I rather liked this to start with... but the theme is rather modest and the piece outstays its welcome with the theme. Then one listens to the Toccata from Leon Boellman's Suite Gothique and one realises that this is simply a second-rate piece of plagiarism. Exciting in a slightly superficial way (like the dreaded Widor) nonetheless.
@MegaDani141 - the case and its front-pipes date back to the 1660s! The 32ft Bombarde is half-length in the bottom octave anyway, buried at nave floor level (with most of the Pedal) inside the screen.
Sincere congratulations to Kristian Fjellestad : this piece is just a pure masterwork ! A man nammed Léon Boëllmann used to be my favourite in gothic style... just before him. A lot to enjoy on my own organ. ANd David Patrick is giving an astonishing performance of it. Gloucester's organ really deserves to be known, in a much wider way it is.
@mrkranen - I listen tonall types of music, and happen to love heavy rock, glam rock AND Pink Floyd. The reason we go into such depth about the music is because the people who enjoy organ music also understand how the organ works, and what a complex thing it is! Let's not forget people who love rock music who also discuss effects pedals, string guages, and production! Plenty of people would be lost with in depth chats about that
I was a little disappointed with the finale, however, I am extremely fond of the entire piece. I love the quick feel, added to the wonder and majesty of the different swells. I am also finding it very difficult to play at this recorded speed.
Alright guys, I love the organ just as much as you educated organs guys do. Believe me I do, but I think the constant back and forth needs to stop. My suggestion is to listen to some Pink Floyd, and sit back and relax.
AdvisorC101 - you speak words of truth and wisdom.
Have you by any chance heard the 'passacaglia' from rheinberger's 'sonata' no. 8? It sounds like a poor imitation/exercise of the great Bach masterpiece. You are so right - 'what is the point of re-using ideas that are not your own?' The real tragedy is that this toccata is technically rather good. But that approach goes all the way back to the early 19th century with such 'luminaries' as hummel, spohr, czerny and kalkbrenner - all crap.
Organman, The Rheinberger Passacaglia in E Minor is nothing more than a quintessential imitation of the Bach Passacaglia in C Minor. After spending only 30 minutes looking through the score I turned a blind eye to it.
Almost every single thing in it is copied from Bach. The rest just looks like crummy stuff to fill the gaps of an artificial blunder. But that being said technically it is quite a demanding piece, which is why most consider it to be a great work. Not.
this organ makes a wonderful sound! Seems such a shame though that it's not really capable of the English Romantic tradition. Ralph Downes was a pioneer as is this organ in a ground breaking way, but it's not really conducive ton the Anglican tradition! I've sung in Gloucester many times and as an organist I lament the lack of a tuba! Still, an amazing piece played beautifully - keep up the good work!
@lamoyoucooke The problem of a lack of a high pressure reed was resolved July this year (2010) with the insertion of a Trompette Harmonique 8 with its own high oressure motor. This has domed Frnch shallots, and although not an English tuba, is designed both as a solo reed and an integral effect to the treble in the tutti. Played from the Choir/Positif manual, and transferable to the Great. Not sure if this recording includes the new Cornet Separe as well on the Pedal a la Cavaille-Coll?
@ds1868 I had no idea that they had that planned - Gloucester certainly kept that very quiet as I haven't read anything about it in the organ press! I imagine the "freer" sound of the voicing will make a marvelous sound in the building. I shall be going back to Cheltenham to visit my family this Sunday so I shall certainly be paying a visit to the cathedral. Has the work been carried out by Nicholsons do you know?
@lamoyoucooke Yes built by Nicholsons ( who also added the 'Cornet Separe' and 32' Bombarde on the Pedal in the last rebuild). The Trompette Harmonique is positioned at the top of the stairs, just outside the case, and is angled toward one of the arches in an attempt to 'disperse' the sound both sides of the screen. However it is still strongest East of the screen in the Quire. All who've heard it say they love it: a real French reed but not ott. Let us know what you think if you hear it!
@lamoyoucooke - yeah, instead of Nicholson, the job of the 2001 rebuild should have gone to Willis in Liverpool and the Downes-HNB been scrapped completely and a new Father Willis-type instrument installed. The Nicholson is an interesting instrument, but it lacks the warm flue foundations necessary to be either a convincing French Romantic or English Cathedral organ. Also, no Tuba, no 32ft flue...
....but it's a toccata with a perpetual style of movement. I agree, the first 3 minutes are the most interesting, but I think it follows a good format overall with a great climax.
well, I would say your comment is irrelevant if you can't reference what piece he has "copied" from. Yes it's similar in style of other great romantic toccatas, but I can't agree on you copycat crap comment. And usually It's always people who don't have anything to show for themselves on youtube that bash others. If you are a fellow musician I would encourage to give constructive comments instead, but you probably are just jealous of his skills as a composer...
Jealous? Ridiculous. This is not a composer. He stole SPECIFICALLY from the Gigout Toccata in B minor and the Final from Vierne's Symphony no. 1. An associate of mine pointed this out to me, and I simply listened to the 'piece' and totally agreed with my associate. Master composers NEVER have to imitate another because master composers ALWAYS have an endless source of thematic invention. That is one of the many things that DEFINES them. You are the one that needs to listen more critically.
There's no need to shout. I can agree that the piece has similarities to Gigouts toccata, and the composer himself has stated that he was very inspired by Boellmann. I would not call it a copycat, I would call it a homage to the great romantic organtoccatas. If your teory on thematic invention is true, why is there so much music that has similar theme's?Both in popular music and classical. Music that is similar to another piece is automatically bad?
Shout? What are you talking about? As for the boellmann connection - that figures. You see, boellmann was a complete UNoriginal as well. Don't your HEAR the difference between a great composer and a fake? Do you honestly think that all music is great? And as for your statement about 'similar theme's' - let's have several examples, shall we?
You're writing words in capital letters to undermine your statements, for me it came trough as "shouting", but anyways... The greatest composers drew inspiration from eacohther. How many composers have written variations on ie Mozarts themes? Bethooven and Chopin did it? Did they copy Mozart or pay homage to him? In movie scores you hear similar statements, not note my note copied, but similar none the less. I don't think all music is great, that was not my point.
