Virgil Fox Legacy | Middelschulte | Pedal Solo

[Inspirandus]

I've never seen anyone else playing the pedals like this. Astonishing technique! Great showmaster as well by the way.

[robmcw]

I remember watching this as a kid on PBS. Before the solo pedal piece, Virgil played the Jongen Symphonie Concertante. I was glued to that tv set!

[LordsLight]

any Christians up in here? check my video out, I was born Red(u weren't born gay).

[DavidSnyderLumierist]

Two amazing things to note. Virgil's pedaling. Without his technique,"play as you walk",one couldn't play that piece. I was unaware our wonderfull Arthur Fiedler is in the background.

[silverstartrucker]

Then the master performs COME SWEET DEATH on the Wanamaker. He is/was brilliant.

[DavidSnyderLumierist]

@silverstartrucker what do you think of his arrangement of Tristan und Isolda? He considered it the greatest item made for that record. I was there when he recorded that disc.He told me only Wannamakers could support such a massive symphonic approach.

Blessings

[silverstartrucker]

@DavidSnyderLumierist - Alas, I was not keen on that piece by Wagner. I Do like Carlo Curley's version on the organ of Girard College that I have on a disc. I thought of uploading it but perhaps Mr Curley may not approve. But sod it, I will upload it now and see if it stays on.

[tenortobe]

And it's Symphonie, not Sinfonia... my bad

[tenortobe]

And his version of "Come Sweet Death" on the Wanamaker in Philly is unsurpassable, I think, in any medium by any artist.. Check it!

[tenortobe]

Two words... Ben Zander. He would have loved Mr. Fox. Ben is all about contributing... that is what is most important in music. That you contribute what your voice has to say in its own individual way regardless of what others might think.. And for this, I believe Mr. Fox is unequalled. His joy and love for what he does transcends his showmanship because I do believe that there is a great artist here. He played the ENTIRE Jongen Sinfonia Concertante from memory, for God's sake!

[MezzoDiva]

@tenortobe YES! Ben would have loved him...

[mohaa909]

What a mess!!! :S

[4Dada]

@ sailingforde04:

But if it weren't for the show then youth mired in their folk, rock and disco would miss the hearing of Bach.

[sailingforde04]

The man decimated Bach, he blasted over it , yes with the technique , that is undeniable , but with none of the subtlety , or beauty that bach requires , his performances were about showmanship - not creating art

[slicerprime]

How subtle are your performances of Bach? How subtle are the performances of thousands of children who gamely tackle simple arrangements of the master's music year after year? Not very, I'm sure. So what! The point is that they experience the music and are enriched by it. Similarly, Fox did something that orchestras and other organists of his time failed to do. He got the music out to people who otherwise would never have heard it and THEY LIKED IT! I think I can forgive him a lack of subtlety.

[suitandtieguy]

wtf dude.

[billynoful]

if werent for the person putting Virgil Fox's videos on youtube, i would have never became a fan.

[cybershadow58]

If it hadn't been for Virgil...& his "Heavy Organ" concerts & recordings in the 70's i would never have heard of this Middleschulte piece...and its wonderful! and Virgil was the "Jimi Hendrix" of the organ...nuff said!?

[CathedrlCarillonneur]

I neer cease to be amazed at VF's incredible talent.

[johannuscro]

what a technique... fantastic!

[gingervytis]

I saw him perform this in South Bend IN, 1972... rhinestone heels, smoke, lights and all. Anyone that needs to criticize this extreme feat of the feet is either envious, ignorant, or insecure. Flamesuit ON.

[MonsieurOrgue]

Alra, I've seriously had enough of listening to your shit. If you don't like what you see here, just don't watch it - go elsewhere! I find it pathetic that all you seem to do is stir up shit with you narrow minded comments.

[LawdHelp]

And you are the youtube version of a douchebag. Don't you an AV Squad Reunion to attend?

[orgatrain]

I would Like to see what and if people are still talking about you 30 years from now.....probably nothing...

[alra1975]

People still talk also about Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini...

Fox was the organist version of Liberace.

[trevjr]

I saw Virgil's light show about 35 years ago and I really fell in love with Bach then, thank you Virgil. I am not an organist, but this is fantastic. He brought such energy and life to music, I miss him.People that fight and make lousy remarks have no business in music. I enjoy lots of music and dont try to tear people down.Good luck.

[bishfan]

While he's adding stops, he's not even watching his feet! Amazing!

