I was fortunate to be able to attend one of Virgil's concerts back in the mid 70's and he is/was magnificent! He really did bring a lot of the great classic organ music to the world that would never have otherwise realized the grandeur of this magnificent music. I have many of his recordings and he still brings a wonderful flavor to all he plays. I have loved the great classic Bach Organ Works for longer than I can remember.Thank you Virgil, for sharing your wonderful talents. You are missed.
I cannot believe that 34 or 40 years later, we're still going over and over this nonsense about whether or not fire and showmanship has a place in classical music, and whether it's worthwhile that it brings in people who aren't otherwise familiar with it. OF COURSE it does, and so much the better! JGraif, even nowdays people badmouth Joshua Bell for moving too much while he plays. Some people want music to be played by robots.
I have seen a live performance of Virgil Fox on You Tube as he has a great sense of humor and very entertaining. There is nothing more fun than playing an organ as I also play synthesizers and digital pianos. I would choose the organ over any musical instrument.
"I play the organ like a musical instrument." god bless virgil. he said that because many "trained" musicians dismiss organists as "button pushers" because the instrument is mechanical in nature and doesn't respond to the "touch" of the performer. virgil told me that when he had his first lesson with wilhelm middelschulte, the master said "this is the most mechanical of all musical instruments and if you can OVERCOME that, you will be a great musician. virgil did it in spades.
thats not true the organ takes the full body to play, not just the hands like a piano, but both feet, and also the mind to keep the insterment at proper registration, and use the pipes in certain ways to effect the mood of the music its the hardest of all to play. and it does become affected by touch if it is pressed slowly. or banged down fast like the Master Mr. Fox though his voice I have to say sounds like Fred Rogers, you know Mr Rogers from the kids show.
I love this quote: "The first time that I was ever left alone with a pipe organ, I went into a trance and I didn't come to for 4 hours, and the dinner was over and the dishes was done". It's very inspirational. Thank you, Virgil.
How many of you remember when this was made and the Wanamaker organ didn't even have a combination action. Can you imagine having all of those ranks and no way to control them other than manually changing them?!? I remember Keith Chapman running the flat of his finger horizontally thru the divisions to change stops while I was playing. And the delay! There was an almost 2 second delay between the time you hit the key and you heard the sound. Oh and... "GO VIRGIL!"
@Modernmanx poor you, that you resort to calling the man a clown without offering any considered explanation. yes, he was blessed with a singular talent. if he was with us today at the age of 25, he would be the "joshua bell" of the pipe organ and applauded for everything he did. unfortunately, such behavior was not permitted in the 1960's and 1970's and for some unknown reason we must continue to support that attitude today. god forbid we might have been wrong! virgil had GREAT TASTE!!
What a magnificent joyful, rhythmic piece with which to start. - the Gigue Fugue BWV577 (I play it for people who hate organ music. I once hated organ music.)
@robertgift - I've just about finished learning this piece - I think it is the most favorite piece I've ever played in my entire life (and that's with 15 years of piano and 5 years of organ music, too!)
@FirstMrTornado This and the Wedge fugue, BWV 548, are so magnificent. Oh, botheard here! Some claim Bach did not write 577. But no onelse was good enough to have written it. So rhythmic, complex, joyful, fulfilling, upon first hearing I loved the Gigue. Learned it in 1974 to play for my beloved Cathy who did not like organ music.
Do you continue the mordents, grace notes and trills throughout this wonderful work?
@robertgift - I try and play the grace notes, trills, and mordents where they're marked on the music. I love it how Bach composed such an incredible work of music; how the theme starts in the tenor, then goes to the alto, soprano, and then the bass. My favorite part is when that pedal comes in to play, I love that (and I'm sure you do, too!) When I play this piece, it brings me such joy and contentment. Did Cathy enjoy organ music a little more hearing you play this? How remarkable that is.
@FirstMrTornado They are marked only athe beginning. It seems everyone ceases playing them after.
But I play them throughout, including the pedal. See the Biggs recording - I listed them all. When missing, I feel a void.
Cathy loved the Gigue but did not care for other works. She liked major but not minor keys. Though I wanted to marry her, we separated a few months later. I did not play 577 until manyears later.
I like Biggs' recording much better than Virgil's performance.
The Atlantic City Organ (and the organ at West Point, for that matter) may have more pipes, but neither organ has had more WORKING pipes than the Wanamaker Organ.
VF said; "Bach has a universal mind, an overwhelming heart and a transcendental spirit and you can't beat that...once you've had a view of Bach, you will never again be the same!". "Bach is the doc!" "Every composer who has come since Bach has to be Bach's disciple".
Like Bach, an indomitable spirit was Virgil Fox., completely "authentic", shining without apology as does the sun in the sky.
It's an arrangement by Bach, and I'm pretty sure it's one of the fugues. I'll have to look through Virgil's video's to see exactly which fugue it is, but I know it's by Bach.
Love his showmanship. And a big hi to Carol Wisner a friend who majored in organ In Ohio in the 60s. She has passed on but I thank her for all of the music she brought into my life and to her students.
What a lifetime experince to have had such an artist here in PHILLY to play the WORLD's LARGEST PIPE ORGAN in the John Wanamaker building / aka MACY's . This MAMMOTH instrument is like ( no other pipe organ the world) v arooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmm.
Atlantic City's Midmer-Losh is technically the largest pipe organ but it's being restored and is not fully playable. This video with V. Fox was filmed in the 1970s at a time when the Wanamaker held the title of the largest fully playable pipe organ (emphasis on playable). However the Wanamaker like the Midmer-Losh needed major updating and repair. In recent years the Wanamaker organ has been restored & updated. As of June 2010 it's believed to be the world's largest fully playable pipe organ.
Also the Midmer-Losh Organ compared to the Wanamaker Organ has 4,000 more pipes. The Midmer-Losh Organ holds the record (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) as being the "loudest" organ and musical instrument ever created (essentially described as a wall of sound).
someone correct me on this, at 2:23 the news reporter asks; "what's it like playing this largest organ in the world" excuse me, but isn't the Midmer-Losh Organ of the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium bigger? Boardwalk Hall has 1 of only 2 legitimate 64' stops (Diaphone Dulzian Low C), 9 32' stops, and the only real 42' 2/3 Diaphone Dulzian Quint. Boardwalk Hall even has the loudest organ stop, (grand ophicleide) which is 6x louder than a locomotive train horn, it's described as ear splitting (135 db)
@wingnutofcoolness Wanamaker's department store was the largest in the world and the largest working pipe organ in the world is still there. Now the building contains a Macy's and is half it's original size, still pretty impressive, but not nearly as impressive as the Wanamaker organ!
This guy rocks. I hate the way that virtuosity and showmanship has been polarized in the classical world. Like he said, if you're not out to get people's blood and tears moving and hands clapping, what are you on stage for? Heaven forbid a musician should actually get people to love the music!
I was fortunate enough to have experienced Virgil Fox live during the 1970s. it's an experience I'll carry with me for the rest of my life!! I've been hooked on the pipe organ ever since!