You are mistaken if you think that Chopin, for example, was inspired by Mozart's 'La Ci Darem La Mano.' Master composers proved their mastery when they took someone else's theme and varied it. Was Chopin inspired by Mozart when he wrote his piano sonatas? 17 songs? What you don't understand is that a master composer needs no influence, but is nonetheless completely aware of what is going on around them. I have no time to discuss this with you any further. It is your right to believe what you do.
I agree, no need to discuss this any further because we're making a storm in a glass here. You are entitled to you opinion, and I'm entitled to mine. I agree that master composers needs no influence to do a great piece, but somehow everyone draws inspiration from something, I bet even Mozart found inspiration in other composers. I'm guessing his inspiration was to make better music than them :) But I'm no expert.
Indeed we are all entitled to free opinion and in saying so I will also admit we are cursed with our freedom. I personally believe being influenced by another composer does play quite an important role. But I don't think that it's realistic to say one composer made better music that another when it comes to the case of a true genius that is like a fountain of originality. For example one can't say that Liszt is better than Beethoven or Chopin better than Mozart, it's a different world by itself.
@mormalv, It is one thing to be inspired by another composer but it is an entirely different thing to copy their ideas. I can also hear the Gigout toccata and Vierne final from symphonie no.1 here.
A real composer is an innovator, someone with their own ideas that are totally original. Take for example the Allegro's from Widor Symphonie No. 6 and Vierne No.2, It's so obvious Widor strongly influenced Vierne but the two pieces are completely different and are totally original.
In terms of proficiency this piece is quite demanding I'd say after looking at the score, but it's hardly original. (No offence intended to the one that wrote it).
My question though is quite a simple one. What is the point of re-using ideas that are not your own? Another example I can give is the magnificent Bach Passacaglia in C Minor, the ostinato the serves as the very foundation of this masterpiece was not created by Bach.
In fact it was supposedly taken from a piece by André Raison, a French composer and Buxtehude's passacaglia in D Minor BuxWV 161 also influenced this work. But with that being said Bach created a set of variations that are both sublime and completely original in every respect. In the works of Felix Mendelssohn you will also find Bach's influence everywhere, but with Mendelssohn's own musical language and his own ideas.
The difference is quite a subtle one. Real composers don't imitate other composers, their ideas or their musical language. The point is learning and understanding so one can create something we've never heard before.
Yeah, they should, but it seems that just about anything written today is automatically deemed lesser than the classics. A lot of people are very stuck. They're like scientists; inexplicably resistant to new conceptions...
So you are telling those of us who enjoy listening to Boroque or 'Classical' music must listen to works by composers who have been deseased for 300 years? And an instrument such as this organ must be used as back up for a rap group? Is everything in your life put into groups and defined like this? I do not need anyone informing me what 'era' the music I listen to should be catagorized regardless of if it was written in the 1760's, 1860's or 1960's
It would be a shame if you had control over artists and composers and was able to set the boundries they had to perform in. Fortunately, you are only able to post comments.
Totally agree. I fail to understand why this piece may not be appreciated without referencing to earlier artists. This is a very good piece played extremely well on a brilliant organ in a medieval Cathedral in Gloucester. How about trying to appreciate it for what it is, rather than criticising unduly? Better still, go away and try and compose yourselves and try and do better?
I agree. And remember this is a student effort. If you are starting out writing music, you often begin in established styles influenced by others. This composer shows great promise! Almost all contemporary toccatas are composed in this style, although the hommage to Boellman is very noticeable here.
@eameece Yes I agree with you also. The comments by organman and advisor may have substantive merit but this composition is worthy nonetheless - above all it is superbly played in a very atmospheric medieval cathedral in Gloucester (which I know very well) and on a very unique instrument in Great Britain. I suppose though these rather more subtle attributes may be lost on our erstwhile cousins across the Pond.
Great promise? What exactly do you mean by that? Is he suddenly going to 'find' his 'own' style? If you say 'yes' to this question, then what exactly would that style be? Would it resemble another style? Would it be totally unique? Answer: it MUST resemble another style because music has already evolved as far as it ever will. While you will never even consider such an assertion, I guarantee you will see that I am dead right at some point in the future. In the meantime, enjoy this nonsense.
What an absolutley excellent piece this is, and a superb organist too. I don't think I have ever heard this piece before, but, hope to hear it a lot more now. That guy makes this organ speak!!! The only little thing that spoils it is, distortion on loud music peaks, but, it's still extremely enjoyable, thank you for up-loading it .............
Every June I get to play one composition on the largest pipe organ in Massachusetts and I have selected this as my next project. I am not an organist and I've never studied with anyone but I love the instrument and can't get enough of it. I'm glad I discovered this piece when I did. It's so full of emotion.
L. Boellmann: Toccata (from Suite Gothique) I think this is the one, cause I played this for my Father in Law, who is an organist, and he played that for me. Very similar, but I love them both.
A really great toccata! Thank you for the score. Now i played the powerful music here in Austria. Its one of my favourite pieces and i will play it on a concert in the future...... Greetings from Austria.
I followed the link to the free sheet music but it didn't seem to load anything apart from 'JFFJ The Free Music Publisher' . Is there a problem with the site or could I get the sheet music some other way? I'm desperate for the music - I want to get on and learn it!!
This is truly a wonderful piece of work. Imagine that you can create such music in Norway, me being from Sweden. I know I will listen to this masterpiece many, many times since I have this passion for the wonderful instrument - that is the church organ, of course. I would really be all that happy if this would be recorded on CD.
This is truly wonderful and I wonder, it times like these, how such a young man can compose anything so delicate and complex like this. You must be a musical genious and I love this piece of music. When most of us listen to disco or massproduced r´nb , this lovely piece of art gives hope to ´humanity and musical art. There are no CD´s available? Can I put this video om my blogg? I will write about this too!!!! I have played it several times already!!!!!
