A couple of years ago now not long after the new west end trumpets had been installed I came here with the IBO for one of their meetings. We had a demonstration of the organ after evensong and the sound was just incredible, such a grand instrument.
4:00 - Jesus, en chamade pipes in the dome? brave british souls that build that organ ill say that. The royal trumpet is a true statement of what britain is all about though (im american by the way so i could be wrong XD)
@railfanatic844 Indeed, all the major pedal stops are 'en chamade' in the Dome: the 32' Double Open Wood, the 32' Contra Violone, the 32' Contra Bombarde, and all their 16' extensions are placed horizontally and firing directly into the Dome. There is no other configuration like this in the world in such a large unsupported Dome space. When full Dome section is used (manual and Pedal) the effect is utterly devastating and totally awe-inspiring. As I say, nothing else like it in the world.
@railfanatic844 - AFAIK they are. There just isn't the height, considering that you can't see any pipes from the floor under the dome... unfortunately, the old Willis tubas were removed in 2008 and much brasher, brassier ones added (a real pity) - but, luckily, the old Willis tubas have been stored and can be reinstated (and hopefully will be before long). There's also a Trompette Militiaire that I forgot... and a 16ft/8ft Contra Posaune (two independent stops).
I feel incredibly lucky that Andrew Lucas is currently Director of Music at my local - St Albans Abbey. We get treated to his absolutely excellent young choir as a matter of course. Gripping stuff is is, too! :)
I feel incredibly lucky that Andrew Lucas is currently Director of Music at my local - St Albans Abbey. We get treated to his absolutely excellent young choir as a matter of course. Gripping stuff is is, too! :)
The photo shows the current Organist and assistant Director of Music Simon Johnson. He is standing in the Chancel Pedal department, you can see the solo swell box at the back against a pillar. This division is hidden behind the choir stalls on the north side.
@GJmusique - if I'm not greatly mistaken, the Choir organ is hidden behind the stalls at ground level, and that staircase is up to the main console, atop the stalls... I may be wrong, though.
@stormkingfan Yes as JFS says that shot is of the Solo division to the right and in the foreground the Chancel Pedal division. You can clearly see the famous 16' Open Metal, an astonishing stop, bottom C is 22 inches in diameter!
WOW! I remember seeing some of these pics. When I went to St. Pauls I had to sneak taking pics because they dont let people take pictures inside the Cathedral. And you have to pay to go in which blows. Thats why I ended up going to Evensong instead.
You can get in free if its for purposes of prayer or for a service, otherwise they will charge. Sadly it costs a fortune to keep such a building maintained, but current prices are £12 for individual, which is a bit excessive IMHO.
@JFSnail - yeah, but if you go in for private prayer, you're led through cordons into a small side-chapel. The rest of the cathedral is strictly off-limits to non-payers. It's stupid, they'd get more visitors if there was no entrance fee and they'd make just as much money (if not more) in donations.
Thanks for this ....very enjoyable. Informative notes as well. One small query....was Lucas ever an organ scholar at a Cambridge College. I have a distinct memory of a recital at Kings sometime in the early 80's and assumed that he was a scholar there or at St Johns or perhaps he was just passing through......!!
Sadly no, the CD was recorded by the Mirabilis label that ceased trading many years ago. The St Pauls cathedral shop might have a copy, failing that the artist might have one to spare...
I have all the Mirabilis CD's from the late 80's and early 90's - some of the best organ recordings ever made. This CD is one of my favorite - as the liner notes state, you will hear St. Paul's organ as it sounds in the building, warts and all!!!!.
Yes pipeup1 Andrew Lucas is an excellent organist. If you wish to hear him play today he is now Director of Music at St Albans Cathedral, which also possesses a superb Harrison and Harrison Organ.
Well i would like to say Im Organ Scholarship. when I was at St Pauls Cathedral. Master Folwell was at the organ Console on Grand Floor level Playing The New platform Mobile Console if u dont wish to belive me Ask Someone. But u are making your self look like a right tit on here. Lets Be Truth People are lathing at u about it. GET A LIFE
Hi There Mr Folwell. i Don`t No if u remember me . i was the man who was standing listening to u at the new console playing The lang Tuba Tune. i would like to say u play the organ with a heart of music. Just how amazing u was . I would like u to come to cambridge kings college sometime and meet a friend of mine. im very happy to let u play the cambridge kings college organ indeed . Please give me a email tho my youtube page thank u and good bless Aaron
I don't think so. You would have to seek the permission of Dr Cleobury before you could do that. And I rather doubt, given your poor command of the English language, that you would move in such circles anyway. Please, both yourself and the silly idiot below, GO AWAY.
