Love it! Did something similar for a wedding at my church, drums but no kit, also added a few dustbins for extra fun!! As this piece has been played by brass band etc why not with percussion? Both of you seem to be having a whale of a time and thouroughly enjoying yourselves, pity there weren't a few more to hear you!!!! Do it as a postlude and people will stay on just to listen.
I think it was fun and great! As far as it being an insult to the organ and the church, I doubt it. I think the biggest insult is arrogant organist and people hung up on it being "correct" that they loose sight of what music really is. If people did not try new things and experiment with new arrangements we still would only be singing chant and even that is questionable. If you want to not try new things with the organ it will die along with all the music that you are "protecting"
wow 5 stars glad to see someone putting a little intrest for those who might not find the pipe organ intresting....................take away the drums and i would still be in aww and in love that instrament is wonderful! i would love to sit down and play it and be surrounded by pipes!!! makes my little 2 manual 14 rank estay pipe organ look like a toy!
Spent last evening at St. Paul's Cathedral, London midnight service. Dreary Anglican bemoaning hymns without zest. Would love (both of ) you to visit London and play at St. Paul's, please! Your welcomed playing would charge the air!!
Well Pierre Cochereau did a set of improvisations at Notre Dame de Paris with percussion and drums. Believe me it is quite exciting. I find it an insult to the piece, the composer, church and organ when a piece is played badly. Young people need to be introduced to the organ and if this generates some interest then so be it. I too am impressed at the page turns on your own...good playing.
I came here expecting to hate it, but I didn't! The Swingle Singers failed to harm Bach and the drums here haven't harmed Widor. It definitely helps that this is video and not just audio. I'm impressed with your skillful page-turns, too. Seriously.
This is BRILLIANT! Seriously, it works (kinda sorta) in a way that certainly doesn't hurt Widor . . . and c'mon, we're allowed to have a little fun with the classics, oui? Rock on!
i'm no organist, though i do play musical instruments, and i have to say: bravo, i love the drums and i'm glad u tried something different (remixes can put great twists to good music, and this is one good remix)
All that needs to happen now is for Ethel Merman to resurrect and somehow adapt the harmonies using Widor's arpeggios to weave around the disco version of "There's No Business Like Show Business" complete with disco ball and lights. Thoughts?
All that needs to happen now is for Ethel Merman to resurrect and somehow adapt the harmonies using Widor's arpeggios to weave around the disco version of "There's No Business Like Show Business" complete with disco ball and lights. Thoughts?
This is not a piece that I would have expected to go well with a drum set, but it does. Violinist Ivry Gitlis once said in an interview that saying a piece can only be played one way is to say that the piece is, indeed, a very poor piece. Far too many organists play this piece the exact same way (and many of them play it quite badly). Thank you for finding a new way to play this piece! It deserves to be played well and played interestingly; you do both, and I very much enjoy the performance.
First off, I absolutely love this! I truly believe that if Widor had a drummer, or if he was alive today, he would've incorporated the drums in his works. He would have to if he wants to take his music to a bigger audience. The drums, or some kind of percussion instrument, will always be an integral part of any music that comes out. Classical music will never survive if no one "re-invents" it, simply because as time goes on, people will lose interest. So, great job!!
All I can say is I'm loving this rendition of a 5th of Widor. And I read through all the comments and the ones from the haters had me laughing. I like to think that Widor himself was sufficiently non-stuffy that he would be smiling hearing your rendition as well.
Way to go! God is laughing,Widor isn't sure what to do and I am LOVIN" IT. Wish I had the fortitude to do that at my church. Got a big Zimmer to do it on too! WAHOOOO!
P.S.in most circles I am a stuffy 51 year old organist-keep my secret please. Garry
I am all for creative combinations. And the pipe organ was intended to mimic other instruments right? So it itself is a combination of other instruments. But this just doesnt work....like standing in a the practice hall of a large music school...and the organ student and the drum student happen to be in adjacent practice rooms.
Oh come on people, its meant as a joke. :P This young man obviously has studied the organ, meaning that he has a respect for the instrument and composers. I grew up in the Lutheran Church and am a traditionalist in worship practices, so I wouldn't like to here this during a church service, but this was obviously done for fun. I'm a professional orchestral musician, I love this piece and I think this is hilarious. We can't be serious all the time, let us musicians have a little fun. :)
It's very, very hard to find words for the deed you have committed. So suffice it to say: from today (the very day I heard this for the first time) I shall not have any doubts as to what the music of hell must sound like.
