I was there and experienced the super accomplishment of Virgil,,when he performed 4 specials for the NHK, from memory I might add,,theBach concert consisted of one major and one minor composition in every tonality of the keyboard by Bach. I dont think the video shows what happened at the end when one young man ran down the isle and threw his two arms around Virgil's legs. He laughted and reached down and ruffed the hair of the young man who looked up and gave him a big wide grin. God Bless
I think this music would sound better at a slightly slower tempo, but then everyone is a critic aren't they. Mostly I am so very greatful that the instrument, the composition, and the player exist in this world, they all make this world a better place.
All u fuckin pisspot cock suckin shitbags need to shut the fuck up. The hell with these comments about speed. Didnt bach also play his music at redicculous speeds. It was also documented that he was fast and precise with the pedals as some professionals were with their hands. It depends on taste. So find another organ player if he sucks that bad to you and keep ur fuckin negative comments to yourself if u cant play a hell of a lot better than he can.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
p.s. quite sloppy, but I guess if you've built up a following of cult enthusiasts, it's okay to desecrate the music. This is obviously a man who loathed himself.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I disagree. What matters to me is how the performer transmits the conception of the composer to the cultivated listener. When a performer brings him/herself into the picture with extraneous gestures, mannerisms and showmanship, he/she is dishonoring the composer. To me, that's unacceptable.
Sorry no. Music is a language that is appreciated differently by each individual and musicologists still agrue the meaning of "conception of composer". Forget the showmanship and respect the fact he delivered the organ to more people that any organist in history. Today, with classical music giving way to rap, I'm ok with the "concept of organ" coexisting with concept of composer. We never had to worry about the former. How long until organ is lost in time? We need another Virgil Fox now!
"While Virgil was not the most accurate player . . ."
I wish you hadn't begun by saying that, because I agreed with most of what you said afterwards.
I think the high degree of clarity and pinpoint accuracy this man achieved was nothing short of miraculous -- especially considering the tremendous speed and all the changes in registration he added, which make it twice as difficult -- at least -- to play the notes.
PART TWO: There are many organists I admire -- André Marchal, Robert Noehren, David Craighead, Simon Preston, Marie Claire Alain, Marcel Dupré and Diane Bish to name just a few. But Virgil Fox made more friends for the organ than any other player in history.
Yes he was a great showman in a field normally reserved for a modest, pious demeanor, but his ability to communicate the joy and animation -- the liberating spirit -- in Bach's music remains astonishing.
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said! My comment only started out that way as a concession to the picky so-and-so (purist) I was replying to.
In case you haven't already, please check out my VF reproductions on my channel. I hope to post many more (even some with myself playing), as soon as time permits. Anyway, hopefully this will convince you that I certainly mean no disrespect to Virgil. :)
Inconsistent articulation, registration that has nothing to do with the structure of the music, and poor ensemble in many places. Otherwise, a great performance.
Fox's desire to play at a breakneck tempo has scrubbed all the music out of this marvelous fugue. I cannot escape the conclusion that he is just showing off. Were this not the case, then what is the meaning of the final "victory" gestures? Fox was a showman first and foremost and a musician second.
Virgil played this with so much vigor and driving rhythm hard to find any other performance of this work that conveys the same energy directly to the soul.
People who perform with a bit of zest and showmanship tend to draw bigger crowds and generate far greater enthusiasm in their audience than those who perform like a freshly embalmed cadaver.
Virgils legacy still has a strong following and generates a lot of money almost 30 years after his death! I think that fact speaks for itself!
This goes to the very purpose of music. Is it perfection or to uplift the listener? Both. Why criticize when we value one goal more, and someone else plays with the other in mind? Open our minds and shut our mouths and enjoy it!
Does he have an equal on the pedals? ABSOLUTELY! Cameron Carpenter if you've never seen him is simply not of this world in his ability to play. Do a search for him on youtube and watch! Virgil is King, but Cameron is close behind!!
yeah carpenter is pretty crazy on the pedals too. diane bish as well. these three bust some breathtaking moves at that console. they definitely stand on the highest pedistal in organ playing
I saw Virgil perform this twice LIVE. The man is/was shear genius. Even had my picture taken with him and got two autographed albums from him. God rest his unbelievably talented soul. I miss you, Virgil!