The Cathedral is made of solid handcrated stone crafted in the 13th Century. And the roof is made of solid lead. So if this building can withstand 800 years of crappy weather, it can certainly withstand this organ! Enjoy!
I thought the stop in question is "Cornet Separe" on the pedal... which is different to a Cornet stop - which strictly originated as an 18th Century melodic stop on English organs, rather than to create artificial bass notes?
Wonderful piece! I reminds me a lot on Boellmann, also the pedal theme, but nevertheless, it's equal to the great French Toccatas! On the interpreter: Good job, especially when it's getting louder at the end!
YouTube needs to have more STEREO pipe organ pieces like this. This particular piece is indeed awesome. i sent it through the stereo's satellite subwoofer set up and it shook the room with out seriously cranking it up.
I was surfing YouTube tonight when I stumbled upon your toccata. What a wonderful piece of music! Its superbly performed on a marvelous instrument. Thanks for writing this piece... I've just played it for the fifth time in a row. Unfortunately I don't have the talent to play but I am having a four manual fifty plus rank organ installed at my business. I hope that this piece can be played at the inaugural concert next year. You have a great future ahead of you!
Fantastic mp3 file of this recording, do listen to one of the best organs in England today! The Cornet Separe stop on the Pedal also has additional rank of Septieme 4 4/7, which may explain the Cavaille-Coll overtones to the organ tutti!
I sincerely wish I had a clue of what you are talking about, and please someone explain it. But I agree, this is a great work. Jon, you have fans who want to hear you play this for us.
I had played it too. It's great!!!! But our church in town and the organ is much to small... ;-(
Jon, it's time to compose the next toccata and to publish it on the jffj.k page too!!! I think two years ago everybody knows the Fjellestad-Toccata as well as Widor or Boellmann...
Hi! Its a great honour to be played by you! Maybe I should try make new toccata a time if I not should give me on my best ;) hehe, it would be exiting in 2 years how well-known the piece have been. Quite silly that people ower all the world are playing it without that I have done other than upload it to youtube!
At first I thought I was going to hear Boellmann's Toccata. This toccata is very nice indeed. You are quite a prodigy Jon. I hope you compose more. I haven't done nearly as well with my French-style stuff.
impressive. the organ is of course superb, though sounding like it could use some tuning and repairs. adds a lot to this brilliant piece. stop past my second organ toccata sometime.
No repairs necessary. The organ has recently undergone a full restoration, with the addition of some very French-sounding stops. Your ears are simply hearing the subtle sub-harmonics which make this organ unique in England: an Anglo-French organ without parallel in the British Isles. NB Additions include Cornet Separe added to Pedal with ranks 10 2/3, 6 1/5, 5 1/3.
Please do go and visit the City of Gloucester and its stunning medieval Cathedral - and listen of course to the world famous Organ, a fantastic tribute to the excellence of English Organ building.
Well, nevertheless, whomever originally called the organ the KOI, it's still true whether or not W.G. Mozart or Guillaume de Machaut was the first person to coin the phrase.
Fabulous organ piece ,love the finish,but can i ask an organist how many stops it takes and what kind it takes to produce that magnanimous sound.Just curios to know as an organ fanatic.
The organ has recently been rebuilt, and now adopts some of the colours as found on the French romantic organs of the 19th Century. Important in this 'mix' is the new addition of a 32'Contra Bombarde Pedal stop. This really gives this organ extra punch at the end of this recording!
The 32' Contra Bombarde is placed within the screen, together with a number of other Pedal stops. Do not be deceived by the relatively small organ case - this organ packs a massive punch!
No! But I am aware of the recent rebuild of the organ and the contribution of the many ideas included in this rebuild by the previous Director of Music, David Briggs.
I have listened to this over and over with headphones. Every play I hear new notes I had missed previous. The title is appropriate, I wish it was louder in parts, more 'shock and awe'. This definately needs to be recorded and the world needs to hear it.
This is an amazing piece - I love the dazzling arpeggios in the right hand and the thunderous double-pedaling at the end. It's right up there with the Widor Toccata! Thanks for posting this.
Too bad I'm not a 'real' organist....I loved this piece, and I will expose it to all of my real organist friends. You're a GENIUS, and thank you for your writings. God Bless.....
This particular work is also a workout for the performer. Beatifully executed on a wonderful instrument in a magnificient setting. Thank you for thiw excellent contribution!
This piece easily invoke visions of struggle between good and evil with good coming out on top at the end. Very unique piece. As for the organ and cathedral. Both are very beautiful.
This piece was exciting to hear on the Gloucester Cathedral organ. You play very well and use the organ effectively. I was trying to figure out the form of the Toccata, being a composer who has published a Toccata in Sonata Allegro form, and think it uses thematic fragments rather than themes as such. Thanks for an exciting piece.
You don't even know how much it pains me to say that I'm not, and how much I wish I were and organ student, but it's already too late for me. I started taking piano lessons last winter.. i was 22 and still am. Guess that I have to blame fate for discovering my passion for music at this age(especially organ music)..
@LVader20 - it's never too late! My mother Julie Ainscough (Google her) is an eminent organ teacher and one of her most brilliant pupils is a guy in his late 50s, who only started the organ about five years ago and had played the piano at an advanced level in his teens. At 22, you've got a good many years ahead of you - all you need is dedication, determination and basic musicality.
WOW MAN ! I added it to my favorites. One of the best toccatas i've ever listened to, very heroic. I hope we'll see some new pieces from you in the future.
Excellent!!
alfapiksi 4 weeks ago
helt sykt, jon! du burde bli komponist!
RubenEugene 3 months ago
i'm sure recording organ music is a bitch. I give the people credit, where it's due. Thanks for this.
bfs1888 4 months ago in playlist The Glory of Pipe Organs
I rather liked this to start with... but the theme is rather modest and the piece outstays its welcome with the theme. Then one listens to the Toccata from Leon Boellman's Suite Gothique and one realises that this is simply a second-rate piece of plagiarism. Exciting in a slightly superficial way (like the dreaded Widor) nonetheless.