Congratulation for your diligence regarding the greatest musical crime and the worst musical shit I have ever come across in my entire life.
Lighten up! If you look closely there are only the two musicians in the room and since it is His house God is there too. I am sure He is tapping His foot!. We are made in His image and we have a sense of humor, I believe He does too. Go find yours and let the rest of us have a little fun!
As a life-long organ fan and professional organ builder - Bravo! Ignore the haters. All arrangements take music to instruments it wasn't written for, the choice of instruments doesn't make it 'desecration'. This will make friends of people who never thought they liked the organ, and defy the idea that modern music and the organ are mutually exclusive.
@twooffour of course they aren't, but when organists and organ builders started treating the organ like an exercise in historical re-enactment, the general public followed suit. So now we have an uphill battle with an instrument too often thought of as a museum piece.
@angelinbabel hi, new (modern) music has been composed ever since; organ improvisation is a major deal in any music conservatory, and can be heard around the town frequently; and obviously, most of that stuff (incl. older music/styles) is far more exciting than this ;)
the people you're talking about are probably the same who think jazz has "died" in the 20s or something...
Well, folks will either LOVE it or HATE it... guess which category 99.99% of "traditional" organists will fall into....... of course....... their snooty upturned-noses are twitching out of joint as we speak.
More of this sort of arranging JUST might attract more YOUNG PEOPLE to the world of the old and stuffy organ.
It's clear that you guys are having a blast with this old chestnut ... I *LOVE* it!!!
As a classical organist and former pipe organ technician....you guys are AWESOME!!!!! Of course a little mistiming and a little screw up towards the end, but I still love this vid. I watch it when ever I can. I showed this vid to other organist and they LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Mixing two loud instruments that use both hands and feet..how can they not go together? That octavegeigen4 can suck my 32'. He probably plays a Baldwin organ.
I swear I'm going to turn blue from the number of times I've said this: I am a student organist LEARNING the original of Widor's Toccata. I have to play it very often so I use that version until I fully learn the original. And in regards to my original comment on this video, I am certain that Charles-Marie Widor, a man who composed to the glory of God and for the pipe organ, NEVER intended for his music to be desecrated by an instrument which belongs solely to rock music, the drums.
@octavegeigen4 he probably didn't compose for people to play simplifications of his music, either...so learn the real version--which this guy plays well--or STFU.
Love it! Did something similar for a wedding at my church, drums but no kit, also added a few dustbins for extra fun!! As this piece has been played by brass band etc why not with percussion? Both of you seem to be having a whale of a time and thouroughly enjoying yourselves, pity there weren't a few more to hear you!!!! Do it as a postlude and people will stay on just to listen.
pldavey2 1 month ago
still needs more cowbell
ttfergu 4 months ago
I think it was fun and great! As far as it being an insult to the organ and the church, I doubt it. I think the biggest insult is arrogant organist and people hung up on it being "correct" that they loose sight of what music really is. If people did not try new things and experiment with new arrangements we still would only be singing chant and even that is questionable. If you want to not try new things with the organ it will die along with all the music that you are "protecting"
AllenAP40 9 months ago 2
wow 5 stars glad to see someone putting a little intrest for those who might not find the pipe organ intresting....................take away the drums and i would still be in aww and in love that instrament is wonderful! i would love to sit down and play it and be surrounded by pipes!!! makes my little 2 manual 14 rank estay pipe organ look like a toy!
lansfordno9mine 11 months ago
Spent last evening at St. Paul's Cathedral, London midnight service. Dreary Anglican bemoaning hymns without zest. Would love (both of ) you to visit London and play at St. Paul's, please! Your welcomed playing would charge the air!!
morelondon 1 year ago
Well Pierre Cochereau did a set of improvisations at Notre Dame de Paris with percussion and drums. Believe me it is quite exciting. I find it an insult to the piece, the composer, church and organ when a piece is played badly. Young people need to be introduced to the organ and if this generates some interest then so be it. I too am impressed at the page turns on your own...good playing.
mjfreeman 1 year ago
TOTALY and DEFINITELY EXCELLENT !!!!
you guys are giving us a great pleasure to see / hear you so inspired by this masterpiece !
I must say that George is absolutely great , I like the way he plays, the breaks he makes, the reprise etc..
The final is a true GREAT MOMENT !!!