This is one of the few Fox recordings I've encountered that doesn't speak to me. It might be the poor sound quality given the compression, etc., but I have to say that for the last 1/3 at least, it sounds like a pump organ. And--I can't believe I'm saying it--I wish he would have slowed down a bit. But, the joy is irrepressible!
The recording with the Rogers touring organ has the prelude. I bought a lot of his LP's in the 80's. Then I ran into some albums by E. Power Biggs. He had an interesting narration style as did Fox. Fox was more congenial than Biggs who dind't like people that much, but he loved his organ.
I agree... Bach to me has always been the highest source of purity and intelligence as far as music goes, and as virgil fox said himself "Bach was the greast navigator of all time" and virgil has captured him in all his glory. Virgil plays Bach on Organs they way Bach most likey would have wanted it
Virgil Fox performed more concerts and made more money (both home and everywhere else) than any living OR deceased organist. the ignorant remarks are indicative of "the purist" who could not "get into the house of music any other way."
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Sloppy, vulgar, too fast & erratic. bizzarre blues chord around 3.35. No wonder the Yanks love it. Entertaining nonetheless; no FRCO Limpus Prize this time though. Bad luck old bean
you critical fools should ask yourselves what have you done lately to advance the cause of the pipe organ...if anything stop complaining....its no wonder people are hesitant to get into organ playing, look who you have to put up with.....sorry blue-bloods with no taste.Hey this recording is getting more press than most new organists ever will,
as amazing as virgil is i have to agree that he doesnt play this piece very well. personally i prefer diane bish to virgil fox. she plays this piece brilliantly and flawlessly. anyone wanna tell me how to post videos on here so i can put it up? thanks
Ah,the Joy of Music...I wonder what Diane is doing these days? I think your best bet to learn about posting videos is to click on the Help link (in the same line as your name) and go from there.
shes still performing im going to a concert actually in april. her and virgil have to be the only two people in the recent present and who can bring out the full true beauty of organ playing. no one can compare with these two
Wow-where is she performing? I will have to search to see if she has a website.I haven't seen her programs on the channels I get either.Thanks for the info!
I am a former student of Diane Bish and friend of Diane, and she's doing well. I spoke with her staff several weeks ago, and she as always is on the go taping her programs and performing concerts. The first time I heard this composition it was performed by Diane, however, Virgil does a great job with it too. Happy New Year
im very jealous of you. i wish i was a friend of hers hah she is my absolute idol. ive met her twice after concerts i went to. she is truly a remarkable woman who has accomplished so much. if you are close to her and her staff, maybe you could answer a question for me...?
Don't be jealous, she's a cool lady to know and be around. The first day I met her my mouth dropped to the floor because she's so beautiful! then while speaking with her I could see that she was cool and down to earth like me :0} She has accomplished a lot in her life time and I commend her for her hard work and dedication to her craft. What is your question?
well i read biographies of her and they always say that the joy of music has recorded over 400 episodes and all her concerts seem to be recorded. however, all they joy of music shows are always reruns from the late 80s and early 90s theres never any recent recordings i was curious if maybe you know why this is? id loove to see some new stuff
I've asked the same question (lol) Some of her concerts are actually recorded for the JOM. Also, it depends on the networks. I didn't know until recently that TBN allows her to broadcast her programs for free which means, if they decide to change to time for any of the programs, she would have to accept it. Now with EWTN, I was told that the JOM give this network several recordings per year and they are used throughout the year sometimes several time a year.
I'm not sure if i understood that lol. i live in ohio and the joy of music is broadcast on EWTN here. are you saying that the joy of music only provides the EWTN network with a limited number of recordings per duration of time so therefore they must be re-used?
You've got it! I was surprised too!!!! For example if the JOM gives EWTN 50 shows, then EWTN will broadcast re-runs of those broadcast until the next calendar year. I too am tired of the repeats (lol)The bad part for me is I reside in PA, and the cable network doesn't have TBN.
TBN is the Trinity Broadcasting Network. I think it has a lot to do with funding. Have you ever noticed when the JOM is supposed to show at a certain time and it doesn't air? I was told since they don't pay for the air time, other programs can get their air time.