EccentricRichard 5 months ago
Is that organ REALLY SO BIG??????
32' Bombarde and 8' Principal as Prospect??????
MegaDani141 8 months ago
@MegaDani141 - the case and its front-pipes date back to the 1660s! The 32ft Bombarde is half-length in the bottom octave anyway, buried at nave floor level (with most of the Pedal) inside the screen.
EccentricRichard 5 months ago
@EccentricRichard Ah, ok thanks-
MegaDani141 5 months ago
Sincere congratulations to Kristian Fjellestad : this piece is just a pure masterwork ! A man nammed Léon Boëllmann used to be my favourite in gothic style... just before him. A lot to enjoy on my own organ. ANd David Patrick is giving an astonishing performance of it. Gloucester's organ really deserves to be known, in a much wider way it is.
voixhumaine 8 months ago
This sounds like a Tim Burton movie. Love it!
splaticon5 10 months ago
@splaticon5 thanks!, Danny Elfman who has scored most of the Burton-movies is one of my favourite-composers!
kontrabombarde32 10 months ago
@mrkranen - I listen tonall types of music, and happen to love heavy rock, glam rock AND Pink Floyd. The reason we go into such depth about the music is because the people who enjoy organ music also understand how the organ works, and what a complex thing it is! Let's not forget people who love rock music who also discuss effects pedals, string guages, and production! Plenty of people would be lost with in depth chats about that
lamoyoucooke 1 year ago
I was a little disappointed with the finale, however, I am extremely fond of the entire piece. I love the quick feel, added to the wonder and majesty of the different swells. I am also finding it very difficult to play at this recorded speed.
CzarLyrus 1 year ago
This is a really amazing piece to me. As far as I'm concerned the person who wrote this matches up to any of the famous romantic era composers!!!
aponcia1601 1 year ago
Pity about the weak sound...
silverstartrucker 1 year ago
The performance of this piece by David is nothing less than spectacular!
jdcrash7 2 years ago
This a rich, and very colorful exercise
of what a big organ can do with the
right acoustics. Why not enjoy it for what it
is.
Question ... Has anyone commenting here, had the opportunity to play the
Gloucester organ ?
Contrafidelis 2 years ago
No, would love to though and I can't even play the instrument!
Matthewfawr 2 years ago
Alright guys, I love the organ just as much as you educated organs guys do. Believe me I do, but I think the constant back and forth needs to stop. My suggestion is to listen to some Pink Floyd, and sit back and relax.
mrkranen 2 years ago 4
AdvisorC101 - you speak words of truth and wisdom.
Have you by any chance heard the 'passacaglia' from rheinberger's 'sonata' no. 8? It sounds like a poor imitation/exercise of the great Bach masterpiece. You are so right - 'what is the point of re-using ideas that are not your own?' The real tragedy is that this toccata is technically rather good. But that approach goes all the way back to the early 19th century with such 'luminaries' as hummel, spohr, czerny and kalkbrenner - all crap.
organman52 2 years ago
Organman, The Rheinberger Passacaglia in E Minor is nothing more than a quintessential imitation of the Bach Passacaglia in C Minor. After spending only 30 minutes looking through the score I turned a blind eye to it.
Almost every single thing in it is copied from Bach. The rest just looks like crummy stuff to fill the gaps of an artificial blunder. But that being said technically it is quite a demanding piece, which is why most consider it to be a great work. Not.
advisorC101 2 years ago
hello jon!
i played it in the great abbey of marienstadt (westerwald), germany!!! nice sound, verry nice pice!!!
i hope so you're still writing the next first class toccata Op.2 that's comming soon?!?!?!?
best regards
Volleswerk 2 years ago 2
Thanks! Its a great honour to be played by you in that great Abbey! May God bless you!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
this organ makes a wonderful sound! Seems such a shame though that it's not really capable of the English Romantic tradition. Ralph Downes was a pioneer as is this organ in a ground breaking way, but it's not really conducive ton the Anglican tradition! I've sung in Gloucester many times and as an organist I lament the lack of a tuba! Still, an amazing piece played beautifully - keep up the good work!
lamoyoucooke 2 years ago 3
Thanks!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
@lamoyoucooke The problem of a lack of a high pressure reed was resolved July this year (2010) with the insertion of a Trompette Harmonique 8 with its own high oressure motor. This has domed Frnch shallots, and although not an English tuba, is designed both as a solo reed and an integral effect to the treble in the tutti. Played from the Choir/Positif manual, and transferable to the Great. Not sure if this recording includes the new Cornet Separe as well on the Pedal a la Cavaille-Coll?
ds1868 1 year ago
@ds1868 I had no idea that they had that planned - Gloucester certainly kept that very quiet as I haven't read anything about it in the organ press! I imagine the "freer" sound of the voicing will make a marvelous sound in the building. I shall be going back to Cheltenham to visit my family this Sunday so I shall certainly be paying a visit to the cathedral. Has the work been carried out by Nicholsons do you know?
lamoyoucooke 1 year ago
@lamoyoucooke Yes built by Nicholsons ( who also added the 'Cornet Separe' and 32' Bombarde on the Pedal in the last rebuild). The Trompette Harmonique is positioned at the top of the stairs, just outside the case, and is angled toward one of the arches in an attempt to 'disperse' the sound both sides of the screen. However it is still strongest East of the screen in the Quire. All who've heard it say they love it: a real French reed but not ott. Let us know what you think if you hear it!
ds1868 1 year ago
@lamoyoucooke - yeah, instead of Nicholson, the job of the 2001 rebuild should have gone to Willis in Liverpool and the Downes-HNB been scrapped completely and a new Father Willis-type instrument installed. The Nicholson is an interesting instrument, but it lacks the warm flue foundations necessary to be either a convincing French Romantic or English Cathedral organ. Also, no Tuba, no 32ft flue...
EccentricRichard 9 months ago
What a fab piece , this is 'Tthe Toccata!.'First class!!!!!!!'
