Washington Cathedral Pipe Organ: Fanfare for the Common Man

Aaron Copland's piece has almost gotten to be a cliche, but with the blazing reeds in this 8-second reverberation, it's still pretty damn impressive. The trompette-en-chamade at the front of the choir kicks in @ about 1:40, I think. Douglas Major, organist/choirmaster from 1988 to 2002, performs along with some anonymous percussionists.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• National
• Cathedral
• Washington
• pipe
• organ
• orgue
• orgel
• organo
• Fanfare
• Common
• Man
• DC
• Copland
• classical

[09WestTexas]

I don't know that Doug ever recorded this piece on a CD. I heard it for the July 4th celebrations and once for someone personally..John Kraus, the longest standing virger of the Cathedral. Somehow, I don't think it was in his mind to ever record it, it was played more for a memorial for mankind than for a performance to be enjoyed. But I am proud to say that I heard him play it, and play it for my friend, John's retirement.  Blessings, Doug..Blessings John, may you rest in peace.

[a55b47]

@09WestTexas I'm not aware of any CD of this, either. I recorded this from a radio broadcast of the Independence Day recital (back when public radio stations were still performing worthy services like this ;-)

[novaguy20191]

This piece will never be cliche to those of us that love Coplands's works. Brings me to tears each and every time I hear it played by a true orchestra.

Many don't know that Aaron Copland wrote the piece for back in 1942-43 as America entered in to WWII. Do a Wiki to see more.

Maybe some posts got deleted; but for me this video is not about religion - but sharing the experience of "Fanfare" being played at the Cathedral.

[PEPEDEBARRO]

Absolutamente impresionante. Gracias!

[09WestTexas]

a55b47 Thank you. I had the pleasure of knowing Doug at the age of 14, when he was learning to drink and smoke. He played as well at 14 as he did at 40. also, I spent 4 yrs. serving the Polish National Catholic Church, met in the Bethlehem Chapel. But best of all, I had the privelage of playing the grand choir organ anytime after the Cathedral closed. Doug's arr. of the Copland piece and the Widor Toccata (with brass) were marvelous achievements. One of the best Aeoline-Skinners I've played.

[shadowstrikz]

Cool stuff! I may visit outside of Canada someday. It will be cool to visit Washington. Too bad Keith Emerson won't be playing this tune when I get there.

[aihoschema]

Magnificent pipe ranges on this organ! It faithfully represents the sound and fel of the brass instruments of the original arrangement but it clearly is a beauty of a pipe organ in all its glory.

This composition never will be a cliche. I always feel a mix of being humbled and pride when listening to fantastic renditions like this one.

[trompettechamade1]

@a55b47 I wish there were a CD of this. The only one I saw (and got) was an excellent performance by Scott Dettra on his new recording Majestus. Unfortunately, the chamade was miked distantly (at the crossing) and the pecussion instruments are much too prominent! This recording was much better balanced. I believe that as the piece progressed, Doulas used all of the three major reeds to push the sound the sound down the nave, to reat effect.

[MsContessina]

DIVINE.... and with great RESPECT.....

[birdebyrd]

that deserves a REPLAY

[keyboardjeff]

This is one of my favourite classical songs. I love this!

[a55b47]

@bachluthology2 I'm not aware of one. I recorded this from a radio broadcast many years ago -- back when radio stations were still broadcasting classical music ;-)