OOOHHH Yeah ive noticed and always wondered that. I even e-mailed them about that wondering why its not on some weeks. They were like I'm not sure I have an answer for you lol.
hey thanks for your stupid, ignorant and very american comment. Nice to see that your over thirty years old too, its quite amuisng for me to see a man of this age act like a complete child. I'm actually doing a masters of music at The University of Edinburgh and organ is my main instrument. I guess that I therefore play rather well. I dont supose that you can play the organ AT ALL???
If you can't appreciate genuis and musical talent beyond anyone's ability, cut your losses and btw, nice crack about an ignorant American.. you stuck up snobby holier -than-thou brit.
i never said the man wasnt good, i just said that i dont like his playing and that he looks like a complete clown when he plays the organ. Its actually quite typical for it to be an american who fucks up fantastic bach music. it sounds pretty aweful. Good to here you can play the organ. maybe we can here a video of you playing this piece
Virgil Fox was a showman hence the clothes and his gestures. As for Dr. Fox "fuck[ing] up fantastic Bach music", my own experience with hearing Bach performed tells me that it's all wonderful if it's played competently. Q.E.D. Incidently, Elton John is a Brit and is as much of a showman as Virgil Fox. Q.E.D.
This is about as fast as it can be played and still sound brilliant. Anything goes with this kind of piece. There's no counterpoint to speak of so just have fun with it and give the audience fun too. Virgil Fox brought Bach to a wider audience and I think he did a splendid job.
he is definitely talented but I dont like his playing at all. he is playing this bach to sound like it is a romantic piece.....I agree to the fact that he looks like a clown when he plays...however I know for sure that if he wanted he could play all this music to absolute perfection
Personally I think Bach and Virgil Fax would have much in common. Many Churches were afraid of Bach fearing that his odd registrations and flamboyant playing would break their instruments. Fox has a flamboyant style both in playing and registration. I think he's interpreting Bach as Bach wanted his work to be played.
Virgil Fox was a real show man. This 532 is too fast, the organ isn't the correct one, sometimes the player looks like a clown... but this video is awesome! Great FOX !!
I was there and experienced the super accomplishment of Virgil,,when he performed 4 specials for the NHK, from memory I might add,,theBach concert consisted of one major and one minor composition in every tonality of the keyboard by Bach. I dont think the video shows what happened at the end when one young man ran down the isle and threw his two arms around Virgil's legs. He laughted and reached down and ruffed the hair of the young man who looked up and gave him a big wide grin. God Bless
DavidSnyderLumierist 2 years ago
very colorful
NeoMalikov 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this video.
I enjoyed it very much.
I think this music would sound better at a slightly slower tempo, but then everyone is a critic aren't they. Mostly I am so very greatful that the instrument, the composition, and the player exist in this world, they all make this world a better place.
Thank god for pipe organ music.
Greetings from Hawaii.
MountAthos 2 years ago
The man was a genius.
You're all pedantic retards with no talent.
MacSabbath 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
All u fuckin pisspot cock suckin shitbags need to shut the fuck up. The hell with these comments about speed. Didnt bach also play his music at redicculous speeds. It was also documented that he was fast and precise with the pedals as some professionals were with their hands. It depends on taste. So find another organ player if he sucks that bad to you and keep ur fuckin negative comments to yourself if u cant play a hell of a lot better than he can.
007emokitty 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
p.s. quite sloppy, but I guess if you've built up a following of cult enthusiasts, it's okay to desecrate the music. This is obviously a man who loathed himself.
organman52 3 years ago
Comment removed
VirgilFoxMusic 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I disagree. What matters to me is how the performer transmits the conception of the composer to the cultivated listener. When a performer brings him/herself into the picture with extraneous gestures, mannerisms and showmanship, he/she is dishonoring the composer. To me, that's unacceptable.
organman52 2 years ago
Sorry no. Music is a language that is appreciated differently by each individual and musicologists still agrue the meaning of "conception of composer". Forget the showmanship and respect the fact he delivered the organ to more people that any organist in history. Today, with classical music giving way to rap, I'm ok with the "concept of organ" coexisting with concept of composer. We never had to worry about the former. How long until organ is lost in time? We need another Virgil Fox now!
sekboi 2 years ago
Who knows what extraneous gestures Bach might have mde.