12345Nastycat 2 years ago
Thanks for that, Im happy you liked it! May God bless you!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Nice piece as well! I can play this piece, but I don't play so fast!
djerdjo24 2 years ago
Thanks for comment! Great that you too are playing it, its a great honour to be played by you!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Beautiful piece en well played. Thanks for sharing.
Greetings from Holland.
gcvanwerd1 2 years ago
Thanks for comment, Im happy you liked it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Great playing, sir.
Robert is right though, A few more modulations , sequences, etc, would hold our attention.
PiedPuyper 2 years ago
Interesting piece at first.
Some interesting surprises.
But too much "filler".
Aimlessly meanders and soon becomes uninteresting.
Not inspired to continue listening.
robertgift 2 years ago
....but it's a toccata with a perpetual style of movement. I agree, the first 3 minutes are the most interesting, but I think it follows a good format overall with a great climax.
GMoralesRCflight 2 years ago
I think you are a bit harsh here...
I trust that you can compose a better piece?
This is one of the best Toccatas I've ever heard, it even appeals to people that's not into organ music.
mormalv 2 years ago
Just stating my first impression.
No, I cannot compose a better piece.
For people who dislike organ music (I was once one), I play Bach's "Gigue" fugue and Now Thank We All Our God by Karg-Elert and Virgil Fox.
Widor's Toccata from Symphony V would be excellent but I have never learned it.
robertgift 2 years ago
Ofcourse, you are entitled to you opinion ;)
Widors Toccata is one of my favourites too.
mormalv 2 years ago
The usual inane 'let's see you do better.' Don't you realize how irrelevant that is?
This is a piece of contrived copycat crap. As robertgift stated, it meanders and is nothing but filler.
organman52 2 years ago
well, I would say your comment is irrelevant if you can't reference what piece he has "copied" from. Yes it's similar in style of other great romantic toccatas, but I can't agree on you copycat crap comment. And usually It's always people who don't have anything to show for themselves on youtube that bash others. If you are a fellow musician I would encourage to give constructive comments instead, but you probably are just jealous of his skills as a composer...
mormalv 2 years ago
Jealous? Ridiculous. This is not a composer. He stole SPECIFICALLY from the Gigout Toccata in B minor and the Final from Vierne's Symphony no. 1. An associate of mine pointed this out to me, and I simply listened to the 'piece' and totally agreed with my associate. Master composers NEVER have to imitate another because master composers ALWAYS have an endless source of thematic invention. That is one of the many things that DEFINES them. You are the one that needs to listen more critically.
organman52 2 years ago
There's no need to shout. I can agree that the piece has similarities to Gigouts toccata, and the composer himself has stated that he was very inspired by Boellmann. I would not call it a copycat, I would call it a homage to the great romantic organtoccatas. If your teory on thematic invention is true, why is there so much music that has similar theme's?Both in popular music and classical. Music that is similar to another piece is automatically bad?
mormalv 2 years ago
Shout? What are you talking about? As for the boellmann connection - that figures. You see, boellmann was a complete UNoriginal as well. Don't your HEAR the difference between a great composer and a fake? Do you honestly think that all music is great? And as for your statement about 'similar theme's' - let's have several examples, shall we?
organman52 2 years ago
You're writing words in capital letters to undermine your statements, for me it came trough as "shouting", but anyways... The greatest composers drew inspiration from eacohther. How many composers have written variations on ie Mozarts themes? Bethooven and Chopin did it? Did they copy Mozart or pay homage to him? In movie scores you hear similar statements, not note my note copied, but similar none the less. I don't think all music is great, that was not my point.
mormalv 2 years ago
You are mistaken if you think that Chopin, for example, was inspired by Mozart's 'La Ci Darem La Mano.' Master composers proved their mastery when they took someone else's theme and varied it. Was Chopin inspired by Mozart when he wrote his piano sonatas? 17 songs? What you don't understand is that a master composer needs no influence, but is nonetheless completely aware of what is going on around them. I have no time to discuss this with you any further. It is your right to believe what you do.
organman52 2 years ago
I agree, no need to discuss this any further because we're making a storm in a glass here. You are entitled to you opinion, and I'm entitled to mine. I agree that master composers needs no influence to do a great piece, but somehow everyone draws inspiration from something, I bet even Mozart found inspiration in other composers. I'm guessing his inspiration was to make better music than them :) But I'm no expert.
mormalv 2 years ago 2
Indeed we are all entitled to free opinion and in saying so I will also admit we are cursed with our freedom. I personally believe being influenced by another composer does play quite an important role. But I don't think that it's realistic to say one composer made better music that another when it comes to the case of a true genius that is like a fountain of originality. For example one can't say that Liszt is better than Beethoven or Chopin better than Mozart, it's a different world by itself.
advisorC101 2 years ago
@mormalv, It is one thing to be inspired by another composer but it is an entirely different thing to copy their ideas. I can also hear the Gigout toccata and Vierne final from symphonie no.1 here.
A real composer is an innovator, someone with their own ideas that are totally original. Take for example the Allegro's from Widor Symphonie No. 6 and Vierne No.2, It's so obvious Widor strongly influenced Vierne but the two pieces are completely different and are totally original.
advisorC101 2 years ago
In terms of proficiency this piece is quite demanding I'd say after looking at the score, but it's hardly original. (No offence intended to the one that wrote it).
My question though is quite a simple one. What is the point of re-using ideas that are not your own? Another example I can give is the magnificent Bach Passacaglia in C Minor, the ostinato the serves as the very foundation of this masterpiece was not created by Bach.
advisorC101 2 years ago
In fact it was supposedly taken from a piece by André Raison, a French composer and Buxtehude's passacaglia in D Minor BuxWV 161 also influenced this work. But with that being said Bach created a set of variations that are both sublime and completely original in every respect. In the works of Felix Mendelssohn you will also find Bach's influence everywhere, but with Mendelssohn's own musical language and his own ideas.
advisorC101 2 years ago
The difference is quite a subtle one. Real composers don't imitate other composers, their ideas or their musical language. The point is learning and understanding so one can create something we've never heard before.
