HYMN - Crown Him with Many Crowns (DIADEMATA)

[goodchappy]

Very good, any chance of you using a better method of recording the audio? Its mono :-)

[bhigdaddymark]

@goodchappy Hello friend, how are you? I actually hired a 'professional' videographer to record this and the other eleven original videos I posted three years ago. They are the vids with me wearing that blue dress shirt. Note that the voicing of the organ is different between the original twelve and all of the other videos I recorded on this organ this being the voicing when it was installed. Not only was it recorded in mono, the volume is way too low. Thanks, hope you're well. Cheers!

[goodchappy]

@goodchappy No doubt you will be uploading many more videos, I guess like most of us, they can only get better. Nice to hear someone who obviously has a musical ear for harmonies and doesn't rush the easy bits and slow on the difficult bits :-)

[BelleHeloise7]

Thank you so much for posting your music.

You were born for this cause, your music is so beautiful and so obviously comes from the depths of your soul, connecting us from earth to heaven.

Please continue to post this marvelous gift.

Lady Jane of Windsor

[bhigdaddymark]

@BelleHeloise7 Lady Jane, thank you for your most kind and generous comments. It's comments like those that encourage me to press on in trying to offer music that will bring a smile to one's face and hopefully, thrill to their heart. You're very kind and I thank you from the depth of my heart. Thank You!

BDM

[march131958]

@BelleHeloise7 ,. Love this. I was an organist at a Cathedral and I do miss it. My most "chilling" was for Midnight Mass...I loved to open her up with choir and srings. Cant get much better than that!

[bikemusic123]

Really enjoyed your treatment of this hymn. Thanks for posting!

[bhigdaddymark]

@bikemusic123 Thank you, and you're welcome!

[bennypapd]

Loved your interpretation and registrations and this Beautiful Hymn.

[bhigdaddymark]

@bennypapd Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[pianoandy999]

Briliiant! you're very talented! I've got a few ideas for my my own interpretation from you now. you played it with great majesty. well done!

[bhigdaddymark]

@pianoandy999 Thanks!

[davbear221]

You did just fine! All of us organist screw up from time to time. I really like your ear for dressing up the tune! You have a real talent for that! Blessings!

[bhigdaddymark]

@davbear221 Thank you my friend, and would you pleeease subscribe in case you haven't ;-) All the best to you and thanks again!

Mark

[AntiqueSteve]

Keep up the good work.. I still listen to your music and you are great.... keep posting more songs on the organ....... You are very good and play to GOD with your talent!

[bhigdaddymark]

@AntiqueSteve Thank you kind sir!

[AntiqueSteve]

Keep up the good work.. I still listen to your music and you are great.... keep posting more songs on the organ.......

[Orgelfan92]

That is a really great song and you performed it so very well I just love it!!!

I'm from Germany and play the organ myself. I hope to get as good as you in some years of pracising.

[bhigdaddymark]

@Orgelfan92 Thank you so much, and yes, practicing will ensure that you'll get better and stay sharp. Good luck to you in your organ future, and play well!

Mark

[ppaajjeerroo]

Hello. I'm Eduardo from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I wat to wish you Merry Christmas ana all the best for next New Year.

[bhigdaddymark]

@ppaajjeerroo Thank you my friend, long time no hear! Merry Christmas to you, and have a great New Year!

[chieftp]

you could play dat thang if it wuz a B3.

[bhigdaddymark]

@chieftp Nah, my 'chops' aren't that good at all. Those B3 players are wicked, and it's also a different type of music and playing. I wish I could play like those cats, I'd then have something to be most proud of.....

[organperson]

oh my gosh.... that is beautiful!!!! I wish i could play that well!!!!

[bhigdaddymark]

@organperson Yeah me too! Thanks...

[llllloooooo]

I didn't hear any blunders. Your church is lucky to have you there playing. They never play hymns at our church and it sucks.

[bhigdaddymark]

@llllloooooo Thanks, of course I'd notice them hopefully before you would. What kind of a church do you attend that doesn't sing hymns? Here in America, there's been this movement in many churches to shift away from a more traditional service to one that's more 'modern' if you will where they've actually done away with using the organ in place of rhythm sections and singing 'songs' instead of hymns. Perhaps this 'new' kind of church service has spread to your country? Where 'down under' are you?