Personally I don't make music sitting in a straightjacket.
1401JSC 2 years ago
PART ONE:
"While Virgil was not the most accurate player . . ."
I wish you hadn't begun by saying that, because I agreed with most of what you said afterwards.
I think the high degree of clarity and pinpoint accuracy this man achieved was nothing short of miraculous -- especially considering the tremendous speed and all the changes in registration he added, which make it twice as difficult -- at least -- to play the notes.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago
PART TWO: There are many organists I admire -- André Marchal, Robert Noehren, David Craighead, Simon Preston, Marie Claire Alain, Marcel Dupré and Diane Bish to name just a few. But Virgil Fox made more friends for the organ than any other player in history.
Yes he was a great showman in a field normally reserved for a modest, pious demeanor, but his ability to communicate the joy and animation -- the liberating spirit -- in Bach's music remains astonishing.
Pischnaholic 2 years ago
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said! My comment only started out that way as a concession to the picky so-and-so (purist) I was replying to.
VirgilFoxMusic 2 years ago
Oh, and just to add...
In case you haven't already, please check out my VF reproductions on my channel. I hope to post many more (even some with myself playing), as soon as time permits. Anyway, hopefully this will convince you that I certainly mean no disrespect to Virgil. :)
VirgilFoxMusic 2 years ago
Inconsistent articulation, registration that has nothing to do with the structure of the music, and poor ensemble in many places. Otherwise, a great performance.
organman52 3 years ago
Fox's desire to play at a breakneck tempo has scrubbed all the music out of this marvelous fugue. I cannot escape the conclusion that he is just showing off. Were this not the case, then what is the meaning of the final "victory" gestures? Fox was a showman first and foremost and a musician second.
karlakor 3 years ago
Virgil played this with so much vigor and driving rhythm hard to find any other performance of this work that conveys the same energy directly to the soul.
People who perform with a bit of zest and showmanship tend to draw bigger crowds and generate far greater enthusiasm in their audience than those who perform like a freshly embalmed cadaver.
Virgils legacy still has a strong following and generates a lot of money almost 30 years after his death! I think that fact speaks for itself!
VirgilFoxMusic 3 years ago
This goes to the very purpose of music. Is it perfection or to uplift the listener? Both. Why criticize when we value one goal more, and someone else plays with the other in mind? Open our minds and shut our mouths and enjoy it!
rmaccrea 3 years ago
Does he have an equal on the pedals? ABSOLUTELY! Cameron Carpenter if you've never seen him is simply not of this world in his ability to play. Do a search for him on youtube and watch! Virgil is King, but Cameron is close behind!!
Capt737AA 3 years ago
yeah carpenter is pretty crazy on the pedals too. diane bish as well. these three bust some breathtaking moves at that console. they definitely stand on the highest pedistal in organ playing
vinniecaruso 3 years ago
What incredible talent!
iam4hymn2 3 years ago 2
Does he have an equal on the pedals?
legamature 3 years ago
I saw Virgil perform this twice LIVE. The man is/was shear genius. Even had my picture taken with him and got two autographed albums from him. God rest his unbelievably talented soul. I miss you, Virgil!
reiki2guy 3 years ago 3
This is one of the few Fox recordings I've encountered that doesn't speak to me. It might be the poor sound quality given the compression, etc., but I have to say that for the last 1/3 at least, it sounds like a pump organ. And--I can't believe I'm saying it--I wish he would have slowed down a bit. But, the joy is irrepressible!
tactilex 3 years ago
The recording with the Rogers touring organ has the prelude. I bought a lot of his LP's in the 80's. Then I ran into some albums by E. Power Biggs. He had an interesting narration style as did Fox. Fox was more congenial than Biggs who dind't like people that much, but he loved his organ.