my son Aaron Who has WRITTEN in the box about playing the new console He really went to play the organ the new console and me and his dad was sitting in the channel Hearing are son play the organ it was amazing to here a wonderfull reveb and my son playing the Tuba Tune c.s Lang
i have just played the new mobile console Its amazing the colour of the dome and channel and West end Trumpets are amazing with a better sound and the console on Ground floor is better Then the upstairs console its self as well. if enyone is willing to go and try out the organ at st pauls cathedral please info me As i can get access to the instrement But i would say its amazing and Try it for the experence ..
I would also agree JF with your narrative regarding the Dome Tubas (16'/8'/4'). These tubas were always considered without equal, possessing a very smooth but potent tone. They were built by 'Father' Henry Willis I and installed in 1900. It seems that John Mander's admission that the old tubas will be carefully stored for any future re-instatement seems rather odd - almost an acknowledgement of unease that such famous stops have been removed. I concur: very strange indeed!
Excellent quality recording and played extremely well by Andrew Lucas. The recording seems to capture the spirit and 'guts' of this astonishing instrument. There is nothing else in the world quite like it. At once subtly mellow in the quieter registers, at the next tectonic power of ferocious intensity. To sit under the Dome and listen to full organ is an unforgetable experience. The finest cathedral building and the finest cathedral organ in the world at one together. Thanks JF for posting!
WOW! If I ever make it to the UK, St. Paul's is *definitely* on my itenerary. That full-organ chord at the end will probably shake your fillings loose if you heard it live, I just hope that the "restoration" hasn't ruined it. Nice toccata by Edmundson too. Thanks, JFSnail!
I live next to St Pauls and I have heard absolutely FULL ORGAN with the Royal fanfare trumpets at the west end and the TROMPETTE MILITAIRE. It blows out your ear drums!
Amazing !! What a beast !! (And I mean that in a positive sense ;-). Great new pix, too; it's the first shot I've seen of the new console, & there were almost none of the old console, that I'm aware of.
What a mighty musical message of God, Martin Luther and St.Pauls to us sinners to improve our life.
Trinkdenschabau 2 months ago
wow! amazing! would love to sit under the dome and listen to this!
adzeuph5 9 months ago
Just fabulous!
A couple of years ago now not long after the new west end trumpets had been installed I came here with the IBO for one of their meetings. We had a demonstration of the organ after evensong and the sound was just incredible, such a grand instrument.
steamwally 11 months ago
4:00 - Jesus, en chamade pipes in the dome? brave british souls that build that organ ill say that. The royal trumpet is a true statement of what britain is all about though (im american by the way so i could be wrong XD)
railfanatic844 1 year ago
@railfanatic844 Indeed, all the major pedal stops are 'en chamade' in the Dome: the 32' Double Open Wood, the 32' Contra Violone, the 32' Contra Bombarde, and all their 16' extensions are placed horizontally and firing directly into the Dome. There is no other configuration like this in the world in such a large unsupported Dome space. When full Dome section is used (manual and Pedal) the effect is utterly devastating and totally awe-inspiring. As I say, nothing else like it in the world.
ds1868 1 year ago
@railfanatic844 - en chamade 32/16ft Violone unit, 32ft/16ft Contra Bombarde, independent 16ft, 8ft and 4ft Tubas.
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
@EccentricRichard wait wait, all of the major dome reeds are en chamade? wow.....
railfanatic844 10 months ago
@railfanatic844 - AFAIK they are. There just isn't the height, considering that you can't see any pipes from the floor under the dome... unfortunately, the old Willis tubas were removed in 2008 and much brasher, brassier ones added (a real pity) - but, luckily, the old Willis tubas have been stored and can be reinstated (and hopefully will be before long). There's also a Trompette Militiaire that I forgot... and a 16ft/8ft Contra Posaune (two independent stops).
