charles-marie widor, toccata from symphony no. 5

[4676adam1]

I would have quit playing and I don't think the people would have noticed!

[Zylstra555]

Especially when playing before and after the services, us organists just expect people to talk. Clapping should not be expected, nor be a goal (though it sounded like quite a few clapping...). My guess is that this piece was presented before the service. It is a time for people to share, and the organist should not expect it to be a concert environment -- that is not what it is.

Wonderful performance! Thanks for sharing.

[jgesselberty]

No doubt they are all discussing somehting important, like where they are going for breakfast after the service. People treat church like a social hall.

[AeolianSkinner1983]

Wow! That congregation has no respect for a great organist. They talked through the whole piece and barley clapped for him. The clapping I can see was not required at the end. However, have respect for the man playing his heart out for his church and keep the talking to a minimum.

[macdo45]

When I played for church I used to try and put something nice and uplifting on at the end of the service and the congregation used to chatter and clatter over it so I ended up doing a 30 second bit of jolly and stop. Good on you Dr Whatley for sticking with it - nice commanding reeds - make it difficult for them to talk and well-deserved applause.