In this case, I've heard all this before.
advisorC101 2 years ago
From divine realms.
FromHolbergsTime 2 years ago 2
thanks!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
The perfect piece to start the day with in my laboratory !
GMoralesRCflight 2 years ago
And vot do you do in zees lab?
NiallMS 2 years ago
Hello Kontrabombbarde32 .... Thank you for uploading it.
BrianG0HRF
brianG0HRF 2 years ago
Shouldn't 21st century composers be composing contemporary music rather than looking back on masterpieces of the 19th century (Boelmann...)?
1401JSC 2 years ago
Yeah, they should, but it seems that just about anything written today is automatically deemed lesser than the classics. A lot of people are very stuck. They're like scientists; inexplicably resistant to new conceptions...
UnlimitedSag 2 years ago
All classical composers once wrote...contemporary music!
1401JSC 2 years ago 2
So you are telling those of us who enjoy listening to Boroque or 'Classical' music must listen to works by composers who have been deseased for 300 years? And an instrument such as this organ must be used as back up for a rap group? Is everything in your life put into groups and defined like this? I do not need anyone informing me what 'era' the music I listen to should be catagorized regardless of if it was written in the 1760's, 1860's or 1960's
BigRichardFla 2 years ago
It would be a shame if you had control over artists and composers and was able to set the boundries they had to perform in. Fortunately, you are only able to post comments.
BigRichardFla 2 years ago
Totally agree. I fail to understand why this piece may not be appreciated without referencing to earlier artists. This is a very good piece played extremely well on a brilliant organ in a medieval Cathedral in Gloucester. How about trying to appreciate it for what it is, rather than criticising unduly? Better still, go away and try and compose yourselves and try and do better?
ds1868 2 years ago
I agree. And remember this is a student effort. If you are starting out writing music, you often begin in established styles influenced by others. This composer shows great promise! Almost all contemporary toccatas are composed in this style, although the hommage to Boellman is very noticeable here.
eameece 2 years ago
@eameece Yes I agree with you also. The comments by organman and advisor may have substantive merit but this composition is worthy nonetheless - above all it is superbly played in a very atmospheric medieval cathedral in Gloucester (which I know very well) and on a very unique instrument in Great Britain. I suppose though these rather more subtle attributes may be lost on our erstwhile cousins across the Pond.
ds1868 2 years ago
Great promise? What exactly do you mean by that? Is he suddenly going to 'find' his 'own' style? If you say 'yes' to this question, then what exactly would that style be? Would it resemble another style? Would it be totally unique? Answer: it MUST resemble another style because music has already evolved as far as it ever will. While you will never even consider such an assertion, I guarantee you will see that I am dead right at some point in the future. In the meantime, enjoy this nonsense.
organman52 2 years ago
Excellent!!!
TheCrazynissOfAll 2 years ago
Thanks for comment, Im happy you liked it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
What an absolutley excellent piece this is, and a superb organist too. I don't think I have ever heard this piece before, but, hope to hear it a lot more now. That guy makes this organ speak!!! The only little thing that spoils it is, distortion on loud music peaks, but, it's still extremely enjoyable, thank you for up-loading it .............
brianG0HRF 2 years ago
Thanks for comment! Im happy you liked it so well!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
You composed a great piece!!!! I´ll post a video later of this Toccata!!!
Greetings from Finland!
Principal16 2 years ago
Hi! Thanks for that! Cool, Im exited!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Every June I get to play one composition on the largest pipe organ in Massachusetts and I have selected this as my next project. I am not an organist and I've never studied with anyone but I love the instrument and can't get enough of it. I'm glad I discovered this piece when I did. It's so full of emotion.
clamman64 2 years ago
This may sound weird, but this piece has always reminded me of music for some final battle scene in a movie that takes place in a church
metalheadnick555 2 years ago
Very appropriate account!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
A fine piece of music magnificently played on a great instrument in a glorious acoustic space. Memorable in every way!
FromHolbergsTime 2 years ago 4
Thanks! Im happy you enjoyed it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
isn't there another Toccata that sounds similar to this one?
polgarfan 2 years ago
Buellman Toccata I think. I love that one too.
mrkranen 2 years ago
L. Boellmann: Toccata (from Suite Gothique) I think this is the one, cause I played this for my Father in Law, who is an organist, and he played that for me. Very similar, but I love them both.
mrkranen 2 years ago
I do love this toccata
drekin07 2 years ago
A really great toccata! Thank you for the score. Now i played the powerful music here in Austria. Its one of my favourite pieces and i will play it on a concert in the future...... Greetings from Austria.
grisu41 2 years ago
Thanks for that! Its a great honour to be played by you!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
This really is a wonderful toccata!
I followed the link to the free sheet music but it didn't seem to load anything apart from 'JFFJ The Free Music Publisher' . Is there a problem with the site or could I get the sheet music some other way? I'm desperate for the music - I want to get on and learn it!!
DavidJamesMurray 2 years ago
Ok, have checked today and the URL has been updated.
Great, now I have the sheet music, now for the tricky bit - learning it!!
DavidJamesMurray 2 years ago
Fantastic, from The Canary Islands. 5 *****
Solazore 2 years ago
thanks! I have been on Gran Canaria!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
I'm from the another island, Tenerife. :D
Solazore 2 years ago
A toccata in this quality by a man so young!
I'm truly amazed and amused.
Helkaluin 2 years ago
Thanks!, Im happy you enjoyed it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
This is truly a wonderful piece of work. Imagine that you can create such music in Norway, me being from Sweden. I know I will listen to this masterpiece many, many times since I have this passion for the wonderful instrument - that is the church organ, of course. I would really be all that happy if this would be recorded on CD.
Greetings from Sweden, your friendly neighbour.
bogota46 2 years ago
This is truly wonderful and I wonder, it times like these, how such a young man can compose anything so delicate and complex like this. You must be a musical genious and I love this piece of music. When most of us listen to disco or massproduced r´nb , this lovely piece of art gives hope to ´humanity and musical art. There are no CD´s available? Can I put this video om my blogg? I will write about this too!!!! I have played it several times already!!!!!