Virgil never went away. He lives in the love and kindness of all of you who shared in his solo performances and our Heavy Organ productiuons with my Revelation Lights. God bess you all for your kind comments.
TO everyone saying this isn't the largest organ in the world, you're right, the one in AC is. However, this is the largest FULLY FUNCTIONAL organ in the world.
Edit: Sorry, I don't mean "fully-functional" I meant operational. The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has over 32,000 pipes, and four entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, but it is not functional. The Wanamaker Organ, however has approximately 92% of its pipes in working order, and work is progressing on the remaining 8%.
2 CDs I recommend highly: The Wanamaker Legacy Organist Peter Conte on the Gothic label and Glorious Pipes Organ Music Throughout The Ages on the Deutsche Grammophon label. These are full digital recordings. Upon hearing these, I was hooked!
On the Wanamaker Legacy Peter Conte performs the Virgil Fox arrangements of Bachs Come, Sweet Death, which when I heard for the first time, made me cry.
The Wanamaker Organ sound better in persion.I have never heard the Midmer Losh organ Atlantic City New Jersey. When the midmer Losh is back to 100% playablity then we can compare them.
I dissagree with the idea that this is the worlds largest organ. Theirs a pipe organ in Georgia that has 33000 pipe and still counting, 7 manuals,ect.
No there is not. The Midmer Losh organ in the Atlantic City New Jersey Convention hall has 449 ranks and 33,000 pipes, though not still counting as it was finished in the 30's and no additions have been made since. The Midmer Losh is the largest by pipes at 33,000 while at 28,000 pipes, the Wanamaker organ is the biggest by number of ranks at 461 ranks. The largest organ in Georgia is the 105 rank Moller at the Atlanta First Presbyterian Church, having just over 6,000 pipes.
Let's all see you draw the crowds of people to the organ like he did...Virgil Fox brought the organ out of the church, where many think it belongs, but really it has many other uses. Look at the Theatre Organs for one. My high school has a Grande Barton in our performing arts center. We have used it in plays and choir concerts to my knowledge. Ergo, looking back on everything, Fox was better than you could ever pray to be...and he is better than me too.
Having toured with Virgil, and knowing from many personal conversations his views, let me simply observe this.
Virgil believed that the notes on the page expressed an idea. He also believed that that idea can only come alive with the help of the performer. The notes are nothing without the performer, just as the performer is nothing without the notes.
He may have been right, or he may have been wrong, but he brought life to the music in ways no one else ever did.
@grandpoobah0913 I hear ya. He was right and one of the most amazing I've ever heard. My friend Andy also toured with him and was good friends with him for many years when he was playing the portable Rodgers organ, I've listened to many stories about happenings between all of them, Fred Swann, Virgil Fox, Richard Torrance, and Ted Worth amongs others. It's fascinating.
Thanks for sharing this. I absolutely love Virgil Fox since he dared to push the envelope and pour out his heart and soul, and be a little showy, and get people to pay attention to the King of Instruments. I understand that he polarized a lot of people, but I'll line up on his side any day of the week. I don't like it when people speak badly of him. He was a true artist.
oh really? i didnt know that and where did you getthis information? because im damn sure IVE SEEN THIS IN HIS WRITING AND IN HIS ORIGIONALL MANUSCRIPTS FOR HIS ORGELWERKE!
Most Bach scholars believe that 577 was probably not composed by JS Bach. Of course there is somem possibility. You have not seen a manuscript in his hand.
actually i have. Its currently being studied here at the University of Cincinnati College conservatory of music for autheticity and to the best of MY KNOWLEDGE from Dr. Edward Nowacki and the rest of the MH Faculty it is.
I'm sorry but there are no "original" manuscripts left of this piece. If there were then there would be no more confusion. If you truly did see some manuscripts then it would be copies from the long lost original.
The structure of this piece is in Bach's style and only he had the kind of virtuosity to write this. So in my mind there is no doubt that this is Bach. Only people who have no true sense of music discredits this piece as his.
@advisorC101 It makes me laugh that people would think this too....Heaven forbid that Bach may have composed a secular catchy jig after maybe having a few beers one night.... oh no, call the Purist Police! lol
Gosh!. . . I remembered he used to give organ concerts at the Filmore back in the 60's. he singlehandedly rescued it from being just a 'church' instrument. a real 'showman'!
There's a lot of discussion regarding how Bach is "supposed" to be played and I can appreciate both views. However, what I DON'T see anyone mention, in Bach's day there was nothing even a fraction of the size of the Wanamaker in existence, what IF Bach had had a chance to play his own music on THIS behemouth? I can't help but think he'd never resist uncorking its' full potential much the same as Fox does here. Heck, it's a crime to have a 900 hp engine in your car and not throttle it!! :D
I was just thinking of writing something like this! How very true. Before slagging Virgil people should think for a moment - If Bach were alive today how would he perform his own works?
Take a look at the space that must be filled with sound with the Wanamaker organ then take a look at the cavernous Atlantic City Convention Hall, then ask yourself, which must be bigger? I don't believe there is any choice but the ACCHOS monster. How many Wanamaker Grand Courts will fit comfortably within the Convention Hall?
Up until the Midmer Losh in Atlantic City is completely rebuilt and this is underway, the Wanamaker is the largest operating organ. When the Atlantic City monster is complete it will again hold the Guiness record for the largest and loudest musical instrument in the world. The Grand Ophecleid stop remains the loudest pipe organ stop in the world and that is in Atlantic City Convention Hall.
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Theres not supposed to be a a coda during the applause of the jig fugue!!
When the piece finishes it finishes.
A Genius at 13 - bloody hell. No wonder he can play the Durufle toccata - well when I say I mean play the notes. Yea he can play the notes. But then anyone can. Apart from me. Well im gunna learn it an beat him to the post. The organ at the end is on fire!!! HELP HELP HELP HELP. NOOOOOOOO he has broken it. waaa waaa waa sob sob sob. NAUGHTY NAUGHTY MAN. WAA WAAA WAAA SOB SOB. YOU *$%@#
He didn't coda, the editors of the program cut the end off at 1:12 and bring it back to the entrance of the pedal theme in D which we hear at 0:57. Notice, what we see and hear at 0:29. Notice, what we see and hear at 1:43 is exactly the same as what we see and hear at 0:59, save for the interview/talking. Virgil did not insert a coda, Evening Magazine edited it that way to provide for a continuous background music during the first part of the interview. :-)
Wanamaker Grand Court acoustics have been much improved since this recording was made. And I don't have a problem with Virgil's Bach. Maybe it is not as Bach would have played it, but each generation has its own take on the classics. My favorite inerpreter of Bach is Michael Schneider of an older generation. Fortunately he made a few stereo LP recordings in the early '60s. Hunt one down if you can.
Would the purists have us believe that Liberace was a buffoon completely lacking in talent and Glenn Gould was a failed music teacher? How dull life must be for them: technically perfect perhaps but emotionally undeveloped.