[llllloooooo]

@bhigdaddymark Wow a reply from the master himself!! I go to a baptist church north of Sydney and barely any of the songs they sing have been around for more than the blink of an eye. I always laugh at the copywrite label at the bottom that never gives a date later than 2000. Fortunately for me though I have talented individuals like yourself keeping me inspired with works that have stood the test of time and that people will be singing in another 100 years. Thanks again!!

[bhigdaddymark]

@llllloooooo "The master himself" lol! that's funny, hahaha! Thanks for your kind comments. You might want to attend either a Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian or Episcopal church as those are the only places where you might hear the tradition hymns and get to hear the organ as well. Thanks mate for your comments and keep in touch. I like having friends around the world, and I lost contact with the one friend that I had in Perth.

BDM

[05Forenza]

@bhigdaddymark Unfortunately the Lutheran churches are starting to get very modernized. The organ is barely used anymore. Quite a sad day =(

[bhigdaddymark]

@05Forenza REALLY?!!  That is sad and surprising as I thought the Catholics had a vice grip on throwing away traditional services in favour of these sort of 'Pop Rock' services. As I understand it, the Lutheran service is close to the Episcopalian service and I never thought that they or any traditional Protestant church would go 'Modern' and discontinue to use the organ which had been king in those churches forever. Then again, it was king in the Catholic church at one time as well....

[mitchelllou2]

I read that many people have pluged into your videos. You are getting quite a following. The pressure is on and I think you can rise to the occasion. This is a wonderful hymn and you do it justice. Too bad you don't have a congregation siging to your wonderful playing. Very inspirational. Thank you.

[bhigdaddymark]

@mitchelllou2 Thanks. I appreciate all of your comments, thanks.

BDM

[railfanatic844]

I myself am a beginner organist and listening to this makes me extremely excited to play the king if instruments

[bhigdaddymark]

Now if I could only play, I'd get excited too........Thanks!

[Operaman41]

I remember the Methodist Church used to sing this Every Easter now they dont!! WHat a shame it was truly Easter and it still is when I hear it specially the way you play!!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you!

[AntiqueSteve]

You are still one of the best.... keep it going. I never get tired of listening to you play this hymn. You do a very wonderful job of it and it's a great service to God! (I have written to you before praising your music)

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you kind Sir!

[roberttwfsm]

As a profession organist, you play very well my friend!! This is one of my fav hymns from way back . I played this at my Mother's memorial. As for your boo boo? I didn't hear a thing! You kept on playing and it sounds marvelous! God has given you a gift my friend! use it!!! God Bless! :)

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks for your most kind comments, and yes, there was a big boo-boo!

[OrganLiturgic]

Fantastico********

[bhigdaddymark]

Grazie!

[woodchuck954]

I love your organ playing. The 1940 Hymnal is my favorite and I can play all the hymns you played. I particularly like the Third Communion Service.

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you! Yes, it's my favourite hymnal as well. I never got into the 1982 edition unfortunately as I'm sure there are even more wonderful hymns there too that I need to learn. Thanks again and be well.

Mark

[davlber]

Good job! I like that instrument what is it? Keep up your great work and know that everyone screws up every now and then! I love hearing you play!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you! The instrument is a Walker Technical, the absolute finest digital Organ built as they ONLY sample E. M. Skinner & Aeolian-Skinner organs. Allen & Rodgers haven't and will never come close to a Walker. It's too bad that the sound suffered not only because we (photo-journalist and I) didn't use an external microphone, but also in the uploading process as I understand it, you lose sound quality. In the church this organ is stunning with incredibly effective 32's. Thanks for commenting.

[Contrabass32]

Wonderful! After watching several of your videos, the other thing I notice is that you seem so calm, and you reach for every stop, pison, coupler, and manual like you know exactly what you're doing. I still feel a panic every time I have to hit another general piston and usually end up bumping the keys nearby--not a good thing to do on a Sunday morning.....something for me to work on.

