From where I sit, the purpose of a cathedral is to be the house of God, and the purpose of the pipe organ is to blow the cathedral's walls to shatters. 32 ft is too much? It isn't nearly enough!
Pedal is behind. Sorry, find a different organ/venue, or adjust your playing. The 32 foot doesn't help with the clarity. Generally the manuals are too legato.
This piece of music, performed in this manner---does anyone else agree that it's completely beautiful? I think that it should be blasted everywhere on loudspeakers, especially for those who don't believe music by Bach is this powerful.
C'est ça, les sommets, l'air se raréfie... seul les compositeurs surhommes atteignent ces hauteurs, et mieux encore, avec un peu de travail, et de la sensibilité, chacun peut obtenir une interprétation très honorable ! merci, monsieur BACH ! D.BABEL
@capitanoachab That is amazing the original console and keyboards are there. It would be such an honour to play the same keyboards JS Bach once played. Thank you for the information. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
@OceanderTethyseus I am not sure about the console and keyboards. The only thing I know is the facade pipes are original (aged grey of course). More than likely, most of the woodwork in the facade area and the mechanical/tracker parts,wood and inner pipes had to be replaced or repaired because the prior restoration was in the early 1900s if I recall what I read about it correctly. To me, it is one of the most pure, most beautiful organs in Germany that has a personal connection to J.S. Bach.
@OceanderTethyseus I also wonder how many people it took to hand pump the bellows to supply wind for this organ back in Bach's day since there was no electric blower to do it back then. Just imagine, to go play or practice and having to find others just to pump the bellows for you in those days. They may have had specially hired people just for that job.
The 32' Double Ophiclide at Durham Cathedral is an excellent reed stop, one of the most powerful in england, and possibly the world! Anyone who loves big reeds should hear that one!
@OceanderTethyseus It is the St. Wenzel's Church organ built by Hildebrandt and tested and likely co-designed by Bach himself. It was played and demonstrated by Bach in 1746. Hildebrandt was a student of organ builder Silbermann. St. Wenzel's Church is in Naumburg, Germany. This is maybe one of the most important organs built during Bach's time since he (Bach) had a role in the design and testing of it. It was restored in 2000 to it's original style with the same 1746 facade pipes.
It remains a mystery how one single man, J. S. Bach, could write hundreds of very complex masterpieces, succeeding in every one of them in reaching total perfection. Nobody - and I mean absolutely nobody - is supposed to be that good.
This came from the whole Prelude and Fugue by Bach. The Big Pipes and Pedals play like String Basses, the other pipes have sounds of orchestral strings, flutes, chimes, French horns and other things. The King of Instruments!
@3NUNS : While listening to this composition it is important to realise that many who also listen are naive in understanding the means of expression in baroque organ works. Phrasing is very important in this regard.
I heard Virgil Fox play this piece at Carnegie Hall in the 70's and he must have been smoking something. He played like a man inspired. I think this is the greatest of Bach's works...just so profound but that is just my opinion
Why are so many people complaining about using the 32 ft there are alot of things that do not belong in bach's music like using pianos instead of harpsichords. Using the 32 ft is not a crime its bringing a new look on bach's piece
I dont know why anyone is complaining of john scott whiteleys interpretation on bachs music because he is the finest organ in the UK for playing Bach's work
@joeyboi87 im reluctant to say "the finest" but J.S.Whiteley is an absolutely brilliant organist and if he chosses to use a 32 ft stop on the day of this recording, so be it, come on guys this is not pop music, it will not sound the same every day and if you think it should, just listen to recordings for the rest of your life.
@dxf323 You are right. Further more Bach was organist of two different instrument that have a 32'; so it's difficult to affirm that Bach had never think to use 32' in his composition!
@dxf323 ONE "people" is complaining. Nowhere in Bach have I found a place where 32-foot REED is acceptable to my ears. 32-foot flue (labial) with 16-foot reed is wonderful. The closest I have found where a 32-foot pedal reed could be used is the fugue of BWV 547 C-major 9/8.
@robertgift well why is it acceptable in Romantic Music then, why is bach so different I mean after all bachs use of chromatic harmony is very similar to Romantic Music.
I think we can blame that on the fact that the speakers you are using aren't the greatest I own the DVDs and I can hear it just fine even through y computer that I have hooked up through my stereo
this is the best quality video of prelude in e moll. I would like the pedals to scream a little more. Check my favorites. There is a version with the pedal registrations which i prefer.
@mortson978 I agree he could have coupled the hauptwerk to the pedal but just as is the pedal division is so stout I think it can let itself be heard alone, with that warm, massive 32' posaune you're in no danger of not hearing it.
he shifted key signature? That's all right, but it's mighty confusing when you get into baroque music, and every piece is defined by key signature. Like when people play bach's minuet in g, but they play it in c. What do you call it then?
I am going to see felix hell play this on sunday. I cant wait to hear it in person.
The pot calling the wedding china black i see. I didn't assume anything. I was replying to benjamp's deleted comment in which he speculated the piece was written in a different key. I told him it was written in e minor, but that it is possible the version he read was written in a different key. You are the one who made assumptions as to what i was talking about. It would have been wise to inquire, before lecturing me.
I have not read all the comments so I may be repeating what has already been written, but I think it is cool that that the actual mechanism of the organ is being shown with the playing. The instrument is a very complicated piece of equipment and it is need to see the various levers operating while this beautiful piece of music is being played by this great organist.
I love seeing the mechanical action too. As Biggs so aptly put it, trackers are an extension of the fingers allowing subtle control, whereas with the on-off response of electric action the player merely telegraphs his musical wishes into the interior of the instrument. Trackers rule!!!!
my organ teachers teacher studied under dupre, and the organist in this video, wrote a book about him! words cannot describe how privilaged i feel for having a direct link to one of the 20th centurys greatest composers. mate, cloud 9 haha
32' pedal reed does NOT belong anywhere in Bach >> Perhaps you have never played this organ (should do so asap), but I have and this 32' posaune is magnificent!
By the way: Bach preferred organs with bright mixtures and thundering pedal reeds
But you already know that Bach himself helped to plan this organ and also approved it? It is absolutely t h e bachorgan!!! Bach loved 32 ' reed-pipes!