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His playing lacks authenticity. His playing lacks feeling. His playing does NOT lack unnecessary flamboyance,wrong notes and romantic interpretation of baroque music.
Still, I respect the man for bringing Bach to the masses, though I do feel that playing Bach's music like this is truly profane.
I can see how you might not agree with him on his interpretation but how can you say that "His playing lacks feeling." If all you see of Virgil Fox is this 7 minute video I think you can see that he was one of the most passionate musicians ever.
sorry you'r right. His playing does certainly not lack feeling. It is full of misplaced, fake romantic feeling. Totally improper and not at all historically correct.
This sums up Virgil: The playing is more about him than about Bach.
Look up Ton Koopman. Now, THAT is how Bach should be performed!
Sesquiltera , you fail to defend your point of view because you know it makes no sense. Koopman does historical research to find out how Bach, Handel, Buxtehude etc.. ought to be played. This guy is a fake pop-star. Listen to one of his recordings of toccata and fugue: he plays it too fast and as such the piece contains many mistakes..
@firebreathone2 I guess you've never done your own research on Dr. Fox's history have you? He played not only Bach but numerous other composers - all from memory - as well. If you want to talk emotion, you should probably actually LISTEN to Dr. Fox play - I recommend listening to his rendition/interpretation of Bach's "Come, Sweet Death," on the Wanamaker organ.
Why would I listen to Fox when there are many other better organists, like Ton Koopman (my favourite-and btw much more authentic than this semi popstar) and even Aarnoud de Groen. Authenticity is very important and I am thrilled that the era in which Virgil Fox was popular is long over. The 'zeitgeist' has changed for the better and authenticity has become very important. I respect Virgil for bringing the music to the masses, but I can name loads of better organists than this guy.
@firebreathone3 Good points, and I respect your opinion (sorry if I was a bit harsh on you :-)). I guess "authenticity" is interpretative, and many would argue that Dr. Fox was certainly authentic in his own way. If he wasn't, I don't think the Germans would have invited him to play at a place as sacred as the Thomaskirche.
@firebreathone3 Lastly, was Dr. Fox the greatest organist ever? That is open to opinion of course; however, I don't know of too many organists - if any - that memorized thousands of organ works and played them from heart. I think that the "Virgil Fox era" was an important one in the sense that it renewed an interest in the organ from all walks of life. Plenty of world renown organists respect that era, especially in an age where the organ is not as popular as it was in that time.
You're right. I wasn't thinking straight. I meant interpreter rather than interpretator :) I have never said I can do it. In fact, I will tell anyone who asks that I definitely cannot do it. you don't have to be a good musician to spot a good musician, just like you don't have to be a good actor to spot a good actor. , It is clear: should perhaps be praised for bringing Bach to the masses, but by no means can he be compared to the likes of Koopman or Herreweghe!
@firebreathone2 ....and my last point should sum everything up for you as clearly as I can: If Dr. Fox was such a "clown," or a "fraud," or a "disgrace" to the organ community, I don't think he would have been the first American allowed/invited to play a concert at the Thomaskirche, nor would he have played hundreds of concerts throughout the world while serving in uniform. He was a gifted virtuoso, and if you're suffering from the "Big J" - Jealously - please grow up and get over it.
one should remember this guy for bringing organ music to the masses. however, that is not always for the better. Koopman is a much better interpretator. He studies historical sources before performing. His musical performance is scientifcally informed. Virgil may have enjoyed himself (good on him) but when he says that he gets a kick out of Bach's music and then plays it so fast (and plays a few wrong notes- though that is not his biggest fault) he strikes one as a popstar.
The Wanamaker Organ is NOT the largest organ in the world. The Atlantic City Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall) Midmer Losh monster. According to the Guiness Book of Records, the Atlantic City Instrument is the largest and loudest music instrument in the world.
I have read the book about Mr. Fox, now that I saw a video of him playing the organ I was awe struck. Despite the few seconds that my mom needed me I do not peel away from organists honing to their craft! Just remember when you are watching greats like Fox...let nothing come in your way! Not even going to the latrine! Awesome!!!!
Whether people like him or not...they MUST have respect for this man's passion, talent, and verve. Spangled shoes or not...this man put bang into the pipe organ. Respect.
I agree so many organists play it very slow and it loses its dance-like characteristic. Other than Fox the only other organist whose performance of this piece I like just as much is Diane Bish. Organists can learn a thing or two from these two legends.
What is wrong with you, are you freakin nuts? He would get first place. Juries look for improvisation, originality, and technique. He displays all three!
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Sorry here, you must mean he lacks... the show of Mister Fox is not so much about making music but more about the show, a loud show. Hear the keywords: large tonal spread, larger, power, nowhere else on the world, how many pipes on how many floors... and then he starts to rape Bach. Sorry, call me a freaking nut, i've got a different passion for Bach and organ music.
They have raised about 2 million dollars to restore the Midmer-Losh organ in the Atlantic City Convention Center. As a result of that, it has been established as a national treasure and actually places the hall in a status of being eligible for grants. Guinness lists the Midmer-Losh as the largest organ in the world but Wanamaker is currently the biggest playable one at this time.
yes one can compare all the musicians in the world and decide who is better or whatever. Fox brought music to the masses, music that has been locked in rooms for too long. Each one great in his own right, Dupre, Widor all those great musicians. Not everyone likes everything, we dont all agree, but Fox on this organ was a master.
Prolly around 1978 - 1979, he passed away in October 1980...So I am guessing this was the late 70's, I also read that he played concerts until just weeks before his death.
Its sad that people knock Virgil for his own interpretations of music.. If all music was played exactly the same way by every organist, it would be quite boring. A machine could be programmed to play music the same way every time. Enjoy his music for what he put into it.. Do you think people would have gone to his concerts if he played like a robot?? I think not!! I sure as hell wouldn't!!
Hm. I might take some flak for typing this, but I can't say I like Fox's playing all that much. I understand trying to give it some flair, but the stops he likes sound too bright (for 565 in particular) and he seems to hate the idea of 'constant tempo'. Flair only gets you so far before it gets annoying...the instrument makes up for it, though, it is an incredible joy to hear it played. One wishes Chapman hadn't crashed, he could make that baby work.
You're not unique in your feelings about Virgil Fox's playing. You either love him or you hate him really. I was brought up with the Germanic purist style and hated him at first, but he kind of grows on you & can make for an interesting alternative interpretation. If you can hear him play BWV537 on the Harvard Flentrop it'll change your mind :)- was most outrageous & peculiar interpretation I've ever heard & I hated it at first. Now, every other performance feels staid, stuffy and opaque.
Thank You so much for the memories! My father played this organ and was a student of Virgil's! I remember spending many Saturdays and various week days with my father as he played, along with Keith Chapman and the other fine organists! With much Mary Beth Wrenn!
"None can compared to this visitor?" ...wait a minute, with all my respect to Virgil Fox, ...but what about Marcel Dupré, Alexandre Guilmant and Louis Vierne?