I still haven't heard any of the mistakes you keep talking about. Don't worry about them! :-)

[bhigdaddymark]

You're very kind indeed! You being a professional musician, I'm SURE that you've heard the mistakes LOL! I used to watch Paul Halley at the console when he was at St. John the Divine in NYC, and in addition to his superb playing, what got me was that he just sat there a ever so smoothly hit pistons as he was playing! I'd think to myself "this is one smooth/cool dude". So I learned to set up my pistons as I wanted them, and just hit pistons as I played just like Paul! Thanks!

BDM

[passacaglia28]

This piece is outstanding.  I bookmarked this several months ago but just now got around to creating a You Tube account. This is why I haven't commented a long time ago. I keep coming back to this one because I think it is magnificently done. It is true every artist is his worst critic. I thought you did wonderfully and could not find a point where you messed up as you put it. I have seen many of your other videos to and find them to be very inspirational. Good work!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! Many more videos are finally coming. I've found two churches: one in NYC (Aeolian-Skinner 1932 w/4 manuals & 6 divisions in a killer room), the other just outside of NYC:Large Schantz in about 6 or so seconds of reverb! Taping in May and hopefully will be able to post as soon as I get back to Florida so stay tuned............

BDM

[organpipe8]

Beautiful my friend - thanks for sharing. God Bless - Lance ♫♪♫

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you and your welcome Lance. Take care, and you keep posting please.....

Mark

[texanrue]

hey! just wanting to wish u a merry christmas! im always enjoying ur material as usual

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks, new material on the way soon............Merry Christmas and a great New Year to you!

[nicbirns]

I always know where to go for the best organ versions of any hymn

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks, that's a nice thing to say. Enjoy!

Mark

[JohnL9013]

MAN!!!! What mistakes are you talking about? This is good stuff, man!!

What organ is this, anyway?

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks John,

The organ is a very fine Walker digital organ with one or two ranks of pipes located in the Orlando Florida area. It's equivalent to about 118 ranks and yes, there are plenty of mistakes!

Thanks again..............

Mark

[JohnL9013]

Quite impressive for a digital. I have a friend who plays a Walker digital/pipe hybrid in northern NJ also and he said it was very good and I was skeptical, but this video definitely demonstrates that it produces a pretty competent sound.

Well, regardless of the mistakes, I enjoyed the video!

[garyg1956]

Hello Bid Daddy Mark! Came across you videos and you have made me a permanent viewer. As a organist who had to retire early because of eye problems I am glad that there are organists out there that still play the traditional hymns. Excellant playing!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks Gary! Hopefully, more videos after the new year so stay tuned........

Mark

[AntiqueSteve]

Hey Mark,

I still listen to you very often on here man!! You are great! It's like going to church and hearing the perfect sermon when I just sit and enjoy your music. Keep up the good work and God has blessed you so that you can bless up in return so greatly! You are a good man!

STeve

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks Steve, new videos are on the way soon, although not soon enough. You're the man!

Mark

[njn3]

Hey Mark,

Don't edit out the "errors"... I know as a perfectionist, it bothers you... I know how I am in my craft so I can relate... But truthfully... i like the way you pulled out of it... It sounded like an improvisation(?) Forgive me for not knowing the musical terms. Check out all the comments here.. No one mentions any "blunders" like you called them... Anyway... The fan club grows!! Talk soon..

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks Buddy, I responded to your message regarding video taping in NYC. My Mom turns eighty on Nov.3 and I plan on being in NYC then (me, my brother, and my son plan on helping her to celebrate that milestone) so perhaps that might be a good time to tape (I'll play Christmas hymns). We'll talk well before that. Yeah, my "blunders" bother the snot out of me......it is what it is I guess. Thanks man, we'll talk soon. Hey, I've got old video of me at St. John the Divine (1990), needs editing...

[bhigdaddymark]

Nah, no improvisation. It was more like "okay fat boy, ya F'd up now recover quickly!!" Despite others not noticing it, I notice it, and know better than to make dopey mistakes as such. I've only played this hymn 10,000 times...........Geez!

