J. S. Bach / Fugue in G Major "Gigue", Bwv 577

[speaks3703]

Hard to believe that this organ is only ten ranks!!!

[jAcSToNeDjaK]

I prefere the paces of the echos you did, unlike most other interpritations. It's a shame the organ contains eleectric speaker contraption for the 32'.

[paulbinko]

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts. This recording doesn't use the 32" reed, though the organ has one.

[diekunstderfuge1749]

очень хорошо ! 5+

[sayspepe]

This is a beautiful organ, and you were really accurate in this video.... i love how you put some reeds for the pedal, because most of the people who put their version of this on youtube on have a flute or diapason on the pedals, so you cant hear it that well and cant get an idea of the magnitude of notes being played by one person..... BRAVO!!!!

[britandveg]

This is absolutely wonderful. Great technique and expression.

[sayspepe]

do you have bourdon on the pedals? I think the only way the pedals for this song to be heard on a camera would be to put trompette or bourdon 16' or 8' nice playing!

[Belgologies]

Waw ! Great video ! It's more regular than Virgil, but it like it a lot ! Thanks for that :)

[paulbinko]

How are you doing? Been looking at your wonderful clips and thinking about how things are going for you. Paul

[Belgologies]

Hello, I'm going fine, but I just moved, with all my instruments, in a house that needs a lot of works ! I will post some new videos next month I think, I have also some new restoration projects ... Have a nice week, Bob.

[bachluthology]

is that a Schlicker Organ?

[paulbinko]

It is.

[dood077]

Of all the videos of this piece on youtube, I feel you have selected the best sound for the organ.

[paulbinko]

Thanks for letting me know. This instrument is one of the better small "unit" organs in Baltimore, I think.

[ahmelmahe]

Music or not, you played The Gigue masterfully.

BRAVO to you sir!!

[Rohrfloht]

Memorizing music is not important at all.  The only thing that matters is how you do or don't make the music come alive.

Speaking of which, this music is most definitely alive !! Great playing sir!

[paulbinko]

Thanks so much! Actually, I have played this from memory in the past, but like you have said, memorizing is certainly not required to be a fine musician!

[missostrich]

i hope that this wasn't supposed to be a recital, i mean in recitals don't we MEMORIZE our music

[polgarfan]

it is very difficult to memorize organ music. There may be some great organ virtuosos who can accomplish this, but in general, it's very difficult to memorize. I used to go to Baltimore's Bach Marathon, and virtually every organist there has someone turning pages for them. In fact, I have never seen an organist without music in front of them with the only exceptions of Virgil Fox and Hector Olivera.

[polgarfan]

Having said that, I would add that I know the Gigue fugue by heart, but it's really the only one that i know.

[ccoraxfan]

It is very difficult for me to play WITH the music, indeed, I cannot play a piece through at all until I can play it from memory. This goes for every instrument I play, including the organ. Every piece of music I've ever learned, I play entirely from memory. And it's not hard at all! For me, written music is a distraction, and is only useful for learning a new piece.

[Ericb61]

Hi, I have heard Nathan Laube several times in concert, a young and brilliant organist. he plays completely without music. John Weaver also woul always play from memory.

[horndiapason]

Not necessarily. I've attended scores of organ recitals over the years, played by extremely gifted artists, and memorization is NOT the "norm".

[menschmaschine5]

Memorizing organ music isn't as difficult as some would think. I memorize most repertoire I learn, and in fact only consider a piece fully learned once I can play it from memory. While it's certainly not necessary for a good performance, some would argue that people play less expressively when they're staring at a page of music.

That said, well played!

[karlakor]

I agree. Memorizing is not as difficult as most people might think, and it is certainly not a separate discipline from the learning of a piece of music. One begins memorizing, though unconsciously, from the time he/she begins learning the notes. Learning exists at so many levels, and all aspects should progress simultaneously. People think that once the piece is "learned", only then is it ready to memorize, as if memorization were a separate pursuit. The process should be naturally integrated.