I agree, but Virgil must have been the most entertaining Organist to play there, but Dupré's skill at that Organ was amazing, he composed his very obscure and famous Symphonie Passion as an improvisation on this Organ.
That always ticked me off...they coughed up however many millions to renovate that arena but they couldn't cough up a few extra to fix an instrument that'd draw crowds like no other.
Wanamerker is larger by rank count, atlantic city larger by pipe count (33,114) and speaking stop count (852). Settled, lets just accept them both and they should share the title!
I always get a chuckle out of folks who talk about playing any piece the "right" way. Bach was a very spiritual person, and so as far as I'm concerned, the right way to play Bach is to play him so that the music moves people. Virgil Fox moved--and still moves--people. As for authenticity, which is better, deep-dish or thin-crust pizza? Personally, I like thin crust, but I see the wonder of the deep-dish pie as well.
I was fortunate to be able to attend one of Virgil's concerts back in the mid 70's and he is/was magnificent! He really did bring a lot of the great classic organ music to the world that would never have otherwise realized the grandeur of this magnificent music. I have many of his recordings and he still brings a wonderful flavor to all he plays. I have loved the great classic Bach Organ Works for longer than I can remember.Thank you Virgil, for sharing your wonderful talents. You are missed.
dc10driver1 2 weeks ago
I cannot believe that 34 or 40 years later, we're still going over and over this nonsense about whether or not fire and showmanship has a place in classical music, and whether it's worthwhile that it brings in people who aren't otherwise familiar with it. OF COURSE it does, and so much the better! JGraif, even nowdays people badmouth Joshua Bell for moving too much while he plays. Some people want music to be played by robots.
janiscortese 1 month ago
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what is the song in 4:00
tuulipommi 5 months ago
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tuulipommi 5 months ago
I WISH this sound quality was better.
TheWhiteDeath01123 6 months ago
complimenti al grandissimo Virgil Fox!!! Tecnica eccellente e padronanza perfetta dell'organo, un grandissimo Maestro e una personalità unica!
Bellissimo il gigantesco organo Wanemaker! Grazie per il filmato
AndreIsoirFansClub 7 months ago 2
I have seen a live performance of Virgil Fox on You Tube as he has a great sense of humor and very entertaining. There is nothing more fun than playing an organ as I also play synthesizers and digital pianos. I would choose the organ over any musical instrument.
patsaxon 7 months ago 2
"I play the organ like a musical instrument." god bless virgil. he said that because many "trained" musicians dismiss organists as "button pushers" because the instrument is mechanical in nature and doesn't respond to the "touch" of the performer. virgil told me that when he had his first lesson with wilhelm middelschulte, the master said "this is the most mechanical of all musical instruments and if you can OVERCOME that, you will be a great musician. virgil did it in spades.
jgraif 9 months ago
thats not true the organ takes the full body to play, not just the hands like a piano, but both feet, and also the mind to keep the insterment at proper registration, and use the pipes in certain ways to effect the mood of the music its the hardest of all to play. and it does become affected by touch if it is pressed slowly. or banged down fast like the Master Mr. Fox though his voice I have to say sounds like Fred Rogers, you know Mr Rogers from the kids show.
manga12 7 months ago
I love this quote: "The first time that I was ever left alone with a pipe organ, I went into a trance and I didn't come to for 4 hours, and the dinner was over and the dishes was done". It's very inspirational. Thank you, Virgil.
nisserot 10 months ago
How many of you remember when this was made and the Wanamaker organ didn't even have a combination action. Can you imagine having all of those ranks and no way to control them other than manually changing them?!? I remember Keith Chapman running the flat of his finger horizontally thru the divisions to change stops while I was playing. And the delay! There was an almost 2 second delay between the time you hit the key and you heard the sound. Oh and... "GO VIRGIL!"
cnmmnc8852 11 months ago
Brilliant, fascinating interview!
Towncarguy52 11 months ago
Poor man, what a clown! Pity because he had talent but no good taste.
Modernmanx 1 year ago
@Modernmanx poor you, that you resort to calling the man a clown without offering any considered explanation. yes, he was blessed with a singular talent. if he was with us today at the age of 25, he would be the "joshua bell" of the pipe organ and applauded for everything he did. unfortunately, such behavior was not permitted in the 1960's and 1970's and for some unknown reason we must continue to support that attitude today. god forbid we might have been wrong! virgil had GREAT TASTE!!
jgraif 7 months ago
What a magnificent joyful, rhythmic piece with which to start. - the Gigue Fugue BWV577 (I play it for people who hate organ music. I once hated organ music.)
Thank you, tneorg, for posting this.
robertgift 1 year ago
@robertgift - I've just about finished learning this piece - I think it is the most favorite piece I've ever played in my entire life (and that's with 15 years of piano and 5 years of organ music, too!)
FirstMrTornado 11 months ago
@FirstMrTornado This and the Wedge fugue, BWV 548, are so magnificent. Oh, botheard here! Some claim Bach did not write 577. But no onelse was good enough to have written it. So rhythmic, complex, joyful, fulfilling, upon first hearing I loved the Gigue. Learned it in 1974 to play for my beloved Cathy who did not like organ music.
Do you continue the mordents, grace notes and trills throughout this wonderful work?
robertgift 11 months ago
@robertgift - I try and play the grace notes, trills, and mordents where they're marked on the music. I love it how Bach composed such an incredible work of music; how the theme starts in the tenor, then goes to the alto, soprano, and then the bass. My favorite part is when that pedal comes in to play, I love that (and I'm sure you do, too!) When I play this piece, it brings me such joy and contentment. Did Cathy enjoy organ music a little more hearing you play this? How remarkable that is.
FirstMrTornado 11 months ago
@FirstMrTornado They are marked only athe beginning. It seems everyone ceases playing them after.
But I play them throughout, including the pedal. See the Biggs recording - I listed them all. When missing, I feel a void.
Cathy loved the Gigue but did not care for other works. She liked major but not minor keys. Though I wanted to marry her, we separated a few months later. I did not play 577 until manyears later.
I like Biggs' recording much better than Virgil's performance.
robertgift 11 months ago
I LOVE THE WANAMAKER ORGAN PARTS OF THIS VIDEO!
danielmkubacki 1 year ago
Has Diane Bish ever played this organ?
ZestyLemonBoi 1 year ago
Over 300 ranks? Am I correct?
And no one could play them like Virgil.
More than a few men could fall to their deaths into the low C of the open Diapason LOL
darthlukowitz 1 year ago
@darthlukowitz It's actually 463 ranks with 28,815 pipes
ruffatti 1 year ago 2
Oh, Uncle Virgil, I miss you! I am so glad these vids are around so that you are as lively today as you were back then.
harpsichordgal 1 year ago
he was the greatest organist ever existed.
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some day in my life i want to play a full chord in that organ... just a single chord to feel its power and i would be very happy
ericoschmitt 1 year ago
hate to break that guy at the beggings buttons but atlantic city has the largest organ...it has 30,000 pipes....wanamaker only has 28,000
notredameswarrior1 1 year ago
The Atlantic City Organ has never operated with all the pipes it is alleged to have.