[PiedPuyper]

Cameron Who?

[organace]

Wow! Virgil is always impressive!

Yes, he made better recordings of this (a few too many split notes here), still he made people EXCITED about the organ in a time when, still, people dont think of organists as "great" musicians like Pearlman, Yo Yo Ma or Pavarotti.

Honestly, we should be grateful he brought the organ to SO many people who maybe would have never encountered it. Those people left thinking about the organ more, and that its not dull.

His comments are very sweet here too

[Brandotuomikoski]

makes cameron carpenter look like a beginner!

[PerrrfictKats]

THATS INCREDIBLE!!! .... And no high speed camera involved here! And it was,nt faked!!! I thought "Homage to Frescobaldi Pedal solo" by Jean Langlais the hardest I,ve seen for organ; I guess I was WRONG!!

[thealphasystem]

He'd be a master playing games like Dance Dance Revolution :-)

[Modernmanx]

American politics is not my cup of thea. However, the americans really need political leadership since they don´t seem to be able to manage their own country. When it comes to classical music I suggest that you study the baroque tradition before making ignorant comments.

[Modernmanx]

What a clown!

[WoFat69]

I know u got a crush on 0bama; but try keeping your idiotic comments to yourself cool guy!

[Bachlives2]

I played this at a master class for Cameron Carpenter at this tempo. It is an incredibly hard piece but really easy to memorize! I have been trying to get it back up to speed and post it here on youtube!

[mexicanparrot]

I was priviledged to be one of a very few, permitted to witness my friend Virgil's practice sessions! He advised and played dedications on quite a number of organs, large and small, which I installed and serviced in the Fifties and Sixties!!

[sp1n0za]

Це вин що, тухлями грае? Ыч як натренувався! Молодець!

[Fozzymaple]

I love Fox's rendition, the way it was recorded on his LP "The Virtuoso Organist" is much cleaner, but it starts out really quiet in that recording. Virgil had technique to spare, too bad he's dead. I'd love to see some kind of battle of the organists organized between Fox and Cameron Carpenter (though now Carpenter would win, since Fox is dead.

[sykobeachparty]

I can play it, and I'm a freshman organ major in college...shut up.

[alra1975]

Not impressive at all, just his typical clownesque attitude on a cheap modern radial, soft-touch pedal-board of a cheap modern electric organ full of electronic aids.

I would like to have seen him sweating in front of a real Baroque mechanical organ with a flat pedalboard...

This is just a modern cheap, clownesque parodic show, it's all appearance, there's nothing behind it, no real Music in it...

[pap4456]

Can you do it, schmuck?

[alra1975]

And you, idiot?

[FLAMENCOGUIDO]

So??? Again Can you do it, schmuck? Any Yes I have played it! Play it on a Baroque organ not up to AGO standards? ...Get a life

[alra1975]

Dear Fool,

you don't even have the vaguest idea of what is a Baroque organ... You deserve cheap plastic, little electronic keyboards like this one.

And you don't even have an idea about Baroque Music or you would not listen to this trash...

Keep adoring your Virgil idol, poor looser...

Fox : Bach = McDonald's : Traditional cuisine

[robertgift]

Alra is correct.

I am also a purist, but Virgil still was lots of fun.

For musical fulfillment, subtlety and care, Helmut Walcha is best at Bach.

[posaune16]

As a person who traveled the world playing most of the greatest instruments in existance, I'd imagine Virgil Fox did plenty of "sweating in front real Baroque organs."

Now, in regard to yourself, alra1975, you seem to be devoting an awful lot of energy to decry this performance as somehow inauthentic or worthless. Perhaps thou doth protest too much? Anyway, I suggest you collect your filthy bile and your negative attitude and go listen to something else.

[alra1975]

Beati monocvli in terra caecorvm.

Ars non habet inimicvm nisi ignorantem.

You don't even know what is a Baroque organ...

I kindly suggest you to collect your empty frustration and ignorance and go to listen to some McDonald's cocktail lounge jingles and two penny entertaining noise like this one...

Have a good dance, honey!

[posaune16]

Frustration? Not really - just amusement that you go to the trouble of frequenting videos of this nature, even if only to spread a bit more nastiness.

And if there is more to the definition of a Baroque organ than simply 'an instrument built during the Baroque period,' than no - I have no idea what a Baroque organ is.

Now if you will excuse me, I will gleefully return to the mindless dreck that is a Virgil Fox recording ;-)

[alra1975]

I am glad for you =)

We all have what we deserve...