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO ! ENCORE !!!
toddao70mm 1 year ago
I came here expecting to hate it, but I didn't! The Swingle Singers failed to harm Bach and the drums here haven't harmed Widor. It definitely helps that this is video and not just audio. I'm impressed with your skillful page-turns, too. Seriously.
mach37 1 year ago
@mach37 thanks :)
jcborgan 1 year ago
This is BRILLIANT! Seriously, it works (kinda sorta) in a way that certainly doesn't hurt Widor . . . and c'mon, we're allowed to have a little fun with the classics, oui? Rock on!
sharky123 1 year ago
Wonderful! Loved it
organman77 1 year ago
i'm no organist, though i do play musical instruments, and i have to say: bravo, i love the drums and i'm glad u tried something different (remixes can put great twists to good music, and this is one good remix)
Z2D3 1 year ago
I think this is hysterical.
All that needs to happen now is for Ethel Merman to resurrect and somehow adapt the harmonies using Widor's arpeggios to weave around the disco version of "There's No Business Like Show Business" complete with disco ball and lights. Thoughts?
kph11863 1 year ago
I think this is hysterical.
All that needs to happen now is for Ethel Merman to resurrect and somehow adapt the harmonies using Widor's arpeggios to weave around the disco version of "There's No Business Like Show Business" complete with disco ball and lights. Thoughts?
kph11863 1 year ago
This is not a piece that I would have expected to go well with a drum set, but it does. Violinist Ivry Gitlis once said in an interview that saying a piece can only be played one way is to say that the piece is, indeed, a very poor piece. Far too many organists play this piece the exact same way (and many of them play it quite badly). Thank you for finding a new way to play this piece! It deserves to be played well and played interestingly; you do both, and I very much enjoy the performance.
wabthemusician 1 year ago
First off, I absolutely love this! I truly believe that if Widor had a drummer, or if he was alive today, he would've incorporated the drums in his works. He would have to if he wants to take his music to a bigger audience. The drums, or some kind of percussion instrument, will always be an integral part of any music that comes out. Classical music will never survive if no one "re-invents" it, simply because as time goes on, people will lose interest. So, great job!!
polgarfan 1 year ago
Nicely done. Well played on the organ side and in this version the drummer knew where he was going!
vleyueiq 1 year ago
All I can say is I'm loving this rendition of a 5th of Widor. And I read through all the comments and the ones from the haters had me laughing. I like to think that Widor himself was sufficiently non-stuffy that he would be smiling hearing your rendition as well.
rauschquint 1 year ago
Way to go! God is laughing,Widor isn't sure what to do and I am LOVIN" IT. Wish I had the fortitude to do that at my church. Got a big Zimmer to do it on too! WAHOOOO!
P.S.in most circles I am a stuffy 51 year old organist-keep my secret please. Garry
southernboi59 1 year ago
Lighten up people! God must have a sense of humor as we are made in his image!
Grow up! Thanks for doing this! I love it, brings a smile to my face and a chuckle to my heart! Bravo and keep it up! Garry
southernboi59 1 year ago
I am all for creative combinations. And the pipe organ was intended to mimic other instruments right? So it itself is a combination of other instruments. But this just doesnt work....like standing in a the practice hall of a large music school...and the organ student and the drum student happen to be in adjacent practice rooms.
NWAMusiclover 1 year ago
Oh come on people, its meant as a joke. :P This young man obviously has studied the organ, meaning that he has a respect for the instrument and composers. I grew up in the Lutheran Church and am a traditionalist in worship practices, so I wouldn't like to here this during a church service, but this was obviously done for fun. I'm a professional orchestral musician, I love this piece and I think this is hilarious. We can't be serious all the time, let us musicians have a little fun. :)
hcshrtvla 1 year ago
OMG that was just BRILLIANT!!!!!!! FUN FUN FUN!!! I must have a bash at that with the drummer from our Church Praise band!
alanmathew1978 1 year ago 2
I love it!
Tom1980nj 1 year ago
The best thing that has happened to a Phelps Casavant! ;)
voxmystica09 1 year ago
My dearest jcborgan!
It's very, very hard to find words for the deed you have committed. So suffice it to say: from today (the very day I heard this for the first time) I shall not have any doubts as to what the music of hell must sound like.