1955mlynch 1 year ago
@1955mlynch its getting restored though....so in about 10 years it should all be playing.....then it will be officialy the largest organ
notredameswarrior1 1 year ago
@notredameswarrior1 Hope you are correct.
1955mlynch 1 year ago
@notredameswarrior1 Hope you are correct.
1955mlynch 1 year ago
@notredameswarrior1 it has had more, a part of it is being restored
ericoschmitt 1 year ago
@notredameswarrior1
The Atlantic City Organ (and the organ at West Point, for that matter) may have more pipes, but neither organ has had more WORKING pipes than the Wanamaker Organ.
harpsichordgal 1 year ago
@harpsichordgal yea....but the atlantic city organ is getting restored and will probaly be fully working in the next decade
notredameswarrior1 1 year ago
VF said; "Bach has a universal mind, an overwhelming heart and a transcendental spirit and you can't beat that...once you've had a view of Bach, you will never again be the same!". "Bach is the doc!" "Every composer who has come since Bach has to be Bach's disciple".
Like Bach, an indomitable spirit was Virgil Fox., completely "authentic", shining without apology as does the sun in the sky.
hymnistic 1 year ago
what was the first piece of music played in this video does anybody know? Thanks :)
muzicmanj 1 year ago
@muzicmanj
It's an arrangement by Bach, and I'm pretty sure it's one of the fugues. I'll have to look through Virgil's video's to see exactly which fugue it is, but I know it's by Bach.
mfortee 1 year ago
@muzicmanj
It is Bach's Fugue in G Major
mfortee 1 year ago
@mfortee thankyou very much both of you :)
muzicmanj 1 year ago
@muzicmanj
Glad I could help!
mfortee 1 year ago
\m/ RESPECT \m/
thedoors781 1 year ago
Love his showmanship. And a big hi to Carol Wisner a friend who majored in organ In Ohio in the 60s. She has passed on but I thank her for all of the music she brought into my life and to her students.
walkingkodi 1 year ago
What a lifetime experince to have had such an artist here in PHILLY to play the WORLD's LARGEST PIPE ORGAN in the John Wanamaker building / aka MACY's . This MAMMOTH instrument is like ( no other pipe organ the world) v arooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmm.
MrClaudeholmes 1 year ago
Atlantic City's Midmer-Losh is technically the largest pipe organ but it's being restored and is not fully playable. This video with V. Fox was filmed in the 1970s at a time when the Wanamaker held the title of the largest fully playable pipe organ (emphasis on playable). However the Wanamaker like the Midmer-Losh needed major updating and repair. In recent years the Wanamaker organ has been restored & updated. As of June 2010 it's believed to be the world's largest fully playable pipe organ.
2video 1 year ago
Also the Midmer-Losh Organ compared to the Wanamaker Organ has 4,000 more pipes. The Midmer-Losh Organ holds the record (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) as being the "loudest" organ and musical instrument ever created (essentially described as a wall of sound).
poopingeneral 1 year ago
someone correct me on this, at 2:23 the news reporter asks; "what's it like playing this largest organ in the world" excuse me, but isn't the Midmer-Losh Organ of the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium bigger? Boardwalk Hall has 1 of only 2 legitimate 64' stops (Diaphone Dulzian Low C), 9 32' stops, and the only real 42' 2/3 Diaphone Dulzian Quint. Boardwalk Hall even has the loudest organ stop, (grand ophicleide) which is 6x louder than a locomotive train horn, it's described as ear splitting (135 db)
poopingeneral 1 year ago
I had the good fortune to hear VIrgil fox as a young man shortly before has death. I love to hear him play !!
phonofaninfl 1 year ago
lucky bastards in the mall got to hear this in person
Wulfenstien231 1 year ago
@Wulfenstien231 It is not a Mall, it was Wanamakers department store, now Macy's.
wingnutofcoolness 5 months ago
@wingnutofcoolness Wanamaker's department store was the largest in the world and the largest working pipe organ in the world is still there. Now the building contains a Macy's and is half it's original size, still pretty impressive, but not nearly as impressive as the Wanamaker organ!
carrotjuse 1 month ago
The first piece he is playing is the "gigue" fugue in g minor by Bach, S.577.
eameece 1 year ago
what song was he playing
tyler101fiction 1 year ago
virgil could really romp an organ. he was a pretty good keyboard player too.
chieftp 1 year ago
This guy rocks. I hate the way that virtuosity and showmanship has been polarized in the classical world. Like he said, if you're not out to get people's blood and tears moving and hands clapping, what are you on stage for? Heaven forbid a musician should actually get people to love the music!
janiscortese 2 years ago
AWESOME the most accomplished pipe organist of our times.
hobeangel 2 years ago
I was fortunate enough to have experienced Virgil Fox live during the 1970s. it's an experience I'll carry with me for the rest of my life!! I've been hooked on the pipe organ ever since!
acoustics101 2 years ago
I wondering if Virgil is back yet. Where are you? Who are you? We need you! Amen!
eameece 2 years ago
@eameece
Virgil never went away. He lives in the love and kindness of all of you who shared in his solo performances and our Heavy Organ productiuons with my Revelation Lights. God bess you all for your kind comments.
DavidSnyderLumierist 1 year ago
So what was it like for having Virgil Fox come over to touch your largest organ?!
bkire2009 2 years ago
TO everyone saying this isn't the largest organ in the world, you're right, the one in AC is. However, this is the largest FULLY FUNCTIONAL organ in the world.
floydiandroid 2 years ago
Edit: Sorry, I don't mean "fully-functional" I meant operational. The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has over 32,000 pipes, and four entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, but it is not functional. The Wanamaker Organ, however has approximately 92% of its pipes in working order, and work is progressing on the remaining 8%.
floydiandroid 2 years ago
the organ at boardwalk hall is functional, the right stage chamber (10,000 pipes or so) is up and running.
449GO 2 years ago
2 CDs I recommend highly: The Wanamaker Legacy Organist Peter Conte on the Gothic label and Glorious Pipes Organ Music Throughout The Ages on the Deutsche Grammophon label. These are full digital recordings. Upon hearing these, I was hooked!
On the Wanamaker Legacy Peter Conte performs the Virgil Fox arrangements of Bachs Come, Sweet Death, which when I heard for the first time, made me cry.
skinnyblinddude 2 years ago
shame on whoever decided to remove Fox's SF interview!
eameece 2 years ago
The Wanamaker Organ sound better in persion.I have never heard the Midmer Losh organ Atlantic City New Jersey. When the midmer Losh is back to 100% playablity then we can compare them.
danielmkubacki 2 years ago
I dissagree with the idea that this is the worlds largest organ. Theirs a pipe organ in Georgia that has 33000 pipe and still counting, 7 manuals,ect.
pianoman1202 2 years ago
No there is not. The Midmer Losh organ in the Atlantic City New Jersey Convention hall has 449 ranks and 33,000 pipes, though not still counting as it was finished in the 30's and no additions have been made since. The Midmer Losh is the largest by pipes at 33,000 while at 28,000 pipes, the Wanamaker organ is the biggest by number of ranks at 461 ranks. The largest organ in Georgia is the 105 rank Moller at the Atlanta First Presbyterian Church, having just over 6,000 pipes.
codeman2008 2 years ago
@pianoman1202 oh really? What's it called? Where is it located?