[alra1975]

Dear Lord Posaune16

You misunderstand Baroque with Kitsch...

[LawdHelp]

Assholery.

[alra1975]

Excellent performance by a buffoon on a plastic electric toy, for the kitsch clown generation lovers.

[LawdHelp]

Acerbic comment by a douchebag who entertains himself by castigating the work of a dead man.

[alra1975]

A pathetic guy who adores a cheap entertainer, that's what you are; Fox was a public figure and like all the public famous figures, it doesn't matter if he's dead to criticize him, you are a ridicolous adorer.

[LawdHelp]

I think you mean "ridiculous," genius.

Of all the things to be outraged about in the world, you focus your rage on an organist. You are a very sad person.

But you may be right about me liking cheap entertainment: your mama, for instance.

[alra1975]

About the "ridicolous", well, you poor idiot, try to speak and write as many languages as I can do and then we'll talk.

My rage? Poor kid, mine is a funny entertainment to see a clown entertainer like Virgil that was not at all an organist or a musician, but only a cheap showman.

I just saw your mom doing a blowjob to a trucker in a back alley and she was saying: "Where's the turf of my impotent son? Oh Right, he's masturbating himself while worshipping a photo of that buffoon of Fox!"

[gingervytis]

The Rogers organ that Mr. Fox toured with cost around $50,000 in 1970. So, genius, please tell us what the present value is of this "toy".

There's an appropriate description of whiners like you: "Monkey can't reach the berry, so he calls it sour."

Moreover, no one gives a shlt what you think anyway.

[alra1975]

Thanks for your McDonald's styled description, typical of an illiterate peasant from a redneck community, just like you.

Money has no culture or cultural value, except for an obtused ignorant like you.

An atomic missile how much does it costs?

Is it valuable too? Yes, for a dork like you of course.

Moreover, no intelligent people care about what retarded uncoltured turfs like you think, anyway.

[gingervytis]

Anyway, let's stop insulting each other. I looked at your Youtube page, and it's obvious where your interests lie. But why do you find such fault with V. Fox? Just curious.

[alra1975]

I just say:

Virgil Fox = Entertainment = NO Art

[greenspacesforever]

dude... you sound like the uncultured turf .... I don't think and "intillegent person" would disdain the comments of anyone. We can all learn and take some new perspective away.

[EchoCannon89]

alra are you being serious? do you know any words other than McDonalds? Why is that the most virulently anti-American people are so often the stupidest?

[paladin313]

Ah, another one of those people Virgil Fox himself despised: the purists. He had a statement for them, and I quote, "You all know what I think of the purists: the purists are the ones who talk about it and can't do it!"

[sykobeachparty]

The music is published and out there, I played it as the encore for my senior recital last summer, it's certainly hard but DEFINITLY not impossible. I like it much better than the flight of the bumblebee pedal solo.

[bkde2007]

Amazing! Simlpy Amazing! It got my mind thinking!

[stanman141]

WOW Wilhem Middleschulte was a musical propdigy. Mr. Fox was taught by him, and how lucky he was.

[Reesman95]

Only Mr. Fox could do something that great with his feet

[RDW1935]

I've never heard of another Organist who's ever tried to play this piece. Can it be played by anybody else? Do any of you enthusiasts know?

[Fozzymaple]

Yes, Cameron Carpenter has played it on the Marshall & Ogeltree at Trinity Wall Street in New York, but it is my opinion that fox is better, his (Fox's) playing is more fluid, and is also nicer to watch, not to mention that Cameron Carpenter's sense of fashion is kind of screwy, Virgil, while eccentric, is much easier to watch than Carpenter.

[RDW1935]

Thank you for your reply. I have never heard of Cameron Carpenter. He must be very good. It's hard to believe that ANYbody else would even TRY to "Tackle" that "Wedge" fugue. I must respect Mr. Carpenter for that alone! Thanks again.

[Fozzymaple]

be aware, Mr. Carpenter does not paly this as well as Dr. Fox, nor does he dress as well as Dr. Fox. I'm no fashion guru, but Mr. Carpenter's sense of how to dress himself for a performance is kind of out there, basically a white t-shirt, white pants, and hideous white organ shoes.