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
@EccentricRichard yes most of the trumpets are positioned in the back, also en chamade. I have heard a great ordeal of the trompette militaire
railfanatic844 10 months ago
Sorry - gripping stuff IT is. D'uuh
smike09100 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I feel incredibly lucky that Andrew Lucas is currently Director of Music at my local - St Albans Abbey. We get treated to his absolutely excellent young choir as a matter of course. Gripping stuff is is, too! :)
smike09100 1 year ago
I feel incredibly lucky that Andrew Lucas is currently Director of Music at my local - St Albans Abbey. We get treated to his absolutely excellent young choir as a matter of course. Gripping stuff is is, too! :)
smike09100 1 year ago
I'm not a huge classical fan, but I love the sound of a good pipe organ, especially when the organist really knows how to work the instrument.
dwarrren9 1 year ago
Splendid stuff
MEPPO06 1 year ago
The heavenly reverb :)
nickoicool 1 year ago
i gotta say this is the best i've heard so far.
JimmyPie23 2 years ago
incredible!
TrinityUMCOrganist 2 years ago
Check for sheet music with schmitt music center, minneapolis, minnesota. If they don't have it it's not in print
YeshuaServant1 2 years ago
Anyone know where I can get the sheet music for this?
tommyupoo 2 years ago
Thank you, SF, for posting this and your interesting information. Much appreciated.
How strange thathe tuba metal resonators wereplaced.
Originals not thick enough?
Glad they kept them.
What a spectacular place and live acoustics. Reger would sound magnificent, here.
Thank you.
RWG Denver, Colorado, USA
robertgift 2 years ago
Question:
at 3:32, there's a photo of A. Lucas(?) on the stairway by some pipework. Is this the Great division?
stormkingfan 2 years ago
The photo shows the current Organist and assistant Director of Music Simon Johnson. He is standing in the Chancel Pedal department, you can see the solo swell box at the back against a pillar. This division is hidden behind the choir stalls on the north side.
JFSnail 2 years ago
@JFSnail
How typically british. Even inside the organ it seems necessary to have a stylish stairway :)
GJmusique 1 year ago
@GJmusique - if I'm not greatly mistaken, the Choir organ is hidden behind the stalls at ground level, and that staircase is up to the main console, atop the stalls... I may be wrong, though.
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
@stormkingfan Yes as JFS says that shot is of the Solo division to the right and in the foreground the Chancel Pedal division. You can clearly see the famous 16' Open Metal, an astonishing stop, bottom C is 22 inches in diameter!
ds1868 2 years ago
@stormkingfan That is the organist of St. Pauls Cathedral (Simon Johnson) That is the Solo Box
tombarloworganist 1 month ago
Great piece
the3stargate 2 years ago
This is great! I've never heard this toccata before. Thanks for enlightening me.
4candles 2 years ago
WOW! I remember seeing some of these pics. When I went to St. Pauls I had to sneak taking pics because they dont let people take pictures inside the Cathedral. And you have to pay to go in which blows. Thats why I ended up going to Evensong instead.
bombarde1701 2 years ago
You can get in free if its for purposes of prayer or for a service, otherwise they will charge. Sadly it costs a fortune to keep such a building maintained, but current prices are £12 for individual, which is a bit excessive IMHO.
JFSnail 2 years ago
@JFSnail - yeah, but if you go in for private prayer, you're led through cordons into a small side-chapel. The rest of the cathedral is strictly off-limits to non-payers. It's stupid, they'd get more visitors if there was no entrance fee and they'd make just as much money (if not more) in donations.
EccentricRichard 10 months ago
Wow, he really runs with that Von Himmel Hoch theme eh?
radketim 2 years ago 3
Thanks for this ....very enjoyable. Informative notes as well. One small query....was Lucas ever an organ scholar at a Cambridge College. I have a distinct memory of a recital at Kings sometime in the early 80's and assumed that he was a scholar there or at St Johns or perhaps he was just passing through......!!
pjdonagh 3 years ago
There is a recording of this on the Fisk organ at the Meyerson in Dallas, TX.
The Album is titled "In Dulci Jubilo" its in the gift shop there at Meyerson I am sure they could ship to you for a charge.
Operaman41 3 years ago
Aweosme! Can I get that in a CD??
JDWP254 3 years ago
Sadly no, the CD was recorded by the Mirabilis label that ceased trading many years ago. The St Pauls cathedral shop might have a copy, failing that the artist might have one to spare...