KawhackitaRag 1 year ago
It Is BACHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOT BAK up idiot...
garys737 2 years ago
This organ doesn't have 32,000 pipes, it's 28,765! The Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Organ has c.33,112 pipes, making that the largest in the world.
jezzatheorganist 2 years ago
OMG Virgil Fox is the man!!!!!
billynoful 2 years ago
Oh! the first tune is the Gigue, Fugue by Jean Sebastian Bach.
ve2so 2 years ago
First piece. Yes it is.
advisorC101 2 years ago
whats the first song??
rybapan 2 years ago
Piece not song. Its Bach's "gig" fugue BWV 577.
advisorC101 2 years ago 3
A Master musician the greatest in the world.
ve2so 2 years ago
Wrong, he was a master musician...
lycanthrope1962 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
sorry, but for me Virgli Fox was only a good clown, not a musician.
Good technic (but some mistakes ...), but horrible musicality, dynamic and correct interpretation .
the organ Music is another thing, not record of speed and to play hard with light and fog. !!
msdl63 2 years ago
so your a purist
sayspepe 2 years ago 9
Let's all see you draw the crowds of people to the organ like he did...Virgil Fox brought the organ out of the church, where many think it belongs, but really it has many other uses. Look at the Theatre Organs for one. My high school has a Grande Barton in our performing arts center. We have used it in plays and choir concerts to my knowledge. Ergo, looking back on everything, Fox was better than you could ever pray to be...and he is better than me too.
VaanRatsbane99 2 years ago
Having toured with Virgil, and knowing from many personal conversations his views, let me simply observe this.
Virgil believed that the notes on the page expressed an idea. He also believed that that idea can only come alive with the help of the performer. The notes are nothing without the performer, just as the performer is nothing without the notes.
He may have been right, or he may have been wrong, but he brought life to the music in ways no one else ever did.
grandpoobah0913 2 years ago 22
@grandpoobah0913 I hear ya. He was right and one of the most amazing I've ever heard. My friend Andy also toured with him and was good friends with him for many years when he was playing the portable Rodgers organ, I've listened to many stories about happenings between all of them, Fred Swann, Virgil Fox, Richard Torrance, and Ted Worth amongs others. It's fascinating.
Nateness01 1 year ago
Here's a prime example that most organists are so closed minded! Why?!?!?!
All music is great music! There is no such thing as horrible musicality!
codeman2008 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing this. I absolutely love Virgil Fox since he dared to push the envelope and pour out his heart and soul, and be a little showy, and get people to pay attention to the King of Instruments. I understand that he polarized a lot of people, but I'll line up on his side any day of the week. I don't like it when people speak badly of him. He was a true artist.
jtsoundtech 2 years ago
BWV 577 was certainly not composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is not crafted in the manner of any other J S Bach fugue.
lipsbach 2 years ago
oh really? i didnt know that and where did you getthis information? because im damn sure IVE SEEN THIS IN HIS WRITING AND IN HIS ORIGIONALL MANUSCRIPTS FOR HIS ORGELWERKE!
bradhorn14 2 years ago
Most Bach scholars believe that 577 was probably not composed by JS Bach. Of course there is somem possibility. You have not seen a manuscript in his hand.
lipsbach 2 years ago
actually i have. Its currently being studied here at the University of Cincinnati College conservatory of music for autheticity and to the best of MY KNOWLEDGE from Dr. Edward Nowacki and the rest of the MH Faculty it is.
bradhorn14 2 years ago
Well, the study of Bach manuscripts usually becomes public record. I look forward to the report.
lipsbach 2 years ago
I'm sorry but there are no "original" manuscripts left of this piece. If there were then there would be no more confusion. If you truly did see some manuscripts then it would be copies from the long lost original.
The structure of this piece is in Bach's style and only he had the kind of virtuosity to write this. So in my mind there is no doubt that this is Bach. Only people who have no true sense of music discredits this piece as his.
advisorC101 2 years ago
@advisorC101 It makes me laugh that people would think this too....Heaven forbid that Bach may have composed a secular catchy jig after maybe having a few beers one night.... oh no, call the Purist Police! lol
ms103127 1 year ago
I'm sorry Mr Fox is dead but thanks to these recordings of I can feel all the life and colour from his playing.
advisorC101 2 years ago
But our memories of him are still very much alive.
octavebasse8 2 years ago
True
advisorC101 2 years ago
Fuge in e-moll ;)
orgelfan 2 years ago
fugue in D mol i think youll find it... not e
bradhorn14 2 years ago
TOCCATA IN D!
nintendowns 2 years ago
Gosh!. . . I remembered he used to give organ concerts at the Filmore back in the 60's. he singlehandedly rescued it from being just a 'church' instrument. a real 'showman'!
otaku1524 2 years ago
Las Vegas organ... My God...
organum74 2 years ago
Comment removed
usbcd360 2 years ago
There's a lot of discussion regarding how Bach is "supposed" to be played and I can appreciate both views. However, what I DON'T see anyone mention, in Bach's day there was nothing even a fraction of the size of the Wanamaker in existence, what IF Bach had had a chance to play his own music on THIS behemouth? I can't help but think he'd never resist uncorking its' full potential much the same as Fox does here. Heck, it's a crime to have a 900 hp engine in your car and not throttle it!! :D
flyurway 3 years ago
I was just thinking of writing something like this! How very true. Before slagging Virgil people should think for a moment - If Bach were alive today how would he perform his own works?
ProfMoose 2 years ago
is it just me or is this the gigue fugue?
pipeorganloverNJP 3 years ago
it's a muddled + cracked gigue fugue, yup
sirinferno 2 years ago
Completely awesome. I have all Virgil's recordings but have never seen him speak or play on video. Priceless and thank you so much.
eat911t 3 years ago
Take a look at the space that must be filled with sound with the Wanamaker organ then take a look at the cavernous Atlantic City Convention Hall, then ask yourself, which must be bigger? I don't believe there is any choice but the ACCHOS monster. How many Wanamaker Grand Courts will fit comfortably within the Convention Hall?
itswagon 3 years ago
Up until the Midmer Losh in Atlantic City is completely rebuilt and this is underway, the Wanamaker is the largest operating organ. When the Atlantic City monster is complete it will again hold the Guiness record for the largest and loudest musical instrument in the world. The Grand Ophecleid stop remains the loudest pipe organ stop in the world and that is in Atlantic City Convention Hall.
itswagon 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Theres not supposed to be a a coda during the applause of the jig fugue!!
When the piece finishes it finishes.