UncleBrommel 2 years ago
Many thanks for comment, Im happy you like it! No CD available, only these youtube-recordings. Of course you could put in on your blog!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Dear Konty.,
Do any of the bricks and stone work loose after you play this ditty on the organ in this building?
.
How about the roof tiles, are they still in good order?
.
Favorited.
cheers.
YouAreSpotOnWithThat 2 years ago
The Cathedral is made of solid handcrated stone crafted in the 13th Century. And the roof is made of solid lead. So if this building can withstand 800 years of crappy weather, it can certainly withstand this organ! Enjoy!
ds1868 2 years ago 2
hahaha!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
I thought the stop in question is "Cornet Separe" on the pedal... which is different to a Cornet stop - which strictly originated as an 18th Century melodic stop on English organs, rather than to create artificial bass notes?
TheCrazyCello 3 years ago
Hello.
Wonderful piece of music.
Like the performance very much.
Greetings from Holland.
Gert.
gcvanwerd 3 years ago
thanks, Im happy you like it! Great performance by David!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
Wonderful piece! I reminds me a lot on Boellmann, also the pedal theme, but nevertheless, it's equal to the great French Toccatas! On the interpreter: Good job, especially when it's getting louder at the end!
Angultimmarik 3 years ago
Thanks!, Too inspired by boellmann :) Im happy you like it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
jkf is a wonderful composer ,great peice of music,greetz from berlin
hptmvonsteglitz 3 years ago
Thanks!, Im so happy you enjoy the piece! Greetings from Hamar, Norway!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
YouTube needs to have more STEREO pipe organ pieces like this. This particular piece is indeed awesome. i sent it through the stereo's satellite subwoofer set up and it shook the room with out seriously cranking it up.
bikdav 3 years ago
cool! , thanks for comment, Im happy you enjoy it!
kontrabombarde32 2 years ago
wow!!! this is what i like on an organ piece!!! all my hairs stood up!!!
carlsjoseph13 3 years ago
Brilliant piece ! Hair almost stood on end listening to this for the first time.
keyboardman2009 3 years ago 2
That might be a good idea. I am hoping that the instrument will be completed and installed sometime around Christmas of2010.
carmexguy 3 years ago
I was surfing YouTube tonight when I stumbled upon your toccata. What a wonderful piece of music! Its superbly performed on a marvelous instrument. Thanks for writing this piece... I've just played it for the fifth time in a row. Unfortunately I don't have the talent to play but I am having a four manual fifty plus rank organ installed at my business. I hope that this piece can be played at the inaugural concert next year. You have a great future ahead of you!
carmexguy 3 years ago
I love this Toccata!
Really gothic
Wonderful modulations!
Bravo!
Barberius1 3 years ago
Fantastic mp3 file of this recording, do listen to one of the best organs in England today! The Cornet Separe stop on the Pedal also has additional rank of Septieme 4 4/7, which may explain the Cavaille-Coll overtones to the organ tutti!
ds1868 3 years ago
I sincerely wish I had a clue of what you are talking about, and please someone explain it. But I agree, this is a great work. Jon, you have fans who want to hear you play this for us.
BigRichardFla 3 years ago
I had played it too. It's great!!!! But our church in town and the organ is much to small... ;-(
Jon, it's time to compose the next toccata and to publish it on the jffj.k page too!!! I think two years ago everybody knows the Fjellestad-Toccata as well as Widor or Boellmann...
Best regards (sorry for my bad english...) :-)
Volleswerk 3 years ago
Hi! Its a great honour to be played by you! Maybe I should try make new toccata a time if I not should give me on my best ;) hehe, it would be exiting in 2 years how well-known the piece have been. Quite silly that people ower all the world are playing it without that I have done other than upload it to youtube!
kontrabombarde32 3 years ago
I luv it! Where can I get the mp3 file? Also! Where can I get this music?
csluvmusic 3 years ago
Hey, thats very good concert music! Thanks for posting the music too. I will start practicing this afternoon and play it next season in some recitals!
"Boellmann after a visit in England having seen a Harry Potter-movie" - people will love it!
CamilVH 3 years ago
At first I thought I was going to hear Boellmann's Toccata. This toccata is very nice indeed. You are quite a prodigy Jon. I hope you compose more. I haven't done nearly as well with my French-style stuff.
Eric Meece
eameece 3 years ago
Thanks for that! Its very inspired by Boelmann-toccata. Good luck with your stuff!
kontrabombarde32 3 years ago
Jon, from one composer to another, I think this a terrific organ toccata! Feel free to check out my compositions sometime.
Cheers
M.O.
MonsieurOrgue 3 years ago
I love it!!!!!!keep on posting more!!!
sirtalios 3 years ago
impressive. the organ is of course superb, though sounding like it could use some tuning and repairs. adds a lot to this brilliant piece. stop past my second organ toccata sometime.
matmilne 3 years ago
No repairs necessary. The organ has recently undergone a full restoration, with the addition of some very French-sounding stops. Your ears are simply hearing the subtle sub-harmonics which make this organ unique in England: an Anglo-French organ without parallel in the British Isles. NB Additions include Cornet Separe added to Pedal with ranks 10 2/3, 6 1/5, 5 1/3.
ds1868 3 years ago
Eh he he he, big mistake on my part eh? But still thanks for posting it and also setting my rudder right:]
advisorC101 3 years ago
Well this is a first, I think I'll do some research.
advisorC101 3 years ago
Toccata in B minor by the french organist Eugene Gigout, This is a brilliant recording thank you for posting it.
advisorC101 3 years ago
Sorry I ment Louis Vierne And it's the final from symphony No.1, they sound alike:|
advisorC101 3 years ago
About 20,000 disagree that you are 'unknown'.
The other thousand or so views were me :)
BigRichardFla 3 years ago
unknown means that the composer is not very knowen in the organ music world? can i buy the notes of this pice on the musicshop?
praisethelord333 3 years ago
who is the composer?
praisethelord333 3 years ago
1 word for you! WOW!
sirtalios 3 years ago
Superb! What about the quality of audio? It came over great kontrabombarde, did I detect a 64ft there? Great stuff, I do not watch TV anymore.