Supplement: The organ in the palace chapel of Altenburg built and completed 1739 by T.H.G. Trost was recognized by Bach with regard both to design and its sound. The organ has a Posaunenbass 32' too !
Also a wonderful organ, with kindly and hospitable Dr Friedrich, and castle staff kind enough to provide coffee when playing in a freezing cold church in February.
Let me reply in german: Ich denke auch, man sollte mit dem Register Posaune 32' sorgsam umgehen. Aber einige Stücke vertragen es schon und dieses hier in St.Wenzel klingt wirklich gut.
Personally I think it shouldn't be used in pedal-solo parts. I sometimes add it towards the end of a piece, if appropriate.
Here the base is a fairly slow and smooth one so therefore I think the 32' is not 'in the way'.
I must say I have greater difficulty accepting the 3 couples Hauptwerk-Oberwerk-Ruckpositiv in the Fugue. You can actually hear that the organ is short of breath. I would have sticked to Hauptwerk-Ruckpositiv, especially with this organ that is more than sufficient!
showoff. lol j/k. what? it's good music and i didn't feel like reading all these longhair comments... what you can't relax with naughty goblins running around?
The thing with Bach and the 32 reed is it sounds down right awesome in this piece... Take BWV547(Weimar Prelude and Fugue in C Major) I think a 32' reed sounds great because that piece is so wild iin the prelude. I would turn it off in the fugue and not add it bac on because it would not sound that great. I also like a 32' reed in the beginning of the 532 but not the ending or in the fugue not even the final not. I just like to put a little kick in the beginning......
@robertgift Ah but if you are using a 32ft reed from a 19th or 20th century romantic organ then it will be too overpowering and out of place. At Naumburg it is voiced so expertly by Eule that it blends perfectly.
@PraeludiumUndFuge and dxf323 - Apparently I am the only one complaining about the 32' reed.
I am merely going by what my ears tell me.
I love powerful 32' reeds. Just does not belong in ANY Bach great organwork, and I have played them all. Only a 32' labial is acceptable. Perfect is 32' Principal with 16' reed
Absolutely right. The clown who thinks that the 32ft doesn't belong in Bach clearly doesn't know that Bach is believed to have been involved in the design of the great Hildebrandt organ at Naumburg. Playing this wonderful organ - for a whole three hours courtesy of the hospitable and genereous Kantorin Frau Greulich - was a never-to-be forgotten morning, and one of the great experiences of my life.
@robertgift where did you get that inane idea from? If I'm not mistaken Bach specified for this organ to include a 32' posaune and was especially fond of it. Regardless, I can think of at least a handful of examples of organs from the baroque period which have a 32' reed stop.
Always loved this piece by Bach; somber, yet celebratory. This, along with the accompanying Fugue, I've heard BWV 548described as an "organ symphony in 2 movements", with good reason I think. I like Mr. Whiteley's tempi, registrations, phrasing, and the manner in which he simply gets out of the way of the music and lets it unfold. The videography is a plus and of course, the recently restored Hildebrandt organ is spectacular too. Definitely going to have to get that DVD eventually...Bravo!
Marvellous recording of John Scott Whiteley (from York Minster, England) playing on this superb Organ. Presumably taken from the BBC series 'Twenty-First Century Bach'? Many thanks for posting this.
Just loved the playing! The interior of the organ looks so delicate, and compleciated if a piece would break, youd have to call aa computer guy in to fix it! about the same difference. I hope to hear some more true Bach organs, This is a GREAT idea
take a seat organman you will get it later. This is a perfect tempo. It is his interpretation and I like it. Step back and be quiet mr. perfect. Words-- action is better--like this! Good job JSW!
How am I "imitating" WL? Wanda is without a doubt the greatest harpsichordist of modern times. It is regrettable that you have taken offense to my reference. I'm a Catholic actively working for the reinstatement of the Latin Mass in England; I was schooled by nuns in my youth and love the sisters who educated me. However, I take no offense that you call yourself "3NUNS". Anyway, I wish you peace.
Thank you for asking my opinion. Koopman is a major force amongst organists. I had the privilege of observing his conducting for a sustained period and it was clear that his is a first-class musical mind. It's a matter of taste, at least for me. Whitely is a fascinating player whose tempi often catch me off-guard from time-to-time, but I soon come to realise that these make perfect sense in their given context. Koopman has caused me to re-think many things, many times. Cheers!
I absolutely adore Bach's organ works. Curious how such hateful words can be spewed in the presence of such genius. I'm speaking specifically of the America bashing that has been taking place. As an American native I can only ask that you don't judge all of us based on the statements of assholes. There are a lot of us who are very cultured, intelligent, and articulate. Oh, and iglaczek, there is more good coming from America other than its dollar. :)
Oh, and just for the record, I would never compare Bach to a hack like Andrew Lloyd Webber (a reference that doomed FartheadOgre). And iglaczek, since you insulted America in response to that reference I feel obligated to inform you that Andrew Lloyd Webber is British. Born and raised.
Sadly, our more cultered people usually have better things to do than type random things on the internet, so the vast majority of America's populous (spelling?? lol) is represented by our morons with nothing better to do, while our more intellectual countrymen are off NOT BEING ASSHOLES TO PEOPLE THAT DON'T MATTER.
Hmmm. I have watched this now over 100 times (my 2.5-year old son seems to be a fan).
The instrument is fantastic (love the tempament) and I particulaly like John's interpretation. Doubtless the Bach fundamentalists will pull some holes (watch those heels John) but I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing this video another 100 times with my son. 5'15 will remain with me always.
Terrific interpretion - and thanks for posting. Not quite perfect, but my goodness, how close you have come!
At the tempo JSW takes it, it is still so VERY grand. What did Albert Schweitzer say; The hearer should have the mental vision of an imposing renaissance castle which may seem complicated at first view, yet all of it's parts standing in harmony to each other and displaying magnificence of proportion.