[benz981]

With organ music, it is very acceptable to use your music during a recital. Not so for piano, voice, etc.

[horndiapason]

I've been "experiencing" this piece on YouTube all afternoon. I beleve I've saved the best for last. My mom was an organist (first woman to earn the AAGO in Oklahoma) and I listened to her practice this piece dozens and dozens of times. That's what it takes.

Meanwhile...I'm still trying to get it learned. Your performance has greatly inspired me.

Thank you!

[paulbinko]

Thank you so much for your compliments! This is actually one of my favorites to play!

[Fozzymaple]

Well played and very nicely Registered.

[duncan1947]

A simply fantastic performance of one of my most favorite and difficult organ works.

[brand0821]

Paul!

Great recording of the Gigue Fugue!

Chris Brand (remember me?)

[paulbinko]

I DO! Small world!

[PerrrfictKats]

We had a nice Schlicker organ in our town and the organist there had it butchered up like a pig! Now you got to drive a couple of hundred miles to find a another one! Now they got in a new organ that sounds like Anyother organ U.S.A. Great playing! Do you have the Buxdehude version under foot?

[tscanny]

this is one fo the best sounding recordings of the Gigue Fugue ive heard. great!

[Timrath]

excellent!

[Teigen64]

Very nicely done. Very lively. As the Germans say:  die Bachs Musik ist das Beste.

[arthursulit]

Hi Paul, I see you updated your description on this. I just updated the description on my Jig Fuga version as well, u might be interested about the story behind it...

[sirinferno]

I've listened to so many recordings of this, and I have to say that this is the best. The ending is particularly nicely done.

[sirinferno]

hehe, one month on and I'm still listening to it almost daily...The only thing keeping it from perfection is that page turn, although that's not exactly difficult to fix :P

[BeFrSc]

lol, do you have the sheet music?

[Reesman95]

Great job the organ sounds so much bibber in that roms than it really is. I have to say you actually play it better than Virgil Fox. WOW! I'm trying to learn it. It's very hard but I think you should make a slight retard at the end.

[oakberry61woohalol]

The second manuel sounds a bit digital and the rest sounds like regular pipe It must be digital organ.

[paulbinko]

Some have said this organ may have digital stops from the Vierne clip. But no, it's all pipe for the exception of the first 12 notes of the 32 Basson

[BeFrSc]

Does anyone have the sheet music to this in a .pdf filem its soo nice, and brilliantly played here, very well done.

[giosueledg]

very nice video

[mortonbelcher]

I applaud

1) This building, with its excellent acoustics, which make the organ sound so good

2)The organ... made by Schlicker of Buffalo New York... with its wonderful Salicional Diapason, as opposed to vile viole Salicionals found on all too many organs...

3)The organist, who is willing to share his wonderful renditions for the enjoyment of both organists and non-organists...

[melman74b]

I hope you don't mind that I've got 2 more requests for you after seeing how well you handled The Gigue - Bach's pieces in G Major are among my favorites, and two that I love that I've never watched played live are the Fugue in G Major, BWV 576 and the Prelude and Fugue in G major BWV 550. Like the Gigue, these are both happy works that do well with the flair I'm sure you're able to lend them...

[melman74b]

Paul, you are a most excellent musician! The best organists can make any instrument, no matter how large or small, sound great, as you have proven here in spades! I would have so much loved to learn how to play the organ when I was younger, but it wasn't to be...

[biggeer]

In the thirty-odd years I've been listening to Bach organ music, this is arguably the best performance of this piece I've yet heard.

Masterful interpretation, Paul! Herr Bach would be proud!

[paulbinko]

Thanks so much for your compliment! It has made my day :-)

[Chesterbarnes1]

Paul Binko organ is POSITIVE proof that you don't need a 5 manuel, 200 rank pipe organ to produce quality sound. I invite ALL to listen to his You tube performance and listen to his talents, and the organ sound. It can't be matched! It terrific! I'm enjoying this man's playing so much. Please makes so more YOU tube PERFORMANCE Mr. Binko! God bless you dear brother.