1wirewool 3 years ago 2
Please do go and visit the City of Gloucester and its stunning medieval Cathedral - and listen of course to the world famous Organ, a fantastic tribute to the excellence of English Organ building.
ds1868 3 years ago 2
Beautiful!....Awesome! What a sound! Thank you for this video!
2468HOTROD 3 years ago
holy shit! that was so fucking awesome!
mustang33192 3 years ago 2
Examples like this is why Mozart called the organ the "King of Instruments", which, many others here like me can totally agree with that.
sovereign254 3 years ago 4
@sovereign254 - yeah, but Mozart nicked that label from Guillaume de Machaut, who called the organ the KOI in the 14th century =P
EccentricRichard 9 months ago
@EccentricRichard
Well, nevertheless, whomever originally called the organ the KOI, it's still true whether or not W.G. Mozart or Guillaume de Machaut was the first person to coin the phrase.
sovereign254 9 months ago
The sound and power of this organ is Awesome!
I'd sit for hours and hours just listening to this Organ. The sound of THIS organ is why they call it "THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS~~!!"
Rockyrog 3 years ago 2
totaly agreed! I have a little obsession with organs lol, bet you do to ;]!
poopingeneral 3 years ago
infuckingcredable! that was sooooo! awesome! seriously 5 stars for you!
poopingeneral 3 years ago
WELTHERRSCHAFTSPLANMUSIK!
in English: music for plans to rule the world
^-^
Jippieheihe 3 years ago 2
Fabulous organ piece ,love the finish,but can i ask an organist how many stops it takes and what kind it takes to produce that magnanimous sound.Just curios to know as an organ fanatic.
wayneolwen 3 years ago
The organ has recently been rebuilt, and now adopts some of the colours as found on the French romantic organs of the 19th Century. Important in this 'mix' is the new addition of a 32'Contra Bombarde Pedal stop. This really gives this organ extra punch at the end of this recording!
ds1868 3 years ago
The 32' Contra Bombarde is placed within the screen, together with a number of other Pedal stops. Do not be deceived by the relatively small organ case - this organ packs a massive punch!
ds1868 3 years ago
Yes!, have you played this organ?
kontrabombarde32 3 years ago
No! But I am aware of the recent rebuild of the organ and the contribution of the many ideas included in this rebuild by the previous Director of Music, David Briggs.
ds1868 3 years ago
god music and work!!!
alceste66 3 years ago
bel brano, bell'organo!
alceste66 3 years ago
lol xD
jschroeder1991 3 years ago
gibt's noch mehr so musik von ihnen?:-) finde den stil sehr schön...
jschroeder1991 3 years ago
very, very nice piece:-)
jschroeder1991 3 years ago
After a couple months of listening to this, I've decided to attempt to learn it - I'm excited!
ruhox3 4 years ago
I have listened to this over and over with headphones. Every play I hear new notes I had missed previous. The title is appropriate, I wish it was louder in parts, more 'shock and awe'. This definately needs to be recorded and the world needs to hear it.
BigRichardFla 4 years ago
Please could you tell me where I could get a copy of this piece? Thanks.
bobsamuals789 4 years ago
I would really like to see this piece performed. Has anyone done it yet and posted it? If not, please I hope someone does!!!
organflick 4 years ago
Fantastic! You are a very good and talent organist!
etbuk 4 years ago
Fantastic!!!!! This instrument have contrebombarde 32'? Very good execution!
etbuk 4 years ago
My friend JKF. This organwork truly sounds brilliant. Keep up writing and be my inspiration!!
Endre
Endrereger 4 years ago
This is an amazing piece - I love the dazzling arpeggios in the right hand and the thunderous double-pedaling at the end. It's right up there with the Widor Toccata! Thanks for posting this.
BritanniaRules 4 years ago
Too bad I'm not a 'real' organist....I loved this piece, and I will expose it to all of my real organist friends. You're a GENIUS, and thank you for your writings. God Bless.....
bhigdaddymark 4 years ago
This particular work is also a workout for the performer. Beatifully executed on a wonderful instrument in a magnificient setting. Thank you for thiw excellent contribution!
wheidelberg 4 years ago
Ja nie mogę, to jest wspaniałe (beautiful)!!!! Mogę tego słuchać na okrągło :))))
lucyferrrr 4 years ago
This piece easily invoke visions of struggle between good and evil with good coming out on top at the end. Very unique piece. As for the organ and cathedral. Both are very beautiful.
theblackhand2 4 years ago
This piece was exciting to hear on the Gloucester Cathedral organ. You play very well and use the organ effectively. I was trying to figure out the form of the Toccata, being a composer who has published a Toccata in Sonata Allegro form, and think it uses thematic fragments rather than themes as such. Thanks for an exciting piece.
Vierneguy 4 years ago
I believe this is the first time I've heard the organ at Gloucester Cathedral. Beautiful, what a treat! Awesome! Thank You
2468HOTROD 4 years ago
where do you live? He works as a kantor at Fauske.. In my opinion he is way to good for Fauske...
ianlars 4 years ago
You don't even know how much it pains me to say that I'm not, and how much I wish I were and organ student, but it's already too late for me. I started taking piano lessons last winter.. i was 22 and still am. Guess that I have to blame fate for discovering my passion for music at this age(especially organ music)..
LVader20 4 years ago
@LVader20 - it's never too late! My mother Julie Ainscough (Google her) is an eminent organ teacher and one of her most brilliant pupils is a guy in his late 50s, who only started the organ about five years ago and had played the piano at an advanced level in his teens. At 22, you've got a good many years ahead of you - all you need is dedication, determination and basic musicality.
EccentricRichard 9 months ago
WOW MAN ! I added it to my favorites. One of the best toccatas i've ever listened to, very heroic. I hope we'll see some new pieces from you in the future.
LVader20 4 years ago