[njn3]

i guess you being hard on yourself is what makes you good... i get it... but trust me we all enjoy your work... evidence: the comments... how many are negative??

[bhigdaddymark]

EXACTLY! I'm hard on myself for a couple of reasons: one being to keep the ego nonexistent, and the other to ward off a big head...........

[grdhrn]

Hey Big Daddy Mark!

Way to go, man....and, thanks. A request: "Lord Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing" with melody "Regent Square TLH 50 (1941 Version). Also "We Give Thee But Thine Own" to the tune "Energy" again TLH 441. Thank you and God's Blessings to you. Dave

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks Dave, I'll look into your requests but first I must get the hymnal that you refer to. Would that be the Lutheran hymnal by any chance? let me know, otherwise I'll go to a local Lutheran church and "borrow" a hymnal with their knowledge of course...........

[grdhrn]

Yes, indeed, I apologize for not defining the hymnal. It is "The Lutheran Hymnal" 1941 version. I have scans of the relevant pages but can't figure out how to send them to you. Also I have a spare hymnal if you are interested I can send to you. Thank you so much for answering and considering my requests. You must get so many ;)

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks again Dave, and yes, I've gotten many requests and can only hope to honor them. Considering that I don't read music (treble clef only and barely), it will be quite a challenge if I haven't actually heard the hymn first, to play it. Not only that, the anal retentive butt wipe that I am, I have to LIKE the hymn in order for me to play it and give it "the treatment" on the last stanza. So I'll be considering all requests very CAREFULLY.....

Thanks,

Mark (BDM)........

[AntiqueSteve]

This man has a great gift.. he remains very calm and puts out a sound that would make one think he is moving very fast. I listen to all of his songs and respect him greatly! God has blessed him and us with his music.....

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you Steve, that's a very nice thing to say. Although it would be impossible to tell, believe me, I'm blushing.............

[ukorganist]

Well articulated service playing! I play the organ and enjoy the 20th century Parisian composers (Messiaen, Durufle, Dupre) etc but I'm useless at Hymn playing. Keep up the good work!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks, I'm even more useless..........

[snerha]

Wonderful!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks!

[davbear221]

You have a skill for hymns! I enjoy your playing. I've taught for many years and have heard many organists but you have a real talent and feel for hymnody! I hope a congregation enjoys that great sound! Blessings and keep up the good work!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you! and blessings to you too.

[orgelkraft]

I hear Fred Swann in your playing, but I hear your contribution too.....very good sound. Mistakes are no big deal, we ALL make them when we play....I have heard people play with mechanical precision who sound TERRIBLE because they can't choose good stop combinations....

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you for your comments and compliments and sorry for the delay in responding. To hear Dr. Swann live in a service would have your hair standing on end believe me. This I experienced for many years being a member of Riverside Church in NYC. Thanks again.

[opperdoes24]

very beautifull!

[19lfm12]

Who cares about the mistakes? You can surely work those out! Your playing is dignified and articulate - which sets it apart from the fast, clipped, insensitive (and utterly irreligious) playing of most organists. The rythym is singable & gives life to the words of this hymn. You understand HOW to play hymns! If I had been in the pews hearing that on Sunday, I would have emptied my wallet into the plate! Thank you!

[bhigdaddymark]

LOL!! Thanks again! I always thought that my timing was off, and sucked BIG TIME. Well I guess it isn't as bad as I thought, or as bad as it used to be. Thank you for the vote of confidence......I'm honored.

Mark

[bhigdaddymark]

I'm baffled at how my responses are posted in doubles. Now cut that out You Tube!

[organpoole]

This is some of the best organplaying I've ever heard! I'm a self taught organist myself and play in the church I go to. I wish I was even half as good as you are with improvising!

[bhigdaddymark]

Me good? you're WAY too kind. I had the benefit of growing up in New York City living near and attending (from 1973) Riverside Church & The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine where I got to hear Fred Swann & Alec Wyton teach me as a listener how to play hymns and improvise. Then came Paul Halley, Dorothy Papadakos, Gerre Hancock, Bill Randolph, Solomon Herriott, Bill Cooper & David Hurd. Many influenced me, but none more than Fred Swann. So listen to as many other organists as possible!