[RDW1935]

No matter how Mr. Carpenter dresses. If I witnessed his playing the Wedge Fugue in his pajama, I would still praise his ability. I only notice an Organist talent. And if he played it half as well as Virgil did, I'd commned him for it! Great, great Organists are few perhaps. Diane Bish is another superb artist! Many thanks for your reply.

[Bachlives2]

Yes he does dress rather strange I played this piece for him at a masterclass about this tempo but cleaner. He gave me a bunch of weird tips and what not on how to play it his "way"... Flexing the tempo adding notes... adding beats..... Just weird stuff. He does play very well though a lot of talent

[Reesman95]

WAIT so you can play this piece to?

[Reesman95]

There's now a recording of Cameron Carpenter out there titled Perpetual Motion for Pedals I think. Mr. Fox plays it much better though

[Schalmey8]

incredible

[elamonty]

simply...wow.

[cochbillcallahan]

Stunning pedal work. I have the sheet music for this. For Virgil to pull this off and such a speed is truly remarkable...he was one-of-a-kind!

[MeZZosOpRaNOz]

wow, i dnt now that bach wrote sutch a pice, the only thing is that i would have taken advantage of this pice and use the 16' stops such as bouden and trombone as well as the mixture.

[Fozzymaple]

Bach didn't write this, this was written by Wilhelm (?) Middelschulte, on of Virgil Fox's teachers. By god, I wish I could play like Virgil Fox.

[snipers600]

The 16s would have clouded it up a lot.

[paranormaalutrecht]

great great great terrific amazing awesome and anybody, anyone that have critics is A LOSER AND JALOUSEEEEEEEE.

Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! :)

[robertgift]

Virgil should have cleaned this up a bit.

Would like to have heard this on a real organ in live accoustics.

[tneorg]

Actually this WAS performed on a real organ in live acoustics - Aeolian-Skinner at Boston Symphony Hall - Acoustics there are considered some of the best in the world.

[robertgift]

Wish I had speakers on this computer.

I posted before the end and can see it is a real organ.

Thanks org. I sit corrected.

[Fozzymaple]

NO, this, I believe is his Allen Touring organ, unless I stand incorrect, I have always assumed that this was in fact not a real organ, but rather the Allen.

[posaune16]

Gasp! Did you really just suggest that the great Skinner organ of Symphony Hall in Boston is an ALLEN? For shame! :-)

[Reesman95]

My thoughts exactly!

[Fozzymaple]

My mistake, I couldn't tell where this was filmed, this doesn't look at all like any of the pictures of Symphony hall I've seen though.

[KE5RHD]

Wasn't it a Rodgers Touring Organ he used in the 60's and 70's for his heavy organ concerts? This is not it. The Rodgers had a cherry wood finish.

[posaune16]

The Rodgers was nicknamed "Black Beauty" for its EBONIZED finish.

[charlie8575]

I will attest to Symphony Hall's accoustics. Even the cheap seats (where I go) sound like front row. It's a wonderful place to go listen to a concert; if any of you are ever in Boston, try to arrange to go for a Pops or BSO show, you'll love it.

[choralman8009]

@tneorg I cannot even read these IDIOTS comments anymore....real accoustics? real organ? fuckin idiots.

[tamias6]

How anybody can move their feet at such blazing speed is beyond me. Awesome!

[dyetkoque]

No way!! I played this as an undergrad ... but not this fast :-) If played a bit slower, you can hear the motives better, I think, but that's one person's opinion ...

[violindave2]

Yes, you are entitled to your opinion. I do agree, a tad slower would have been clearer, but with someone this great and famous, showing off comes naturally. I'm a violinist and have noticed that about Jascha Heifetz and Itzhak Perlman (my idol). It's terrific that they can do it, and so cleanly!!

[mendax1773]

Virgil Fox's recording of this is slower than how he plays it here. In this video he's showing off. In the recording, he's somewhat more reserved.

[TwirlingGuy]

I just learned about Virgil Fox from an organist friend last night. Wow, dem's be some fancy feets!! Fantastic and highly skilled entertainer, like Liberace with foot pedals.

[BrahmsJohannes]

This spring I attended an organ concerto in St. Bartholomew's in NYC. An elder man took care of me and my wife, explaining who Bach was. He appeared to have often been in concerts by Virgil Fox, whom he admired. "Imagine", he said, "in heaven, you have god, Bach, and Virgil Fox, what a prospect!"

