTC 4 years ago