A Genius at 13 - bloody hell. No wonder he can play the Durufle toccata - well when I say I mean play the notes. Yea he can play the notes. But then anyone can. Apart from me. Well im gunna learn it an beat him to the post. The organ at the end is on fire!!! HELP HELP HELP HELP. NOOOOOOOO he has broken it. waaa waaa waa sob sob sob. NAUGHTY NAUGHTY MAN. WAA WAAA WAAA SOB SOB. YOU *$%@#
tommyupoo 3 years ago
He didn't coda, the editors of the program cut the end off at 1:12 and bring it back to the entrance of the pedal theme in D which we hear at 0:57. Notice, what we see and hear at 0:29. Notice, what we see and hear at 1:43 is exactly the same as what we see and hear at 0:59, save for the interview/talking. Virgil did not insert a coda, Evening Magazine edited it that way to provide for a continuous background music during the first part of the interview. :-)
codeman2008 2 years ago
Wanamaker Grand Court acoustics have been much improved since this recording was made. And I don't have a problem with Virgil's Bach. Maybe it is not as Bach would have played it, but each generation has its own take on the classics. My favorite inerpreter of Bach is Michael Schneider of an older generation. Fortunately he made a few stereo LP recordings in the early '60s. Hunt one down if you can.
wurlitzer3 3 years ago
Would the purists have us believe that Liberace was a buffoon completely lacking in talent and Glenn Gould was a failed music teacher? How dull life must be for them: technically perfect perhaps but emotionally undeveloped.
edncda 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
His playing lacks authenticity. His playing lacks feeling. His playing does NOT lack unnecessary flamboyance,wrong notes and romantic interpretation of baroque music.
Still, I respect the man for bringing Bach to the masses, though I do feel that playing Bach's music like this is truly profane.
firebreathone2 3 years ago
What an ignorant dope. I'd feel sorry for your existence if I actually cared.
John19182004 3 years ago
I can see how you might not agree with him on his interpretation but how can you say that "His playing lacks feeling." If all you see of Virgil Fox is this 7 minute video I think you can see that he was one of the most passionate musicians ever.
etshinn 3 years ago
sorry you'r right. His playing does certainly not lack feeling. It is full of misplaced, fake romantic feeling. Totally improper and not at all historically correct.
This sums up Virgil: The playing is more about him than about Bach.
Look up Ton Koopman. Now, THAT is how Bach should be performed!
firebreathone2 3 years ago
Ton Koopman is a piece of human shit compared to Fox.
Sesquiltera 2 years ago
So much for cogent arguments hey?
Sesquiltera , you fail to defend your point of view because you know it makes no sense. Koopman does historical research to find out how Bach, Handel, Buxtehude etc.. ought to be played. This guy is a fake pop-star. Listen to one of his recordings of toccata and fugue: he plays it too fast and as such the piece contains many mistakes..
This guy is a joke
firebreathone2 2 years ago
The only jokes are the the people who take the time to insult, you have no idea how wrong you are, both of you.
advisorC101 2 years ago
@firebreathone2 I guess you've never done your own research on Dr. Fox's history have you? He played not only Bach but numerous other composers - all from memory - as well. If you want to talk emotion, you should probably actually LISTEN to Dr. Fox play - I recommend listening to his rendition/interpretation of Bach's "Come, Sweet Death," on the Wanamaker organ.
ms103127 1 year ago
@ms103127
Why would I listen to Fox when there are many other better organists, like Ton Koopman (my favourite-and btw much more authentic than this semi popstar) and even Aarnoud de Groen. Authenticity is very important and I am thrilled that the era in which Virgil Fox was popular is long over. The 'zeitgeist' has changed for the better and authenticity has become very important. I respect Virgil for bringing the music to the masses, but I can name loads of better organists than this guy.
firebreathone3 1 year ago
@firebreathone3 Good points, and I respect your opinion (sorry if I was a bit harsh on you :-)). I guess "authenticity" is interpretative, and many would argue that Dr. Fox was certainly authentic in his own way. If he wasn't, I don't think the Germans would have invited him to play at a place as sacred as the Thomaskirche.
ms103127 1 year ago
@firebreathone3 Lastly, was Dr. Fox the greatest organist ever? That is open to opinion of course; however, I don't know of too many organists - if any - that memorized thousands of organ works and played them from heart. I think that the "Virgil Fox era" was an important one in the sense that it renewed an interest in the organ from all walks of life. Plenty of world renown organists respect that era, especially in an age where the organ is not as popular as it was in that time.
ms103127 1 year ago
@firebreathone3 I would be willing to bet that you're one of the people Virgil always mentioned. "The ones who talk about it, and cant do it!"
19shea85 1 year ago
@19shea85
You're right. I wasn't thinking straight. I meant interpreter rather than interpretator :) I have never said I can do it. In fact, I will tell anyone who asks that I definitely cannot do it. you don't have to be a good musician to spot a good musician, just like you don't have to be a good actor to spot a good actor. , It is clear: should perhaps be praised for bringing Bach to the masses, but by no means can he be compared to the likes of Koopman or Herreweghe!
firebreathone3 1 year ago
@firebreathone2 ....and my last point should sum everything up for you as clearly as I can: If Dr. Fox was such a "clown," or a "fraud," or a "disgrace" to the organ community, I don't think he would have been the first American allowed/invited to play a concert at the Thomaskirche, nor would he have played hundreds of concerts throughout the world while serving in uniform. He was a gifted virtuoso, and if you're suffering from the "Big J" - Jealously - please grow up and get over it.
ms103127 1 year ago
@ms103127
one should remember this guy for bringing organ music to the masses. however, that is not always for the better. Koopman is a much better interpretator. He studies historical sources before performing. His musical performance is scientifcally informed. Virgil may have enjoyed himself (good on him) but when he says that he gets a kick out of Bach's music and then plays it so fast (and plays a few wrong notes- though that is not his biggest fault) he strikes one as a popstar.
firebreathone2 1 year ago
@firebreathone2 Also, congratulations on your second grade grammar i.e. "Interpretator"
19shea85 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
A very disturbed man.
organman52 3 years ago
The Wanamaker Grand Court Pipe Organ is the largest OPERATING pipe organ. The Midner-Losh, saddly, is not in full operation and is barely playable.
Montefusco1 3 years ago 2
The Wanamaker Organ is NOT the largest organ in the world. The Atlantic City Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall) Midmer Losh monster. According to the Guiness Book of Records, the Atlantic City Instrument is the largest and loudest music instrument in the world.
itswagon 3 years ago
It's the largest OPERATIONAL organ in the world.
phantom4087 3 years ago 3
not anymore.... teehee =]
sayspepe 2 years ago
I have read the book about Mr. Fox, now that I saw a video of him playing the organ I was awe struck. Despite the few seconds that my mom needed me I do not peel away from organists honing to their craft! Just remember when you are watching greats like Fox...let nothing come in your way! Not even going to the latrine! Awesome!!!!
organist4ever 3 years ago 2
Whether people like him or not...they MUST have respect for this man's passion, talent, and verve. Spangled shoes or not...this man put bang into the pipe organ. Respect.
sqcomp1 3 years ago 4
Wonderful! All organists should play Gigue Fugue like this!