Ein Bravissimo dem Organisten John Scott Whiteley für seine veröffentlich
Werke von Bach.Die Registrierung und die technische Brillanz der Interpretation - des für mich schwersten Orgelwerks von J.S.Bach - an der im Bachschen Stil nachgebauten Orgel in der Wenzelskirche in Naumburg, einfach genial. Kein Vergleich mit den Bach-Interpreten unter anderem Richter, Walcha oder Krapp.Einzigartig und bitte noch mehr davon!! Die 32`` Fuß Posaune mächtig, aber nicht „schreiend" und beherrschend.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
The 32' reed doesn't belong in this registration. Please consider a faster tempo: quarter=76 [yours is 60-63]. For me, a piece is too slow when it seems to be taking too long. Also, a plodding tempo such as this completely disallows the listener to hear much beyond the 'moment'. I'm glad he doesn't switch to a secondary manual for the passages in which the pedal is silent.
Wow staring at the notes right now, the song isn't that impossible. I play piano and I'm not that good.The right hand is in 5:2:1 finger position alternating 1 being mostly G. Also 4 finger position like 1 3 5 7.
Lol if you don't catch my drift this guy is amazing and he inspired to start practicing this song.
The left hand is like any other classical song, starting from a low note going up then like going back down.
That should read "...an American asshole". In the future, try to avoid placing these two vowels together when one is a preposition followed by a noun, pronoun or nominal.
Wanda
(not from America, but nonetheless AN AMERICA- phile)
Eine der großen Leipziger "Orgelsinfonien" des 5. Evangelisten. Wie schade, daß einem Helmut Walcha, der heuer seinen 100. Geburtstag gefeiert hätte, nicht diese wunderbaren mitteldeutschen Barockorgeln zur Verfügung standen (vor allem die von Trost in Altenburg, die Hildebrandts in Naumburg und mein "Liebling", die Klangkönigin des G. Silbermann im Dom zu Freiberg!). Walcha bleibt der kongeniale Interpret Bachs: sein Spiel LEBT!
I am a drummer by nature-but I can play the bass trombone and tenor trombone, violin and the Sax, I would love to play the organ as not many younger people appreciate classical music I think that they cannot appreciate music on the whole.
I think you mean more mellow and round. Low pitched string instruments have a more edgey sound than you think. I would no this because my brother plays the cello and I have a friend who plays double bass
It could be that Hildebrandt just built the stop according to what he'd been taught and his own intuition. On the other hand it does blend well with the overall tone and seems to be of the same conventions we hear in the other stops as well as other instruments from this late period in the baroque era.
You can't really tell what that is meant to sound like anyway, because the compression is too high on Youtube.
I don't really think JSW's playing is staccato enough, it sounds forced, but then this is quite possibly (Passacaglia barring) Bach's most difficult work, technically.
The 32' reed in this organ is made of wood. This is done (even today) to tone down the brassiness of the metal Bombarde, which likely was considered noisy and undignified to German taste. So, "violone-like" is one way of describing the toned-down stop.
Is it also made of wood? If only those fools who 'modernised the organ didn't do what they did. Then we would still be able to hear the magnificent reed Bach used.
Your video clip is great and I've rated it as awesome. Please check out mine on being Baching Mad on Classical Music and some early trading cards of famous composers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and many more.
Much better and much more versatile, although it was built some years later when the tonal qualities were more towards sweeter sounds. It has a particularly characteristic bass demonstrated extensively in Robert Clark's recordings.
I agree, but the spirit and tonal qualities of Schnitger are still unique; St. Jacobi in Hamburg, St. Ludgeri in Norden and Martinikerk in Groningen organs by Schnitger are, in my opinion, the apotheosis of Baroque.
Outstanding Interpretation - one of the best i've ever heard! The organ in the church of St. Wenzel (Naumburg/Saale/state of Saxony-Anhalt) built by master Silberman's favourite pupil Zacharias Hildebrandt sounds great.
My idea was that the muscles of the fingers can be affected in their shape by the particular exercises that must be done to develop a true Baroque fingering technique full of multiple trills, mordents and appoggiaturas at fast speed. This aspect is foucused in many books about period fingering and applikaturen.
Does anyone noticed the incredible resemblance in shape, between the hand (with pretty chubby, short fingers) of J.S.Whiteley and the one of J.S,Bach in His famous portraits by E.G.Haussmann (1746-48)?
Chubby, short fingers... yes, I'm very familiar with them, I have some! And it has nothing to do with your weight or finger exercises. I was rather encouraged when I heard that Bach's fingers were short and stubby, because I knew then that my fingers would not be a barrier to playing his music.
In Italy it's the opposite: we would wish to have great organists like those of the Dutch school (the greatest Baroque organists of the world are from Netherlands). Our dream is to have true Baroque school like Ton Koopman, Gustav Leonhardt, Jacques van Oortmerssen, Leo van Doeselaar, Ewald Kooiman and many others... But in Italy the most part is so terribly Romantic flavored style...
This organist is playing this difficult music (prelude ánd fugue) of Bach very well and clearly. His playingposition is very calm, in control and without any show! This kind of modestness and expertise is wonderfull. I like that very much! This kind of musicians is unfortunately rahter uncommon in the Netherlands... Please, a lot more of this excellent organist and, of course, this supermusic of the greatest composer ever: J.S. Bach!
A very underrated organist is the great Gerhard Weinberger. Although I read on some reviews bad comments about Him, I wanted to listen and judge with my ears. His recordings (CPO record, 19 cds) of Bach organ works (all of them on historical organs, among them Weinberger played on Hildebrandt organs) are truly magnificent and command respect.
These organists.. Geniuses! xD
wilob9 3 weeks ago
Exceptionally played, I personally prefer a faster tempo on this specific Bach piece, but to each is own.
Scaramanga87 1 month ago
From where I sit, the purpose of a cathedral is to be the house of God, and the purpose of the pipe organ is to blow the cathedral's walls to shatters. 32 ft is too much? It isn't nearly enough!
StoryNClark 4 months ago
Pedal is behind. Sorry, find a different organ/venue, or adjust your playing. The 32 foot doesn't help with the clarity. Generally the manuals are too legato.
Gresilde 5 months ago
This piece of music, performed in this manner---does anyone else agree that it's completely beautiful? I think that it should be blasted everywhere on loudspeakers, especially for those who don't believe music by Bach is this powerful.