Rev. Dr. R. L. Addison

Hampton Va.,

[Chesterbarnes1]

Say what you will about Virgil Fox, he was tops and a gifted performer. I enjoyed this organist playing, but where is he located and what kind of organ is this? I wish they would list the organ church, and location.

[paulbinko]

Hi there! The organ is a 10 rank Schlicker 1985. Many local organists claim this instrument to be on of the best small instruments in town. Come visit at Saint Jude Shrine, located on Paca & Saratoga Streets in Baltimore City, 21201.

[Chesterbarnes1]

The sound is tremendous Paul, and no doubt Schlicker built a jewel. The sound is perfect and the playing is subperb. God Bless. Are you the organist. Is this Baltimore Maryland?

[MeZZosOpRaNOz]

i would use a reed stop for the echos (0:55 + 2:13)

( =

[paranormaalutrecht]

veryvery, very good!! My compliments!!!! very nice!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed it!!!

[PeteWagstaff]

Everyone loves E.Power Bigg's version and i've never heard it!

Fastest i ever heard this piece was by Virgil Fox- his favourite piece i believe.

[paulbinko]

I have the LP of Biggs playing this. A very precise interpretation!

[dood077]

That is my absolute favorite recording to my absolute favorite song! You did a great job, it's practically my one life's dream to be able to play this song, though I'm a long way...

[asgjdas]

Sounds great! On my organ, I always add the en chemade for the last few notes. But thats a great organ you have there!

[tamias6]

I can never stop whistling or humming this fugues melody ever since hearing it for the first time. Great work.

[vincesmithuk]

I can only describe this guy as cool, one of the best I have seen and this piece is extremely difficult. A joy to watch

[PeteWagstaff]

brilliantly played, a tad fast for my taste. though my experience says this piece is surprisingly hard to keep an even, constant (comparatively slow) tempo so kudos nonetheless!

[benz981]

If you thought he played it fast, you should hear Anthony Newman play it... GROTESQUELY fast! I prefer E. Power Biggs' interpretation...

[robertgift]

E. Power Biggs plays it the best I have ever heard. Fox and Newmann try to show off and play it too fast.

Does Biggs make a mistake in the pedal which sounds like a mordent?

I PURPOSELY play that mordent/mistake.

[robertgift]

Love your spirited playing and live accoustics. I play the mordents and trills throughout, even in the pedal. Try it - you'll love it. But I have to look at the pedal. Didn't see you look even once! (I memorized it so don't need the music and can look.)

Don't like your last measure. Not as I remember the music. Continues same rhythm as I recall. Wonderful

Thank you, RG Denver Colorado

[mogemoets]

darling this IS a lovely rendering of the piece!

WHERE is this church? and who built the organ?

SOMEbody REALY know what they're doind with acoustics!

congratulations!

Martin

[accousticdecay]

I am very impressed with the organist, the organ, and the liveliness of the Church. Great accoustics.

[pipeorganDUDE]

i think the camra works! lol

[MeZZosOpRaNOz]

by the way folks, i am pipeorganDUDE, i have just changed my name to MeZzOsOpRaNoz, as u can see

[pipeorganDUDE]

thaem pages are BUGGERS! lol

[spuncio]

Fantastic! You're the best!

[bladeboi2]

Wow. It takes real talent to make this piece actually dance like you do!

I bought a CD with this on in the hope it would be good, but your recording surpasses it in quality and technique. Excellent!

[Robert71737]

Very good performance keep it up. I feel that organists are more near to God than other people. I am also an organist in a cathedral from Romania. I have a wish if you can play the Toccata concertata in E this is one of my favourite organ piece just if it is possible. Anyway congratulation on your playing

God bless your work and your life!

[NWalterstorf]

Masterfully performed, I truly enjoyed it. Hopefully you will be trying out your new camera for us several times more in the future.