[bhigdaddymark]

Me good? you're WAY too kind. I had the benefit of growing up in New York City living near and attending (from 1973) Riverside Church & The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine where I got to hear Fred Swann & Alec Wyton teach me as a listener how to play hymns and improvise. Then came Paul Halley, Dorothy Papadakos, Gerre Hancock, Bill Randolph, Solomon Herriott, Bill Cooper & David Hurd. Many influenced me, but none more than Fred Swann. So listen to as many other organists as possible!

[bluestripetiger]

This was so beautiful--i go to church in a congregagtion where our organ is broken, and even if it was fixed we haven' hadt an organist in years. =( I would love to hear you do a jesus the king medley with coronation,diademata,, and miles lane.

[bhigdaddymark]

WOW! the requests keep coming. I've forgotten how 'Miles Lane' goes. I'll have to look it up. Thanks for the suggestion, it ought to be challenging just to fill all of the requests that I've gotten. My next session will be of the requests, THEN what I intended to video tape. Thank you so much for your interest and kind words.

Mark

[9828htfer]

This is my favourite of your videos - you're a really talented organist and as my fellow, very elderly organist at my church says to me, if you don't use your God-given talent, you'll lose it! So keep up the great work! I hope to use some of your playing styles in my playing, but at my church we only have a 2-manual Allen organ - so not quite the same as yours lol :D

[bhigdaddymark]

Thanks from across the pond! Of all people, I really encourage you because of your age, to listen to EVERYBODY and their particular styles of playing. There's one super great organist in England and right now, I've forgotten his name (David...?) he's a great improviser. When I remember his name, I'll message you with it. When I was coming up, my biggest influence was Fred Swann and I studied his technique intently-how he played hymns, improvised etc. I suggest the same for you. Continued-

[bhigdaddymark]

9828htfer, listen to everyone, play as many organs as possible,and always reharmonize even in the slightest way because that makes it interesting. This will help you to develope your own 'style'. Rarely will I play a hymn as written or straight if you will, because I find that boring. Even if I play one chord in the entire hymn differently from how it was written, it will grab attention. Tell me, what makes this your favourite of my videos? Thanks for your kind words, be creative at all costs-

[bhigdaddymark]

Hopefully, that Allen is in a good room. That organist I mentioned earlier is David Briggs. Stay in touch, and thanks for your comments. Keep on playing, and most of all, HAVE FUN......

Mark

[wopenshaw]

Wonderful! Thank you! Please give us more!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you! I intend on uploading many more including audio of an Evensong service I played the improvisation postlude for at St. John the Divine (1999 I think it was) in NYC, plus some local practice audio on a very fine 4 manual 88 rank Tellers organ revoiced with new reeds (voiced in Frech style) from Gilbert Adams (of Aeolian-Skinner, worked on St. Thomas 5th Ave. NYC & Riverside Church). So stayed tuned, and thanks again.

[bhigdaddymark]

That's FRENCH style. I need to proof read before posting comment. Sorry 'bout that....

[27charliee]

I love your playing and hymn selections, however, there are too few of these to choose from. We charter members of the bhigdaddymark fan club request more examples of your wonderful musical talents! May God bless you and keep you in all your ways!

[bhigdaddymark]

LOL!!!!!! Now that's funny! from this session, 4 were left out.'Praise to the Lord' never made it onto the CD-R that I used to upload with,'Sine Nomine' part 1 was too big (more than 100MB),'Hanover' wasn't edited, nor was 'St. Columbia'- I've since fired my  cameraman for those screw ups, and I'm still searching for his replacement. I intend on filming more real soon. I really enjoyed your comments and blessings you are kind and most appreciated. Thank you, and may God bless you always.

Mark

[funeralman2001]

Everything is fine. No noticed

[bhigdaddymark]

???!

[Subass32]

You really have a gift for harmonization!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you, I'm happy you enjoyed it.

[vocalise1]

Absolutely incredible! Thanks for sharing. Sounds wonderful!

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank you so much!

[giufighter]

fantastico.

Buon Natale

[bhigdaddymark]

Thank You!