TheMboucher 6 months ago
C'est ça, les sommets, l'air se raréfie... seul les compositeurs surhommes atteignent ces hauteurs, et mieux encore, avec un peu de travail, et de la sensibilité, chacun peut obtenir une interprétation très honorable ! merci, monsieur BACH ! D.BABEL
SuperBabel2 7 months ago
Emocionante interpretación de John Scott del gran Preludio BWV 548 de Bach en el magnífico órgano Zacharias Hildebrandt de Naumburg.
Rerarrijacis 8 months ago in playlist Bach
this guy has the chords correct in the opening bars
3NUNS 9 months ago
@Bachaholic60; yes, console and keyboards are the originals 1746, together vith over 1/3 of total pipes in any stop.
capitanoachab 10 months ago
@capitanoachab That is amazing the original console and keyboards are there. It would be such an honour to play the same keyboards JS Bach once played. Thank you for the information. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Bachaholic60 9 months ago
check out the wear on the keys at 3:16
i wonder if those are the same keys Bach played
OceanderTethyseus 10 months ago
@OceanderTethyseus I am not sure about the console and keyboards. The only thing I know is the facade pipes are original (aged grey of course). More than likely, most of the woodwork in the facade area and the mechanical/tracker parts,wood and inner pipes had to be replaced or repaired because the prior restoration was in the early 1900s if I recall what I read about it correctly. To me, it is one of the most pure, most beautiful organs in Germany that has a personal connection to J.S. Bach.
Bachaholic60 10 months ago
@OceanderTethyseus I also wonder how many people it took to hand pump the bellows to supply wind for this organ back in Bach's day since there was no electric blower to do it back then. Just imagine, to go play or practice and having to find others just to pump the bellows for you in those days. They may have had specially hired people just for that job.
Bachaholic60 10 months ago
@Bachaholic60
i've thought about that myself sometimes.
it must have quite an experience to shuffle through the snow to church on a quiet Saturday morning and sit in mass and listen to Bach play.
thanks for the information, too, i really appreciate that.
OceanderTethyseus 10 months ago
I absolutely love the Wedge Prelude and Fugue so much power and emotion especially when it's played by JSW on this stunning instrument!
prettyboy1990able 11 months ago
Easily one of Bach's most "symphonic" keyboard compositions.
Biff947 1 year ago
I found Bach's autograph score of this piece at BachDigital . com
Very little of his organ works survive in an autograph form
Biff947 1 year ago
The 32' Double Ophiclide at Durham Cathedral is an excellent reed stop, one of the most powerful in england, and possibly the world! Anyone who loves big reeds should hear that one!
TheAlexfishburn 1 year ago
does anyone know the name of that organ?
i've seen it before in pictures.
OceanderTethyseus 1 year ago
@OceanderTethyseus It is the St. Wenzel's Church organ built by Hildebrandt and tested and likely co-designed by Bach himself. It was played and demonstrated by Bach in 1746. Hildebrandt was a student of organ builder Silbermann. St. Wenzel's Church is in Naumburg, Germany. This is maybe one of the most important organs built during Bach's time since he (Bach) had a role in the design and testing of it. It was restored in 2000 to it's original style with the same 1746 facade pipes.
Bachaholic60 10 months ago
@Bachaholic60
fascinating! thank you!!
OceanderTethyseus 10 months ago
It remains a mystery how one single man, J. S. Bach, could write hundreds of very complex masterpieces, succeeding in every one of them in reaching total perfection. Nobody - and I mean absolutely nobody - is supposed to be that good.
jsnauwaert 1 year ago
@jsnauwaert except for JSB !
MusicPredominates 1 year ago
@jsnauwaert And the most amazing is, it seems he didn't care about his works being played or not in the future.
Organiste06 1 year ago
This came from the whole Prelude and Fugue by Bach. The Big Pipes and Pedals play like String Basses, the other pipes have sounds of orchestral strings, flutes, chimes, French horns and other things. The King of Instruments!
sean82091 1 year ago
I made some baroque in the manner of bach. I think. check it out. I could use some good feedback
Bachzart 1 year ago
Откуда эта дополнительная орнаментика? Даешь чистого Баха, где он набрался этих характерных для романтизма добавок?
vanya2309 1 year ago
Простите, но я практически оргазмировал... Мой любимый инструмент.
ser4ton 1 year ago
fantastico,que bello
1krazyluis 1 year ago
While listening to this composition, it is very important to also note the performer's phrasing ; otherwise identified as 'breathing'.
3NUNS 2 years ago
@3NUNS : While listening to this composition it is important to realise that many who also listen are naive in understanding the means of expression in baroque organ works. Phrasing is very important in this regard.
3NUNS 2 years ago
Comment removed
Totennebel 2 years ago
I heard Virgil Fox play this piece at Carnegie Hall in the 70's and he must have been smoking something. He played like a man inspired. I think this is the greatest of Bach's works...just so profound but that is just my opinion
reedchorus 2 years ago 2
I love Virgil Fox, Darn shame he's dead
firefly09td 1 year ago
Also this is a baroque organ and therefore if there a 32ft stops on it then what is to stop Bach from having used 32ft stops in his music?
joeyboi87 2 years ago 3
Why are so many people complaining about using the 32 ft there are alot of things that do not belong in bach's music like using pianos instead of harpsichords. Using the 32 ft is not a crime its bringing a new look on bach's piece
dxf323 2 years ago 32
I dont know why anyone is complaining of john scott whiteleys interpretation on bachs music because he is the finest organ in the UK for playing Bach's work
joeyboi87 2 years ago 2
@joeyboi87 im reluctant to say "the finest" but J.S.Whiteley is an absolutely brilliant organist and if he chosses to use a 32 ft stop on the day of this recording, so be it, come on guys this is not pop music, it will not sound the same every day and if you think it should, just listen to recordings for the rest of your life.
bastardtubeuser 2 years ago 6
@dxf323 never a crime especially when it's a 32 foot on a harpsichord
MusicPredominates 1 year ago
@dxf323, actually. The 32' stop is perfectly acceptable.
advisorC101 1 year ago
@dxf323 You are right. Further more Bach was organist of two different instrument that have a 32'; so it's difficult to affirm that Bach had never think to use 32' in his composition!