[tbdmusic30]

Always a fun piece to play and hear. It builds up so much energy, and by the time the last pedal subject enters, you can't help but have fun! I was a bit confused by the first four notes of the piece. I couldn't make out the rhythm clearly. Your playing was wonderfully fast. I assume the lines do not blur in the reverberant room. I could have heard the ritard at the end an eighth note or two earlier. Great job!!

[paulbinko]

Thanks for your comments. Many people have asked me for more, so after I return from vacation, I'll want to present larger works on Youtube. I have not had the opportunity to practice organ repertoire since I am presenting two major choral/vocal concerts within the month. Thanks for listening! Also, the organ now has a 32' reed extension on it. Stay tuned.

[Chesterbarnes1]

Paul, don't forget my 2 request.

Dr. R. L. Addison

[Chesterbarnes1]

Paul don't forget my 2 requests

[smog718]

im only a student organst for like, four years maybe.

cant play that even if my life depended on it. good job. kinda sucks how no one plays the organ that much anymore..

[MoneyManTC]

He was turning on stops, which basically tells which pipes to play when the keys are pressed. Great playing Paul, keep up the good work.

[maamo7700]

What were you doing before u touch the keys?

[pluto69]

Paul--you make this look so effortless. You are very talented.. I wish I could play half as good as you do!! Can you play Gigout's Tocatta and put it on video if you can.. Thanks!!!

[Crusaderuntildeath76]

The beauty

[arthursulit]

Yes, he is quite the master. Not many organists tackle this for a good reason: This is one of the most difficult pieces in the entire organ repertoire, esp the buildup at end where full Bombarde pedaals are added, and whole body stretched to reach the low and high notes simultaneously. Very hard to still keep knees together at this point while leaning to the keyboard at the other ende, and not fall off the bench or lose the steady dance rhythm. He doesn't fall off the bench, so gets an A+

[paulbinko]

Thank you so much for your compliments. They mean a great deal to me! PB

[organEd]

True, but who says that you must always keep your knees together. Virgil Fox was a master technician who stated that one should pedal as one would "walk' over the key board. Knee over foot. I tend to agree as that is how a pedal.

This performance was absolutely outstanding. I also think it is one of the best I've ever heard this piece played. Paul Binko has talent in spades.

[contratromba858]

Only a true master of Bach can attain the dance-like tempo heard here. Bravo!

[takincharge]

Real nice.

[Boymarble]

Performed with great gusto, skips along with crisp articulation and control. A joy to listen to.

[xxxAznGirlxxx92]

Oh my god!My music teacher is desperate to hear someone play it before her birthday!I hope I can find someone to play for her in real life!good job!

[Jm4steam]

wow, that is a nice sounding instrument...great playing too

[arthursulit]

From one organist to another, well done...this is one of the most difficult pieces in the whole organ repertoire, according to one of my teachers Dr. Paul Bender in Alexandria, VA area a while back. And that organ is more than meets the eye. I'll post my version sometime...unfortunately here in California, most Catholic parishes don't know or care what a pipe organ is, as they don't read their GIRM.

[tartinitrumpet]

Get this guy a page turner! Nice playing Paul!

[paulbinko]

I guess you mean a combination action or pistons. No, the organ console has no "accessories" other than a crescendo pedal. I hope to have the console converted to solid state someday.

[MrRandomPerson]

Doesn't that instrument have composition stops? You seem to spend a lot of time at the beginning of the video pushing stops down.

[RWAbacus]

Extremely well-done! What a great sounding instrument - and - only two manuals.

[paulbinko]

Thanks for your compliments. This is the only take I made. I may do it over again -- I'm not entirely pleased with it - picky me! I have an description of the organ on my clip: Concerto I - Allegro

[sneaks01]

Wonderful Playing, thanks so much!

[Arky83mi]

For a small instrument it sure does pack quite a sound. I know of many 3 manual 50+ rank instruments that dont sound half that good.

[ronanmurray]

Magnificent playing and that organ has a really silvery principal chorus. What instrument is it?

[whizkidforte]

Yes; and where is its location?

[whizkidforte]

Um, I received a message and the organ is situated in St. Jude's Shrine in Baltimore, MD.