"King of Instuments" - Gillian Weir plays "Naïades" at the organ of the Hedvig Eleonora, Stockholm

Taken from the 1980's BBC series "King of Instruments", Gillian Weir plays "Naïades" from 'Pieces de Fantasie' by Louis Vierne at the organ of the Hedvig Eleonora, Stockholm. I fell in love with this instrument and have watched this clip many many times over the years. Dame Gillian's performance is stunning and been a source of inspiration for me and my love of organs.

Here's the spec for the beast!

Huvudverk (I)
Principal 16'
Principal 8'
Dubbelflöjt 8'
Gamba 8'
Oktava 4'
Rörflöjt 4'
Oktava 2'
Mixtur II
Mixtur IV
Scharf III
Grand Cornet V
Trumpet 16'
Trumpet 8'
Clairon 4'

Positiv (II)
Borduna 16'
Principal 8'
Flûte harmonique 8'
Gedackt 8'
Oktava 4'
Koppelflöjt 4'
Nasard 22/3'
Oktava 2'
Ters 13/5'
Larigot 11/3'
Mixtur III
Cymbel II
Trumpet 8'
Krumhorn 8'

Svällverk (III)
Fugara 16'
Principal 8'
Rörflöjt 8'
Salicional 8'
Voix céleste 8'
Oktava 4'
Flûte octaviante 4'
Salicet 4'
Valdflöjt 2'
Piccolo 1'
Mixtur V
Sesquialtera II
Bombarde 16'
Trumpet 8'
Oboe 8'
Vox humana 8'
Clairon 4'

Pedal
Bourdon 32'
Principal 16'
Subbas 16'
Oktava 8'
Borduna 8'
Oktava 4'
Öppen flöjt 4'
Blockflöjt 2'
Mixtur VI
Bombarde 32'
Basun 16'
Trumpet 8'
Clairon 4'

Category:

Music

Tags:

• organ
• gillian
• weir
• Naïades
• water
• nymphs
• louis
• vierne
• hedvig
• eleonora

[ROLANDMC80EX]

This is easily the best version of the piece that I have heard!She plays it beautifully,and if you like this, you should check out her version of the "Tu es Petra"She is awesome!

[shirtale]

She ain't no Dame for nut'in!

[omahas9000]

I am almost speechless. I don't believe I have ever witnessed such grace in playing...clearly, have just watched The Great Lady...ANYone can play this simple work with only a few moments prior effort......GEEEEEEZ. What an incredible technique. Her playing has finally allowed me to fully appreciate this magnificent work from one of my most favorite composers. THANK YOU so much to the original poster!!

[GJmusique]

@DesireeDeFete

That's what "Naïades" translates to in English.

[GJmusique]

@TSB12556

Bish and Weir? That's no comparison...

Bish's performance are quite dull (bad interpretation), but Weir... wake me up any time at night and I'll listen to her splendid playing. :)

[lemonsandgrapes]

@TSB12556 Yes, she is still performing and is even better in person. Check out her website where all of her engagements are listed.

[lemonsandgrapes]

Yes, she is still performing and is even better in person. Check out her website where all of her engagements are listed.

[TSB12556]

Is she performing yet today? Would you rate her style with Diane Bish? I'd love to be a fly on the wall if those two ladies were having a chat over a cup of coffee.

[serassone]

This woman is incredible!!

[ManlioGiordano]

A wonderful being also - which can be felt in this clip. Absolutely wonderful, loving playing of the organ - just what our world needs; food for the soul and all our senses.