Posaunenbass32 1 year ago
@Posaunenbass32 You need to distinquish between a 32' pie in general and a 32' reed..
SelvesteDovregubben 1 year ago
@dxf323 ONE "people" is complaining. Nowhere in Bach have I found a place where 32-foot REED is acceptable to my ears. 32-foot flue (labial) with 16-foot reed is wonderful. The closest I have found where a 32-foot pedal reed could be used is the fugue of BWV 547 C-major 9/8.
robertgift 3 months ago
Comment removed
dxf323 3 months ago
@robertgift well why is it acceptable in Romantic Music then, why is bach so different I mean after all bachs use of chromatic harmony is very similar to Romantic Music.
dxf323 3 months ago
@dxf323 I personally think it's use is well warranted here. Fantastic registration and timing!
Div1356 5 days ago
I think he needs brighter and higher registers on the pedal notes. They are very important, and yet in this recording they are barely audible.
mortson978 2 years ago
I think we can blame that on the fact that the speakers you are using aren't the greatest I own the DVDs and I can hear it just fine even through y computer that I have hooked up through my stereo
Bachlives2 2 years ago
this is the best quality video of prelude in e moll. I would like the pedals to scream a little more. Check my favorites. There is a version with the pedal registrations which i prefer.
mortson978 2 years ago
@mortson978 I agree he could have coupled the hauptwerk to the pedal but just as is the pedal division is so stout I think it can let itself be heard alone, with that warm, massive 32' posaune you're in no danger of not hearing it.
PraeludiumUndFuge 1 year ago
@PraeludiumUndFuge okay, you're probably right, youtube doesn't have perfect sound, it would be nice to hear it in person.
mortson978 1 year ago
You're right! The title on my CD is wrong. I bought the new André Isoire's version and his booklet is not very good. I'm sorry!
benjamp 2 years ago
he shifted key signature? That's all right, but it's mighty confusing when you get into baroque music, and every piece is defined by key signature. Like when people play bach's minuet in g, but they play it in c. What do you call it then?
I am going to see felix hell play this on sunday. I cant wait to hear it in person.
mortson978 2 years ago
Comment removed
wcbroccoli 2 years ago
The pot calling the wedding china black i see. I didn't assume anything. I was replying to benjamp's deleted comment in which he speculated the piece was written in a different key. I told him it was written in e minor, but that it is possible the version he read was written in a different key. You are the one who made assumptions as to what i was talking about. It would have been wise to inquire, before lecturing me.
mortson978 2 years ago
Comment removed
benjamp 2 years ago
no, it's e moll
mortson978 2 years ago
bach's works for organ make me chill, but also make me clench my fist as a consequence of his mighty music
gasparmc 3 years ago 3
I have not read all the comments so I may be repeating what has already been written, but I think it is cool that that the actual mechanism of the organ is being shown with the playing. The instrument is a very complicated piece of equipment and it is need to see the various levers operating while this beautiful piece of music is being played by this great organist.
g1e2c3k4o 3 years ago
I love seeing the mechanical action too. As Biggs so aptly put it, trackers are an extension of the fingers allowing subtle control, whereas with the on-off response of electric action the player merely telegraphs his musical wishes into the interior of the instrument. Trackers rule!!!!
bachkirche 3 years ago
my organ teachers teacher studied under dupre, and the organist in this video, wrote a book about him! words cannot describe how privilaged i feel for having a direct link to one of the 20th centurys greatest composers. mate, cloud 9 haha
robecre2 3 years ago
Sounds more like a Bach fantasia that a Bach Prelue! :P
Kinda' like how Toccata BWV 540 sounds more like a Prelude than a Toccata.
Biff947 3 years ago
O 32' tromba thou speakest sloer than thy brothers
3NUNS 3 years ago
This is definitely one of the best pieces for organ ever written.
Nobody excels at the organ as much as Bach does.
And that also applies to music in general^-^
simply genious
vreesje 3 years ago 17
Well done.
1992peter 3 years ago
32' pedal reed does NOT belong anywhere in Bach.
16' pedal reed with 32' principal is wonderful.
But no 32' reed.
Great to hear this magnificent composition - my favorite.
But Gigue, best I have ever heard was played by E. Power Biggs, is also stunningly happy and optimistic, complex and fulfilling.
Would be nice to hear a little relief and contrast between sections in this performance.
What! That final trill should have a tie on on the end. (Is that what it is called?)
robertgift 3 years ago
32' pedal reed does NOT belong anywhere in Bach >> Perhaps you have never played this organ (should do so asap), but I have and this 32' posaune is magnificent!
By the way: Bach preferred organs with bright mixtures and thundering pedal reeds
koos1981 3 years ago
I have played big organs in huge cathedrals.
I use 32' pedal reeds in other compositions, especially those of Maximum notes Reger.
But a 32' reed just does not belong in any Bach composition.
32' flue with 16' reed is wonderful.
But 32' reed sounds like it does not fit the music.
robertgift 3 years ago
But you already know that Bach himself helped to plan this organ and also approved it? It is absolutely t h e bachorgan!!! Bach loved 32 ' reed-pipes!
Wonderful playing and sound!
RNRFKA 3 years ago
Supplement: The organ in the palace chapel of Altenburg built and completed 1739 by T.H.G. Trost was recognized by Bach with regard both to design and its sound. The organ has a Posaunenbass 32' too !
RNRFKA 3 years ago
Also a wonderful organ, with kindly and hospitable Dr Friedrich, and castle staff kind enough to provide coffee when playing in a freezing cold church in February.
MEPPO06 3 years ago
No. Did not know that.
Interesting! Thank you.
I have never found a Bach work where the 32' reed sounded appropriate.
Tried using a 32' reed in the pedal arpeggios in the great Toccata and Fugue in F, Wedge, 9/8 C Major, Dorian fugue, Passacaglia & Fugue in c, etc.
Actually, the final subject entrance of the dorian fugue was almost OK.
It was not an overpowering reed either but still sounded out of place.
Best was Principle chorus with 8' and 16' reeds and powerful 32' Principle.
robertgift 3 years ago
Let me reply in german: Ich denke auch, man sollte mit dem Register Posaune 32' sorgsam umgehen. Aber einige Stücke vertragen es schon und dieses hier in St.Wenzel klingt wirklich gut.