JFSnail 3 years ago
I have all the Mirabilis CD's from the late 80's and early 90's - some of the best organ recordings ever made. This CD is one of my favorite - as the liner notes state, you will hear St. Paul's organ as it sounds in the building, warts and all!!!!.
livzdave 2 years ago
I absolutely love how he uses the reverb in the cathedral as part of the instrument/piece!Wonderful stuff.
pipeup1 3 years ago
Yes pipeup1 Andrew Lucas is an excellent organist. If you wish to hear him play today he is now Director of Music at St Albans Cathedral, which also possesses a superb Harrison and Harrison Organ.
ds1868 3 years ago
Many thanks, will definately attend if I'm in the area :-)
pipeup1 3 years ago
Well i would like to say Im Organ Scholarship. when I was at St Pauls Cathedral. Master Folwell was at the organ Console on Grand Floor level Playing The New platform Mobile Console if u dont wish to belive me Ask Someone. But u are making your self look like a right tit on here. Lets Be Truth People are lathing at u about it. GET A LIFE
GoldOrganist 3 years ago
No-you are.
34045 3 years ago
lol ....and just who made you the head queen? lol Were you born in 1868?
2468HOTROD 3 years ago
People, 'it don't get no better than that, nowhere'. lol Thank you for this video.
2468HOTROD 3 years ago 2
Hi There Mr Folwell. i Don`t No if u remember me . i was the man who was standing listening to u at the new console playing The lang Tuba Tune. i would like to say u play the organ with a heart of music. Just how amazing u was . I would like u to come to cambridge kings college sometime and meet a friend of mine. im very happy to let u play the cambridge kings college organ indeed . Please give me a email tho my youtube page thank u and good bless Aaron
GoldOrganist 3 years ago
I don't think so. You would have to seek the permission of Dr Cleobury before you could do that. And I rather doubt, given your poor command of the English language, that you would move in such circles anyway. Please, both yourself and the silly idiot below, GO AWAY.
ds1868 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Well said that man!!
34045 3 years ago
my son Aaron Who has WRITTEN in the box about playing the new console He really went to play the organ the new console and me and his dad was sitting in the channel Hearing are son play the organ it was amazing to here a wonderfull reveb and my son playing the Tuba Tune c.s Lang
theminx650 3 years ago
You seem very sure people don't believe your son?
34045 3 years ago
Sorry? why do you think that? what an odd statement to say!
theminx650 3 years ago
sozz about the spelling mastake
AARONFOLWELL 3 years ago
i have just played the new mobile console Its amazing the colour of the dome and channel and West end Trumpets are amazing with a better sound and the console on Ground floor is better Then the upstairs console its self as well. if enyone is willing to go and try out the organ at st pauls cathedral please info me As i can get access to the instrement But i would say its amazing and Try it for the experence ..
AARONFOLWELL 3 years ago
Really???
ds1868 3 years ago
I would also agree JF with your narrative regarding the Dome Tubas (16'/8'/4'). These tubas were always considered without equal, possessing a very smooth but potent tone. They were built by 'Father' Henry Willis I and installed in 1900. It seems that John Mander's admission that the old tubas will be carefully stored for any future re-instatement seems rather odd - almost an acknowledgement of unease that such famous stops have been removed. I concur: very strange indeed!
ds1868 3 years ago
Excellent quality recording and played extremely well by Andrew Lucas. The recording seems to capture the spirit and 'guts' of this astonishing instrument. There is nothing else in the world quite like it. At once subtly mellow in the quieter registers, at the next tectonic power of ferocious intensity. To sit under the Dome and listen to full organ is an unforgetable experience. The finest cathedral building and the finest cathedral organ in the world at one together. Thanks JF for posting!
ds1868 3 years ago
Very impressive piece!!
robris72 3 years ago
Nothing like the sound of this organ and this awesome space. A great recording! Thank you for this video.
2468HOTROD 3 years ago 6
Wonderful instrument - and don't forget the organ cases - by the incomparable Grinling Gibbons...
marsvltor2 3 years ago
WOW! If I ever make it to the UK, St. Paul's is *definitely* on my itenerary. That full-organ chord at the end will probably shake your fillings loose if you heard it live, I just hope that the "restoration" hasn't ruined it. Nice toccata by Edmundson too. Thanks, JFSnail!
1963mathetes 3 years ago
I live next to St Pauls and I have heard absolutely FULL ORGAN with the Royal fanfare trumpets at the west end and the TROMPETTE MILITAIRE. It blows out your ear drums!
organist12345 3 years ago
Amazing !! What a beast !! (And I mean that in a positive sense ;-). Great new pix, too; it's the first shot I've seen of the new console, & there were almost none of the old console, that I'm aware of.
a55b47 3 years ago 3