KE5RHD 4 years ago
it is ridiculous :)
gmailesarc 4 years ago
Virgil Fox is a great player, but he should throw his rotten attitude to the bin.... no offense but.. its gotten in his head...
tuberman91kills 4 years ago
AMAZING! Pedals, keyboards, stops. INCREDIBLE!
gymnasticsgrl12 4 years ago
Every time V.F. plays, it scares me. The way he plays....ITS BRILLIANT. Personally I think he is bach reborn. Thanks for sharing
willington 4 years ago
I agree... Bach to me has always been the highest source of purity and intelligence as far as music goes, and as virgil fox said himself "Bach was the greast navigator of all time" and virgil has captured him in all his glory. Virgil plays Bach on Organs they way Bach most likey would have wanted it
bradhorn14 4 years ago 3
Virgil Fox performed more concerts and made more money (both home and everywhere else) than any living OR deceased organist. the ignorant remarks are indicative of "the purist" who could not "get into the house of music any other way."
kahuna514 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sloppy, vulgar, too fast & erratic. bizzarre blues chord around 3.35. No wonder the Yanks love it. Entertaining nonetheless; no FRCO Limpus Prize this time though. Bad luck old bean
cyrilcolv 4 years ago
you critical fools should ask yourselves what have you done lately to advance the cause of the pipe organ...if anything stop complaining....its no wonder people are hesitant to get into organ playing, look who you have to put up with.....sorry blue-bloods with no taste.Hey this recording is getting more press than most new organists ever will,
Whats your claim to fame?
orgatrain 4 years ago
as amazing as virgil is i have to agree that he doesnt play this piece very well. personally i prefer diane bish to virgil fox. she plays this piece brilliantly and flawlessly. anyone wanna tell me how to post videos on here so i can put it up? thanks
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
Ah,the Joy of Music...I wonder what Diane is doing these days? I think your best bet to learn about posting videos is to click on the Help link (in the same line as your name) and go from there.
iamrepete 4 years ago
shes still performing im going to a concert actually in april. her and virgil have to be the only two people in the recent present and who can bring out the full true beauty of organ playing. no one can compare with these two
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
Wow-where is she performing? I will have to search to see if she has a website.I haven't seen her programs on the channels I get either.Thanks for the info!
iamrepete 4 years ago
what she...this is a man...virgil fox...or am i misunderstanding your message as a reference to someone else...
bradhorn14 4 years ago
Yes,the reference is to Diane Bish.
iamrepete 4 years ago
oh haha
bradhorn14 4 years ago
the joy of music sta minchia...almeno per gli europei che capiscono l'italiano evitate sto buffone!
thessalonica1 4 years ago
I am a former student of Diane Bish and friend of Diane, and she's doing well. I spoke with her staff several weeks ago, and she as always is on the go taping her programs and performing concerts. The first time I heard this composition it was performed by Diane, however, Virgil does a great job with it too. Happy New Year
jec3702 4 years ago
im very jealous of you. i wish i was a friend of hers hah she is my absolute idol. ive met her twice after concerts i went to. she is truly a remarkable woman who has accomplished so much. if you are close to her and her staff, maybe you could answer a question for me...?
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
Don't be jealous, she's a cool lady to know and be around. The first day I met her my mouth dropped to the floor because she's so beautiful! then while speaking with her I could see that she was cool and down to earth like me :0} She has accomplished a lot in her life time and I commend her for her hard work and dedication to her craft. What is your question?
jec3702 4 years ago
well i read biographies of her and they always say that the joy of music has recorded over 400 episodes and all her concerts seem to be recorded. however, all they joy of music shows are always reruns from the late 80s and early 90s theres never any recent recordings i was curious if maybe you know why this is? id loove to see some new stuff
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
I've asked the same question (lol) Some of her concerts are actually recorded for the JOM. Also, it depends on the networks. I didn't know until recently that TBN allows her to broadcast her programs for free which means, if they decide to change to time for any of the programs, she would have to accept it. Now with EWTN, I was told that the JOM give this network several recordings per year and they are used throughout the year sometimes several time a year.
jec3702 4 years ago
I'm not sure if i understood that lol. i live in ohio and the joy of music is broadcast on EWTN here. are you saying that the joy of music only provides the EWTN network with a limited number of recordings per duration of time so therefore they must be re-used?