RNRFKA 3 years ago 2
Personally I think it shouldn't be used in pedal-solo parts. I sometimes add it towards the end of a piece, if appropriate.
Here the base is a fairly slow and smooth one so therefore I think the 32' is not 'in the way'.
I must say I have greater difficulty accepting the 3 couples Hauptwerk-Oberwerk-Ruckpositiv in the Fugue. You can actually hear that the organ is short of breath. I would have sticked to Hauptwerk-Ruckpositiv, especially with this organ that is more than sufficient!
koos1981 3 years ago
I would have (stuck) to Hauptwerk-Ruckpositiv,.
Gathol 3 years ago
showoff!!!LOL
polgarfan 3 years ago
I think all people who know something better than you are show offs in your eyes. That's the view of the envier.
RNRFKA 3 years ago 2
haha indeed.
starbreez3 3 years ago
showoff. lol j/k. what? it's good music and i didn't feel like reading all these longhair comments... what you can't relax with naughty goblins running around?
Gathol 3 years ago
The thing with Bach and the 32 reed is it sounds down right awesome in this piece... Take BWV547(Weimar Prelude and Fugue in C Major) I think a 32' reed sounds great because that piece is so wild iin the prelude. I would turn it off in the fugue and not add it bac on because it would not sound that great. I also like a 32' reed in the beginning of the 532 but not the ending or in the fugue not even the final not. I just like to put a little kick in the beginning......
Bachlives2 3 years ago
@robertgift not all 32' reeds are built alike.
PraeludiumUndFuge 1 year ago
@robertgift Ah but if you are using a 32ft reed from a 19th or 20th century romantic organ then it will be too overpowering and out of place. At Naumburg it is voiced so expertly by Eule that it blends perfectly.
MrJpholmes 3 months ago
@robertgift I feel your organ schooling is outdated.
PraeludiumUndFuge 1 year ago
@PraeludiumUndFuge and dxf323 - Apparently I am the only one complaining about the 32' reed.
I am merely going by what my ears tell me.
I love powerful 32' reeds. Just does not belong in ANY Bach great organwork, and I have played them all. Only a 32' labial is acceptable. Perfect is 32' Principal with 16' reed
32' Reed in Reger is a must.
robertgift 1 year ago
Absolutely right. The clown who thinks that the 32ft doesn't belong in Bach clearly doesn't know that Bach is believed to have been involved in the design of the great Hildebrandt organ at Naumburg. Playing this wonderful organ - for a whole three hours courtesy of the hospitable and genereous Kantorin Frau Greulich - was a never-to-be forgotten morning, and one of the great experiences of my life.
MEPPO06 3 years ago
@robertgift where did you get that inane idea from? If I'm not mistaken Bach specified for this organ to include a 32' posaune and was especially fond of it. Regardless, I can think of at least a handful of examples of organs from the baroque period which have a 32' reed stop.
PraeludiumUndFuge 1 year ago
Always loved this piece by Bach; somber, yet celebratory. This, along with the accompanying Fugue, I've heard BWV 548described as an "organ symphony in 2 movements", with good reason I think. I like Mr. Whiteley's tempi, registrations, phrasing, and the manner in which he simply gets out of the way of the music and lets it unfold. The videography is a plus and of course, the recently restored Hildebrandt organ is spectacular too. Definitely going to have to get that DVD eventually...Bravo!
1963mathetes 3 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
hwaht thef cuk is thies????
CielBlanche 3 years ago
Marvellous recording of John Scott Whiteley (from York Minster, England) playing on this superb Organ. Presumably taken from the BBC series 'Twenty-First Century Bach'? Many thanks for posting this.
ds1868 3 years ago
NOT QVITE !
3NUNS 3 years ago
great piece, i had to do this in a recital a few months back at Greyfriars Kirk which was a brilliant organ to play on!
joeyboi87 3 years ago
Great video, great playing. Congratulations.
eldoctordeltac 3 years ago
Just loved the playing! The interior of the organ looks so delicate, and compleciated if a piece would break, youd have to call aa computer guy in to fix it! about the same difference. I hope to hear some more true Bach organs, This is a GREAT idea
PerrrfictKats 3 years ago
take a seat organman you will get it later. This is a perfect tempo. It is his interpretation and I like it. Step back and be quiet mr. perfect. Words-- action is better--like this! Good job JSW!
vinnycor1 3 years ago
Tell it, girl!
wandalewlandowska 3 years ago
Actually, I was responding to vinnycor1 whose comments are always spot on.
wandalewlandowska 3 years ago
aren't you a bit naughty imitating one of the greatest harpsichords of the twentieth century. Explain yourself !
3NUNS 3 years ago
Hi Cupcake, or "3NUNS",
How am I "imitating" WL? Wanda is without a doubt the greatest harpsichordist of modern times. It is regrettable that you have taken offense to my reference. I'm a Catholic actively working for the reinstatement of the Latin Mass in England; I was schooled by nuns in my youth and love the sisters who educated me. However, I take no offense that you call yourself "3NUNS". Anyway, I wish you peace.
Wanda Landowska
wandalewlandowska 3 years ago
Just please don't do that .
3NUNS 3 years ago
What about Ton Koopman
Bachlives2 3 years ago
Dear Bachlives2,
Thank you for asking my opinion. Koopman is a major force amongst organists. I had the privilege of observing his conducting for a sustained period and it was clear that his is a first-class musical mind. It's a matter of taste, at least for me. Whitely is a fascinating player whose tempi often catch me off-guard from time-to-time, but I soon come to realise that these make perfect sense in their given context. Koopman has caused me to re-think many things, many times. Cheers!
wandalewlandowska 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Koopa?
The evil giant turtle of Super Mario bros?
alra1975 3 years ago
Koopa?
Bachlives2 3 years ago
Yes, Koopa is an excellent joypad player! =)))
alra1975 3 years ago
How could I have forgotten that...Now that's how real imaginary characters from the super mario bros are supposed to play Bach!
