M A Charpentier-Prelude to Te Deum @ St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh

I've recently returned from yet another trip to the USA, where I got to play some of the finest pipe organs once again. Here is THE example: the mighty Rudolf von Beckerath organ at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh. The renovation process was finished in January 2009, so now here it is again in its' full glory. For details about the instrument, visit the website of the Cathedral or of the Taylor&Boody company.

The tune that I play in this video needs no special introduction: it is M.A. Charpentier's Prelude to Te Deum. Please note that it is played by ear and that I am not a formally trained professional organist. Dedicated to my dear friends Mr. Frank Cummings, Mr. Roy Malcolm and Mr. Bruce Hayward. More uploads are to follow! Enjoy!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• marc
• antoine
• charpentier
• prelude
• te
• deum
• pipe
• organ
• rudolf
• von
• beckerath
• pittsburgh
• pennsylvania
• egrespatak

[K0BLR]

No bass?

[djturbo88]

@K0BLR Hi! Actually, that might be the result of two things: the registration setting (...I was told to 'keep it down' so I did not use the reeds...) and the positioning of the camera very close to the organ. I think it might have captured the sound better if placed a bit further away from the instrument or if i would have had an external microphone at the time. All in all, one of the best organs I have veer played! Best wishes!

[TheSubwayfan]

Wow... this is a really impressing performance. Carry on trying out organs, it's fascinating - I know that because I'm playing the organ, too. :)

(Sorry for the mistakes in my English, I'm German.)

[djturbo88]

@TheSubwayfan Thank you very much for your most kind words! The Rudolf von Beckerath organ here at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh was one of the finest instruments I got to play here in the area. Truly a wonderful instrument in a wonderful acoustic environment. I will keep your advice in mind....actually, I have recently discovered an other nice instrument...a 2-manual Kilgen organ. Future uploads are about to follow! Best wishes!

[coutureorganist]

oh man!! use the reeds! Beckerath made some very reeds here

[djturbo88]

@coutureorganist Thank you for your observation! This being a Catholic cathedral, I was told that people often come to church to pray, etc. Therefore, I was told to try to 'keep it low'...That's why I didn't use the reeds....although I was tempted to! :P Best wishes!

[wljmrbill]

Very well done for a non-trained organist.. just goes to prove a good ear can replace alot of tiring training,,,I had to do the traibning...LOL.. Keep up the good work.

[kontrahylian]

One word REEDS!!!!!

[jenfi85]

Cet organiste a l'air bien jeune mais il joue avec admiration!! C'est un bonheur de l'écouter!! merci

[djturbo88]

@mattbod Thank you for your kind words! Wish I could get to play at St. Paul's in London someday...I've heard a lot about that organ I have also listened to it a few times in several recordings I could find on the internet...never got to see or hear it in person though. As far as the organ from St. Paul's in Pittsburgh is considered, you were right. I was told it is indeed a neo-classical design. Rudolf von Beckerath (the builder) called it his masterpiece! Best wishes!