Congratulation for your diligence regarding the greatest musical crime and the worst musical shit I have ever come across in my entire life.
noncervantes 1 year ago
@noncervantes this is my favorite comment so far!
jcborgan 1 year ago 3
@noncervantes
Lighten up! If you look closely there are only the two musicians in the room and since it is His house God is there too. I am sure He is tapping His foot!. We are made in His image and we have a sense of humor, I believe He does too. Go find yours and let the rest of us have a little fun!
southernboi59 1 year ago
As a life-long organ fan and professional organ builder - Bravo! Ignore the haters. All arrangements take music to instruments it wasn't written for, the choice of instruments doesn't make it 'desecration'. This will make friends of people who never thought they liked the organ, and defy the idea that modern music and the organ are mutually exclusive.
angelinbabel 1 year ago
@angelinbabel they aren't anyway ;)
twooffour 1 year ago
@twooffour of course they aren't, but when organists and organ builders started treating the organ like an exercise in historical re-enactment, the general public followed suit. So now we have an uphill battle with an instrument too often thought of as a museum piece.
angelinbabel 1 year ago
@angelinbabel hi, new (modern) music has been composed ever since; organ improvisation is a major deal in any music conservatory, and can be heard around the town frequently; and obviously, most of that stuff (incl. older music/styles) is far more exciting than this ;)
the people you're talking about are probably the same who think jazz has "died" in the 20s or something...
twooffour 1 year ago
Well, folks will either LOVE it or HATE it... guess which category 99.99% of "traditional" organists will fall into....... of course....... their snooty upturned-noses are twitching out of joint as we speak.
More of this sort of arranging JUST might attract more YOUNG PEOPLE to the world of the old and stuffy organ.
It's clear that you guys are having a blast with this old chestnut ... I *LOVE* it!!!
theremin137 1 year ago 9
Well, it's different.
wurlitzer3 1 year ago
Great !, good playing, for you both: organist and drummer.
For octavegeigen4: your version is so poor, Widor once say that he consider ridiculous that fast tempos like yours.
gipsykingsvolare 1 year ago
Bravo guys! How about a jazz combo?
ericksoneric 1 year ago
As a classical organist and former pipe organ technician....you guys are AWESOME!!!!! Of course a little mistiming and a little screw up towards the end, but I still love this vid. I watch it when ever I can. I showed this vid to other organist and they LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Mixing two loud instruments that use both hands and feet..how can they not go together? That octavegeigen4 can suck my 32'. He probably plays a Baldwin organ.
tworincones 1 year ago
Awesome arrangement! I've always wanted someone to do the same with Vivaldi's Four Seasons! (hey, can you play the harpsichord??)
Just shake all of these other haters off and keep on keepin on!
sangerharris 1 year ago
I think this is neat, actually. Sometimes, musicians can be so petty, but this is different, unusual, and I enjoyed it! The organ sounds GREAT!
RyPie415 2 years ago
Comment removed
SisterAllie35 2 years ago
An insult to the piece, to the organ, and to the Church
octavegeigen4 2 years ago
@octavegeigen4
This makes no sense at all. Who got the idea of drums with organ??????
theaterpipe1 2 years ago
i don't know, but they deserve to be punched in the face
octavegeigen4 2 years ago
@octavegeigen4
Yeah and told how dumb it is to mix stupid drums and a wonderful organ.
theaterpipe1 2 years ago 2
@theaterpipe1 you just insulted the motherfucking DRUMSET??
twooffour 1 year ago
@octavegeigen4
Yeah, punch him in the face. A video of "Send Down the Fire" played on shitty electronic organ would be far superior.
chen5551212 2 years ago
@octavegeigen4 at least in my version, I am playing the Widor Toccata! Your version includes no arpeggiations!
jcborgan 1 year ago 14
I swear I'm going to turn blue from the number of times I've said this: I am a student organist LEARNING the original of Widor's Toccata. I have to play it very often so I use that version until I fully learn the original. And in regards to my original comment on this video, I am certain that Charles-Marie Widor, a man who composed to the glory of God and for the pipe organ, NEVER intended for his music to be desecrated by an instrument which belongs solely to rock music, the drums.
octavegeigen4 1 year ago
@octavegeigen4 he probably didn't compose for people to play simplifications of his music, either...so learn the real version--which this guy plays well--or STFU.
contratromba858 1 year ago 3
@jcborgan
Well he can't do the original right hand part yet so haha.
theaterpipe1 1 year ago
@octavegeigen4
Insulting churches is a noble this to do!
"I give money for church organs in the hope the organ music will distract the congregation's attention from the rest of the service."
-- Andrew Carnegie
brandyspearsca 1 year ago
O grow up and get over yourself. You are being WAY too serious.
panieorganista 1 year ago
I am a classic organist and I think it isn't alsways good to combine these instruments..BUT YOU 2 ROCK!!!! :-)
friedrichsacher 2 years ago
Comment removed
SisterAllie35 2 years ago
Comment removed
chen5551212 2 years ago