Bachlives2 3 years ago
I absolutely adore Bach's organ works. Curious how such hateful words can be spewed in the presence of such genius. I'm speaking specifically of the America bashing that has been taking place. As an American native I can only ask that you don't judge all of us based on the statements of assholes. There are a lot of us who are very cultured, intelligent, and articulate. Oh, and iglaczek, there is more good coming from America other than its dollar. :)
Hiro25 3 years ago 2
Oh, and just for the record, I would never compare Bach to a hack like Andrew Lloyd Webber (a reference that doomed FartheadOgre). And iglaczek, since you insulted America in response to that reference I feel obligated to inform you that Andrew Lloyd Webber is British. Born and raised.
Hiro25 3 years ago
Sadly, our more cultered people usually have better things to do than type random things on the internet, so the vast majority of America's populous (spelling?? lol) is represented by our morons with nothing better to do, while our more intellectual countrymen are off NOT BEING ASSHOLES TO PEOPLE THAT DON'T MATTER.
BassTromboneKing 3 years ago
Hmmm. I have watched this now over 100 times (my 2.5-year old son seems to be a fan).
The instrument is fantastic (love the tempament) and I particulaly like John's interpretation. Doubtless the Bach fundamentalists will pull some holes (watch those heels John) but I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing this video another 100 times with my son. 5'15 will remain with me always.
Terrific interpretion - and thanks for posting. Not quite perfect, but my goodness, how close you have come!
tumandphul 3 years ago
At the tempo JSW takes it, it is still so VERY grand. What did Albert Schweitzer say; The hearer should have the mental vision of an imposing renaissance castle which may seem complicated at first view, yet all of it's parts standing in harmony to each other and displaying magnificence of proportion.
cnmmnc8852 3 years ago
Ein Bravissimo dem Organisten John Scott Whiteley für seine veröffentlich
Werke von Bach.Die Registrierung und die technische Brillanz der Interpretation - des für mich schwersten Orgelwerks von J.S.Bach - an der im Bachschen Stil nachgebauten Orgel in der Wenzelskirche in Naumburg, einfach genial. Kein Vergleich mit den Bach-Interpreten unter anderem Richter, Walcha oder Krapp.Einzigartig und bitte noch mehr davon!! Die 32`` Fuß Posaune mächtig, aber nicht „schreiend" und beherrschend.
Claus12 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The 32' reed doesn't belong in this registration. Please consider a faster tempo: quarter=76 [yours is 60-63]. For me, a piece is too slow when it seems to be taking too long. Also, a plodding tempo such as this completely disallows the listener to hear much beyond the 'moment'. I'm glad he doesn't switch to a secondary manual for the passages in which the pedal is silent.
organman52 4 years ago
la musique celle qui sait vous toucher un moment un grand moment de beauté merci à vous pour ce petit concert sylvie
sylvie27380 4 years ago
Wow staring at the notes right now, the song isn't that impossible. I play piano and I'm not that good.The right hand is in 5:2:1 finger position alternating 1 being mostly G. Also 4 finger position like 1 3 5 7.
Lol if you don't catch my drift this guy is amazing and he inspired to start practicing this song.
The left hand is like any other classical song, starting from a low note going up then like going back down.
Thats my biggest problem lol...
MarcoPolo1337 4 years ago
do not forget the feet :)
flashnizmmm 4 years ago
Certainly one of the master piece pieces for organ. !!
traketatra 4 years ago
This is definately one of bachs organ works. The toccata and fuge in d minor is stunning but palyed to much. This is amazing
sailingforde04 4 years ago
wow
a1213w 4 years ago
Classy!
johntheclassical 4 years ago 2
I want this recording on MP3, any one got it?
DanielBrennan9 4 years ago
Belle découverte que ce site et surtout cette vidéo : rythme juste, précis, respirant...Merci à cet organiste !
jacques6870 4 years ago
amazing:)bravo
kamyczek19 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Phantom of the opera!
FartheadOgre 4 years ago
Vulgar! How DARE you compare Bach's music to a American nobody!
johntheclassical 4 years ago 6
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Eat a gorillas asshole!
FartheadOgre 4 years ago
what a mediocrity!
None of those rubbish pop culture could stand against the greatness of Bach!
foxdruidz 4 years ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
No shit.
FartheadOgre 4 years ago
I agree !
All good i know is comming from America it is dollar.
iglaczek1 4 years ago
Even then its about 1:2 to the £ Sterling lol
DanielBrennan9 4 years ago 3
That should read "...an American asshole". In the future, try to avoid placing these two vowels together when one is a preposition followed by a noun, pronoun or nominal.
Wanda
(not from America, but nonetheless AN AMERICA- phile)
wandalewlandowska 3 years ago
Eine der großen Leipziger "Orgelsinfonien" des 5. Evangelisten. Wie schade, daß einem Helmut Walcha, der heuer seinen 100. Geburtstag gefeiert hätte, nicht diese wunderbaren mitteldeutschen Barockorgeln zur Verfügung standen (vor allem die von Trost in Altenburg, die Hildebrandts in Naumburg und mein "Liebling", die Klangkönigin des G. Silbermann im Dom zu Freiberg!). Walcha bleibt der kongeniale Interpret Bachs: sein Spiel LEBT!
fritz97 4 years ago
wow
marrone81 4 years ago
05:21 en adelante: esos mordentes solo pudieron descender de la mano de Dios
Efectivamente, si la historia es asi...Es el viejo, el mas grande, pa
jorgebodrio 4 years ago
no toca taaaan perfecto como dicen
eso es porque no escucharon a grandes como RF
jorgebodrio 4 years ago
This guy is amazing. He plays everything so perfectly.
kate10662 4 years ago
I am a drummer by nature-but I can play the bass trombone and tenor trombone, violin and the Sax, I would love to play the organ as not many younger people appreciate classical music I think that they cannot appreciate music on the whole.
DanielBrennan9 4 years ago 2
Aha, a post that makes more sense than one by pipeorganDUDE.
ForestChav 4 years ago
Is it possible to play this without a 32'?
the organ I play has only a bourdon 16,violoncello 8' and bombarde 16' on the pedal.The 32' does'nt work properly.
servorumdei 4 years ago
Of course, but I wouldn't recommend the cheat of double pedalling the 16' in 5ths...
ForestChav 4 years ago
This guy has something to teach us organists.