Principal16 3 years ago
I agree so many organists play it very slow and it loses its dance-like characteristic. Other than Fox the only other organist whose performance of this piece I like just as much is Diane Bish. Organists can learn a thing or two from these two legends.
vinniecaruso 2 years ago
J.S. Bachs "Jig" Fugue BWV 577
My very favorite organ piece
Montefusco1 3 years ago
What song was he playing at the beginning?
GrandMasterIV 3 years ago
Virgil Fox breathed life into his "shows" ...
E Power Biggs was technically more accurate but Virgil played for the masses ... and, he lived VERY well !!
bartonbuster 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No jury anywhere would give him a first prize.
VictorCharlie10 3 years ago
What is wrong with you, are you freakin nuts? He would get first place. Juries look for improvisation, originality, and technique. He displays all three!
organist4ever 3 years ago
So Latry or Roth would get first price, but not Fox. I still can't understand why poeple are so fascinated about him.
bachprofessore 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sorry here, you must mean he lacks... the show of Mister Fox is not so much about making music but more about the show, a loud show. Hear the keywords: large tonal spread, larger, power, nowhere else on the world, how many pipes on how many floors... and then he starts to rape Bach. Sorry, call me a freaking nut, i've got a different passion for Bach and organ music.
ASNitger 3 years ago
That's why he's the greatest, jury are old fags!
Sesquiltera 2 years ago
Actually, there is one place that is better than Wanamaker: The Boardwalk Hall Organ
GrandMasterIV 3 years ago
They have raised about 2 million dollars to restore the Midmer-Losh organ in the Atlantic City Convention Center. As a result of that, it has been established as a national treasure and actually places the hall in a status of being eligible for grants. Guinness lists the Midmer-Losh as the largest organ in the world but Wanamaker is currently the biggest playable one at this time.
KE5RHD 3 years ago 7
yes one can compare all the musicians in the world and decide who is better or whatever. Fox brought music to the masses, music that has been locked in rooms for too long. Each one great in his own right, Dupre, Widor all those great musicians. Not everyone likes everything, we dont all agree, but Fox on this organ was a master.
trevjr 3 years ago 5
Wonderful! He plays like a mad scientist!
autophyte 3 years ago 11
Please, I'd like to know when this movie was made?
eclgall 3 years ago 5
Prolly around 1978 - 1979, he passed away in October 1980...So I am guessing this was the late 70's, I also read that he played concerts until just weeks before his death.
lookingon65 3 years ago
Its sad that people knock Virgil for his own interpretations of music.. If all music was played exactly the same way by every organist, it would be quite boring. A machine could be programmed to play music the same way every time. Enjoy his music for what he put into it.. Do you think people would have gone to his concerts if he played like a robot?? I think not!! I sure as hell wouldn't!!
pluto69 3 years ago 13
I always refer to his interpretation of Back as Bach with fiery fingers. - The organ deserves a master like him.
DaddyPillar 3 years ago
Hm. I might take some flak for typing this, but I can't say I like Fox's playing all that much. I understand trying to give it some flair, but the stops he likes sound too bright (for 565 in particular) and he seems to hate the idea of 'constant tempo'. Flair only gets you so far before it gets annoying...the instrument makes up for it, though, it is an incredible joy to hear it played. One wishes Chapman hadn't crashed, he could make that baby work.
willowthebored 3 years ago
You're not unique in your feelings about Virgil Fox's playing. You either love him or you hate him really. I was brought up with the Germanic purist style and hated him at first, but he kind of grows on you & can make for an interesting alternative interpretation. If you can hear him play BWV537 on the Harvard Flentrop it'll change your mind :)- was most outrageous & peculiar interpretation I've ever heard & I hated it at first. Now, every other performance feels staid, stuffy and opaque.
diysgog 3 years ago
What is the first piece he plays?
Stephenirl252 3 years ago
thats bach's gigue fugue in g major
vinniecaruso 3 years ago
Thank You so much for the memories! My father played this organ and was a student of Virgil's! I remember spending many Saturdays and various week days with my father as he played, along with Keith Chapman and the other fine organists! With much Mary Beth Wrenn!
mbeth3000 3 years ago
Virgil Fox truly loved what he did . . . and I too love what he did. A pure genius. He is missed.
GoobieDoober 3 years ago 2
'Bach with guts?' I think Bach had all the guts the world ever needed already.
daveythewavey19 3 years ago
This is absolutely AMAZING.
WBBugleBoy 3 years ago
"None can compared to this visitor?" ...wait a minute, with all my respect to Virgil Fox, ...but what about Marcel Dupré, Alexandre Guilmant and Louis Vierne?
graant71 3 years ago
I agree, but Virgil must have been the most entertaining Organist to play there, but Dupré's skill at that Organ was amazing, he composed his very obscure and famous Symphonie Passion as an improvisation on this Organ.
BeFrSc 3 years ago
That's not the world's largest organ!
What about the Convention Hall at Atlantic City?
jezzatheorganist 3 years ago 2
The Wanamaker Organ has 462 ranks - making it the world's largest pipe organ.
niksiz 3 years ago
It all depends on what you use to determine which instrument is the largest. The Wanamaker may have more ranks but the Midmer-Losh has more pipes.
jas161 3 years ago
Maybe they meant largest OPERATIONAL organ, cause well the Atlantic City organ is trashed...such a shame...
WBBugleBoy 3 years ago
Yep; Wanamaker is the largest *playable* pipe organ in the world.
chchaisson 3 years ago
That always ticked me off...they coughed up however many millions to renovate that arena but they couldn't cough up a few extra to fix an instrument that'd draw crowds like no other.
willowthebored 3 years ago 4
Wanamerker is larger by rank count, atlantic city larger by pipe count (33,114) and speaking stop count (852). Settled, lets just accept them both and they should share the title!
compton357 3 years ago
The ACCHO has more pipes, and has a full length 64ft rank. Something the Wanamaker does not have. One cannot judge by ranks.
Also the ACCHO is an earthquake generator with its pedal division.
advisorC101 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Terrible sound, would never be appreciated in Europe I think.
Modernmanx 3 years ago
Gigue Fugue BWV 577...
piselseta 3 years ago
What's the name of the first piece he plays?
Stephenirl252 3 years ago
A real sphincter pleaser!! FFF
FourFootFagott 3 years ago
wow!
the best instrument and the best performer put together... simply incredible!
kylehung 3 years ago 2
I always get a chuckle out of folks who talk about playing any piece the "right" way. Bach was a very spiritual person, and so as far as I'm concerned, the right way to play Bach is to play him so that the music moves people. Virgil Fox moved--and still moves--people. As for authenticity, which is better, deep-dish or thin-crust pizza? Personally, I like thin crust, but I see the wonder of the deep-dish pie as well.
tactilex 3 years ago