Westminster Abbey Organ played by Keith Hearnshaw

[TheMysticalOrgan]

9 dislikes for Doc Hearnshaw (who, unlike some big names I could mention, is actually making the big old Harrison sound exciting) and this wonderful music? What is the world coming to?

This makes for a very interesting comparison with Ian Ball's excellent version at Gloucester, and George Thalben-Ball's at the Alexandra Palace, both on YouTube.

[silverstartrucker]

needed a better camera, inferior sound, alas...

[goodchappy]

Brilliant. I wish this recording had been in stereo though :-)

[MusicPredominates]

Is this composition by Jean Sibelius ?

[lemenslemens]

@MusicPredominates Sibelius - "Finlandia"

[MrRakentaja]

Jean Sibelius (8 December 1865 – 20 September 1957)

[MusicPredominates]

@MrRakentaja : No this is not Jean Sibelius playing !

[vaughnorganist]

@MusicPredominates Isn't this one of the organ peices by Sibelius?

[BBARRS2]

Amazing, what is this piece of music called?

[virginiaorganbuilder]

TREMENDOUS decrescendo starting at 5:10. Masterful playing!

[contraposaune]

@virginiaorganbuilder & the sound of the drawstops changing just after it on the sequencer... typical harrison console sound.. reminds me of the occasional times i played Durham Cathedral Organ (H&H IV/98 1970/2001) Both Brilliant Instruments and remarkably similar in specification!

[virginiaorganbuilder]

@contraposaune Clunk! I'm currently designing a four-manual console inspired by the English/Skinner style. Any pitfalls to avoid?

[contraposaune]

@virginiaorganbuilder Not really, Most english organ builders I know make good consoles. I've never played in america so I'm not so sure about American consoles, I know they're different though. Harrison & Harrison is probably the best builder though if you're interested in english consoles. You should have a look at the durham console! :)

[virginiaorganbuilder]

@contraposaune Thanks! Here's a question: do you or anyone you know have problems with the 'golf tee' style manual combination pistons so common on English organs (the ones that flare at the end like little trumpets)? The organist we're dealing with is worried about them (and the 'American' style of playing-???), so I'd love some insight. More than you bargained for, I'm sure!

[virginiaorganbuilder]

@contraposaune Cool! Now I see that you are 15! I was just as crazy about the organ when I was 15, and now (30 years later) I'm in the midst of a rewarding career as an organ builder. I'm still interested in your opinion about the pistons, and best of luck in the organ world. You've obviously got off to a good start!

[contraposaune]

@virginiaorganbuilder Heh yes, I started learning under James Lancelot whilst Chorister at Durham Cathedral, definately a good start, and obviously I'd been playing piano since 4 so that helped :) As regards the pistons, I prefer the pistons that only flare a tiny bit, (eg. Harrison & Harrison pistons) You might be intersted in the "sugar cube" square pistons that Hill Norman & Beard used, The organ I play every sunday has these (as it was built in the 60s by the firm), and I really like them!

[TheMysticalOrgan]

@contraposaune - one type I've encountered, and which I see Mander used at St Peter's in St Albans is a simple cylindrical piston, nothing to snag your cuff on! HNB sugar cubes seem to divide opinion - some like them, many hate them.

[generalcancel]

You make it look so easy... and there's Mark really working hard at page-turning!

[Amyb1972]

What fab playing and lots of colour and lovely sounds.xxx

[bhigdaddymark]

Mr. Hearnshaw, another spectacular performance! A stunning demonstration of this quite fine organ. I've wanted to go to England since the age of eleven and this example is one of the reason's why I MUST get there and soon. Just stunning sir!