3NUNS 4 years ago
the finest stuff from a cathedral organist
3NUNS 4 years ago
How can a 32' Reed have violon like qualities I don't think that was the builders objective.
Bachlives2 4 years ago
The objective was to make it 'sweet' and less brassy/reedy i expect.
If you listen to a low pitched string instrument there are vague similarities.
ZachariasHildebrandt 4 years ago
I think you mean more mellow and round. Low pitched string instruments have a more edgey sound than you think. I would no this because my brother plays the cello and I have a friend who plays double bass
Bachlives2 4 years ago
Let's not forget we're talking about baroque string instruments which are quite different in tone.
ZachariasHildebrandt 4 years ago
Well...... You di have a point... but I don't think that was the builders objectives do you?
Bachlives2 4 years ago
It could be that Hildebrandt just built the stop according to what he'd been taught and his own intuition. On the other hand it does blend well with the overall tone and seems to be of the same conventions we hear in the other stops as well as other instruments from this late period in the baroque era.
ZachariasHildebrandt 4 years ago
You can't really tell what that is meant to sound like anyway, because the compression is too high on Youtube.
I don't really think JSW's playing is staccato enough, it sounds forced, but then this is quite possibly (Passacaglia barring) Bach's most difficult work, technically.
ForestChav 4 years ago
The 32' reed in this organ is made of wood. This is done (even today) to tone down the brassiness of the metal Bombarde, which likely was considered noisy and undignified to German taste. So, "violone-like" is one way of describing the toned-down stop.
Rankett16 2 years ago
What about this new "replica" 32 foot reed?
Is it also made of wood? If only those fools who 'modernised the organ didn't do what they did. Then we would still be able to hear the magnificent reed Bach used.
advisorC101 2 years ago
Your video clip is great and I've rated it as awesome. Please check out mine on being Baching Mad on Classical Music and some early trading cards of famous composers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and many more.
creamofcardstv 4 years ago
Beautifully voiced instrument . . . even better sounding than the Silbermann organ in Freiburg, I think. Magnificent.
ghostwriter11 4 years ago
I have heard of the instrument there. I like it. They have really bright silvery sound that fills the room so wonderfully
Bachlives2 4 years ago
Much better and much more versatile, although it was built some years later when the tonal qualities were more towards sweeter sounds. It has a particularly characteristic bass demonstrated extensively in Robert Clark's recordings.
ZachariasHildebrandt 4 years ago
I agree, but the spirit and tonal qualities of Schnitger are still unique; St. Jacobi in Hamburg, St. Ludgeri in Norden and Martinikerk in Groningen organs by Schnitger are, in my opinion, the apotheosis of Baroque.
alra1975 4 years ago
Outstanding Interpretation - one of the best i've ever heard! The organ in the church of St. Wenzel (Naumburg/Saale/state of Saxony-Anhalt) built by master Silberman's favourite pupil Zacharias Hildebrandt sounds great.
Organist77 4 years ago
beautiful organ with a beautiful sound!
clashtitans2 4 years ago
Oh. I can do that and I have long fingers. Oh well. I can't do it well though.
Urmom92427 4 years ago
Sorry, what do you mean?
Biff947 4 years ago
My idea was that the muscles of the fingers can be affected in their shape by the particular exercises that must be done to develop a true Baroque fingering technique full of multiple trills, mordents and appoggiaturas at fast speed. This aspect is foucused in many books about period fingering and applikaturen.
alra1975 4 years ago
Does anyone noticed the incredible resemblance in shape, between the hand (with pretty chubby, short fingers) of J.S.Whiteley and the one of J.S,Bach in His famous portraits by E.G.Haussmann (1746-48)?
alra1975 4 years ago
What the hell? Bach is not fat!
Biff947 4 years ago
Please, don't misunderstand my words.
alra1975 4 years ago
Chubby, short fingers... yes, I'm very familiar with them, I have some! And it has nothing to do with your weight or finger exercises. I was rather encouraged when I heard that Bach's fingers were short and stubby, because I knew then that my fingers would not be a barrier to playing his music.
ccoraxfan 4 years ago
He could have been quite fat in his later years, it would explain the diabetes.
ZachariasHildebrandt 4 years ago
In Italy it's the opposite: we would wish to have great organists like those of the Dutch school (the greatest Baroque organists of the world are from Netherlands). Our dream is to have true Baroque school like Ton Koopman, Gustav Leonhardt, Jacques van Oortmerssen, Leo van Doeselaar, Ewald Kooiman and many others... But in Italy the most part is so terribly Romantic flavored style...
alra1975 5 years ago
What a great composer and what a excellent musician! Please more of this videos like this.
pinolavertu 5 years ago
This organist is playing this difficult music (prelude ánd fugue) of Bach very well and clearly. His playingposition is very calm, in control and without any show! This kind of modestness and expertise is wonderfull. I like that very much! This kind of musicians is unfortunately rahter uncommon in the Netherlands... Please, a lot more of this excellent organist and, of course, this supermusic of the greatest composer ever: J.S. Bach!
pinolavertu 5 years ago
A very underrated organist is the great Gerhard Weinberger. Although I read on some reviews bad comments about Him, I wanted to listen and judge with my ears. His recordings (CPO record, 19 cds) of Bach organ works (all of them on historical organs, among them Weinberger played on Hildebrandt organs) are truly magnificent and command respect.
alra1975 5 years ago
Very very good way of play Bach,right speed,clear notes.... please more video of this excellent organist
tubamirabilis 5 years ago
OH GOD! YES!!! I love this song!! You are my hero!
takezo3001 5 years ago
Sehr schön! Einfach toll, was es so alles im Netz gibt!
patti89 5 years ago
as in for free
mllcg 5 years ago
where can i get the scores from?
mllcg 5 years ago
This is too cool! I have never seen a real tracker organ in operation before!
JSB1983 5 years ago
Hochachtung vor dem "Titularorganisten" J.S.Whiteley.
Sehr gut gespielt !!--und dies an einer restaurierten Zacharias-Orgek.Vom feinsten. Wann kommt die Fuga ??
Claus 12
Claus12 5 years ago
Yes please.
ZachariasHildebrandt 5 years ago