[KarrotKun1]

wow... Fox is a weird guy, this is the first time i've seen him... yet his music is SO BREATHTAKING (not especially this though, but, he is a virtuoso FOR SURE)

[kwireboi726]

Here @ the college I attend.. I study organ on an instrument that virgil fox once played! :-D

[Shogunmiyuchan]

The Peabody Institue??

[legamature]

Of course it is more difficult to write great music for pedals alone.

[legamature]

Has anyone noticed what a poor composition this is?

[Shogunmiyuchan]

Middelschulte did not write this piece with form or structure in mind, he wrote it as a test of the musician's technical abilities.

[legamature]

It is possible to have both. Chopin, Liszt etudes for example.

[Shogunmiyuchan]

OMG, I want that music so I can play it, that was awesome and inspiring, but then Virgil Fox was a master Organist

[pluto69]

dont knock him!!! GEEZ!! Thats his style. like it or not!!Just cuz he can show off his God given talent..He made the organ fun to listen to.. Not playing like the typical stoic, lack of emotion or feeling organ player that just goes thru the motions.. Rest in peace Virgil.. you are the best!!!

[Bachlives2]

Heck I am learning this and I am only 13. Its a lot of fun. BUT HE DOES SO THE HALF STEPS ON THE 3RDS TO FAST.

[qudolph]

bachlives2: kid, dont go round sayin youre some prodigy. call me when you play the six trios for memory.

[bradhorn14]

to late, memorized and full analysis with harmonic dictation and realization by age 15 BEAT THAT

[sirinferno]

weirdo

[kate10662]

Well I know bachlives2 personally, and he really is amazingly good. And he's not calling himself a prodigy.

[bach62]

Incredibile!!!!

[shawtunez]

I saw Virgil Fox in concert at Seneca's Minkler Auditorium in Toronto back in the 70's. He played the Rodgers Touring Organ through 144 different amps and speakers of all sizes. He was an astounding virtuoso, a humble and entertaining performer. His consuming passion for music was inspiring to all. I am forever grateful for the experience.

[sheepfokker1]

I was there too. I got an autographed picture. It says *Virgil sends love*. I have also played around on various Rodgers Touring Organs, the last of which was called black beauty. It was only a 3 decker tho.

[dinosauriorex]

Viejo payaso...

[pluto69]

I doubt anyone can realistically play this pedal tune like Virgil did. My mouth was on the ground when I first saw this video. .

[NWalterstorf]

It's quite amazing, isn't it? It takes quite a long time to learn it slow.

[OPHYCLIDE]

Thomas Trotter?

[ufni3p]

Don't get me wrong,he was a great virtuoso,but I just don't like his Disneyland-behaviour

[afdcomposer]

i have to agree with you ufni3p

[meycang22]

Strange dude lol.  But he surely was a virtuoso - and a pivotal figure in the history of the instrument. I wish there was a video of the Reubke Sonata, one of his greatest interpretations.

[setakht]

BACH is spelled because the European system of notation is slightly different than the American one. Bb = B and B major = H.

[Sanrus]

...I'd like to be like HIM when I grow up:))

[Christopher81]

You could try Brodt Music in Charlotte, NC or Brenda Durden King (I believe she is based out of Washington state). Also try a university music library like ISM-Yale (Go YALE Bulldogs), Duke, Oberlin, Manhattan School of Music, etc.

[Christopher81]

This work as far as I know is no longer in print. I am lucky to have a copy which belonged to my grandmother. I also believe my mother has a copy. I could make a copy for you if you like, scan it and then email.

[pianoandpipes]

I would like that. Could I get a copy from you? I've looked around and asked around but to no avail.

Thanks.

[clyons05]

May I get a copy from you? I have seen a piece similar to it, but I would love the actual thing. Thank you

[NWalterstorf]

I believe a copy of this piece, performed here by Virgil Fox, can be found in the book "At the Organ with Virgil Fox." I'm beginning this piece today as the book came in the mail.

[Shogunmiyuchan]

holy hell..Now lets see Roy Castle do that! haha!! Where can you get thta piece from?

[pianoguy1988]

I've always wondered how the notes spelled BACH.

[Wumingde]

The motif is Bb-A-C-B

[Bachlives2]

no its B_A_C_Bb

[dnephi]

No, it's BACH, and H is B natural. Bb-A-C-B

[kwireboi726]

You are correct.

[robertgift]

Bb is B,

A,C, B-natural is H

Bach included his name in Die Kunst der Fuge

"The Art of Fugue"

Also that motif appears on other notes in the Tocatta and Fugue in F major.