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
You've got it! I was surprised too!!!! For example if the JOM gives EWTN 50 shows, then EWTN will broadcast re-runs of those broadcast until the next calendar year. I too am tired of the repeats (lol)The bad part for me is I reside in PA, and the cable network doesn't have TBN.
jec3702 4 years ago
That is very surprising. I wonder why they do that. I'm not sure what TBN is. Is it just another television network?
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
TBN is the Trinity Broadcasting Network. I think it has a lot to do with funding. Have you ever noticed when the JOM is supposed to show at a certain time and it doesn't air? I was told since they don't pay for the air time, other programs can get their air time.
jec3702 4 years ago
OOOHHH Yeah ive noticed and always wondered that. I even e-mailed them about that wondering why its not on some weeks. They were like I'm not sure I have an answer for you lol.
vinniecaruso 4 years ago
In my state TBN she's on at2:00 a.m. It's not worth watching when I can just watch a video here on youtube.
organ1029 4 years ago
hey thanks for your stupid, ignorant and very american comment. Nice to see that your over thirty years old too, its quite amuisng for me to see a man of this age act like a complete child. I'm actually doing a masters of music at The University of Edinburgh and organ is my main instrument. I guess that I therefore play rather well. I dont supose that you can play the organ AT ALL???
joeyboi87 4 years ago
Actually I'm an organist, THANK YOU.
If you can't appreciate genuis and musical talent beyond anyone's ability, cut your losses and btw, nice crack about an ignorant American.. you stuck up snobby holier -than-thou brit.
John19182004 4 years ago
i never said the man wasnt good, i just said that i dont like his playing and that he looks like a complete clown when he plays the organ. Its actually quite typical for it to be an american who fucks up fantastic bach music. it sounds pretty aweful. Good to here you can play the organ. maybe we can here a video of you playing this piece
joeyboi87 4 years ago
maybe u can make a video of you playing to put us all to sleep sometime
John19182004 4 years ago
Virgil Fox was a showman hence the clothes and his gestures. As for Dr. Fox "fuck[ing] up fantastic Bach music", my own experience with hearing Bach performed tells me that it's all wonderful if it's played competently. Q.E.D. Incidently, Elton John is a Brit and is as much of a showman as Virgil Fox. Q.E.D.
mendax1773 4 years ago
gosh brilliant..........
paranormaalutrecht 4 years ago
This is about as fast as it can be played and still sound brilliant. Anything goes with this kind of piece. There's no counterpoint to speak of so just have fun with it and give the audience fun too. Virgil Fox brought Bach to a wider audience and I think he did a splendid job.
ZoeEGrace 4 years ago
I don't particularly like the timbre of this particular instrument. Where is it located? Is it American? I prefer French instruments.
exultatedeo 4 years ago
The organ is located in NHK Hall in Tokyo, Japan -- cannot recall the building right off hand.
Sinatra70 4 years ago
Sorry -- cannot recall the BUILDER right off hand.
Sinatra70 4 years ago
It was built by Reiger of Austria.
intoprogrock 4 years ago
Amazing! Tour de Force! What mastery. His feet are a facile as his fingers! So what a couple of wrong notes; Leave perfection to the gods.
snakefl 4 years ago
he is definitely talented but I dont like his playing at all. he is playing this bach to sound like it is a romantic piece.....I agree to the fact that he looks like a clown when he plays...however I know for sure that if he wanted he could play all this music to absolute perfection
joeyboi87 4 years ago
Personally I think Bach and Virgil Fax would have much in common. Many Churches were afraid of Bach fearing that his odd registrations and flamboyant playing would break their instruments. Fox has a flamboyant style both in playing and registration. I think he's interpreting Bach as Bach wanted his work to be played.
tamias6 4 years ago
And you knew Bach personally, to know exactly what he thought??
dumbass - you probably play all music so dry and uninteresting no one listens.
John19182004 4 years ago
A one-man orchestra! All from memory too. Pity about the odd blemish though. I wonder how he performed the Prelude?
GazTheMusicMan 4 years ago
Thanks for adding this. Damn it is fast...but brilliant playing..
pianoandpipes 4 years ago
Virgil Fox was a real show man. This 532 is too fast, the organ isn't the correct one, sometimes the player looks like a clown... but this video is awesome! Great FOX !!
ViniciusLoncanis 4 years ago