Widor Organ Toccata played by Simon Kane

Widors Organ Toccata from Symphony No.5 Op.42 played by Simon Kane on the organ of Chester Cathedral.
I have recently started playing again so there may be the odd mistake here and there. I am not a professional organist and have another full time job. I have only started playing again within the last year and not within the last ten. I hope you enjoy.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Widor
• Organ
• Toccata
• Symphony No.5
• Op.42
• Simon
• Kane
• Chester
• Cathedral

[Chesterbarnes1]

Awesome, you are in secruity but one would never believe it for your performance. You should pursue your calling Simon! Get back to your first love the ORGAN. You have the touch.

[SimonKane1]

@Chesterbarnes1 You're too kind. Thank you for your kind words. I am slowly getting playing more and having lessons. Who knows what the future holds. :-)

[Chesterbarnes1]

What do you do when you're not playing the ORGAN, Simon?

[SimonKane1]

@Chesterbarnes1 Sorry about the delay, I couldnt reply off my phone. I work in Kent in the field of security at the Channel Tunnel. Very different to playing the organ but very enjoyable none the less. Thanks for watching.

[AeolianSkinner1983]

Wow great job on this one. Not an easy piece. The tempo was very steady. And the tuba was nice just maybe a little too soon lol! But on the last few big cords the tuba was perfect. I think it gave the ending a nice bite. Also do you know how many stops this organ has?

[SimonKane1]

@AeolianSkinner1983

Its a moment that makes me cringe every time I hear it.

As for the tempo, it was started at more or less 100 bpm i think which is what Widor marked the piece to be played at. I guess if playing this at Notre Dame de Paris on the original mechanical organ, you would a) have no chance of playing it fast and b) due to the acoustics, not be able to hear the piece properly as the reverb would push all the notes into each other.

This organ has 72 stops plus Zimblestern:-)

[HONGYOUNGEUN]

Did you used 32'foot stops?

[steffierig]

Beautifully played. You obviously have huge talent.

You sound a well rounded individual Simon. All the best for your future.

Steffierig

[hmbach]

Great performance - thanks for sharing. I am learning this in order to play it at my son's wedding next month. I am really a pianist not an organist so it's quite a challenge but I'm really enjoying the practise and it's all for a good cause!

It's great to hear how you play this and to watch which manuals you are using etc.

[chalyminx]

My dad was a church organist, today marks 13 years ago since he died aged 67 I used to go watch him practise in the early 70s when I was a little girl, and turn the pages for him ( I learned piano too ).The church was old, cold and draughty. The organ had ivory keys and stops and was a beast of a size. I used to marvel at how my dad could use both hands and feet to fill the church to the rafters with such magnificent music. Watching your video has brought tears to my eyes - thanks for sharing

[goodchappy]

Very good, misakes and all which we all make, you did well in the circumstances and you kept to the right speed.

I must have another go at, I am very rusty now, its been about 15 years since I could play it.