Bach on Flentrop Organ Harvard University Busch Hall

In this Midnight Pipes video, Murray Forbes Somerville plays the complete Toccata and Fugue in D minor, S.565, on the Flentrop organ in Harvard University's Adolphus Busch Hall (formerly Busch-Reisinger Museum).

The complete 30-minute video, VHS NTSC format only, contains an interview and additional organ music with Mr Somerville, as well as music from Frederick Hohman and other music guests in concert with the Flentrop organ. Details are accessed by entering 9023 in the Search Box at http://www.zarex.com/bin

Murray Forbes Somerville is presently active as a church musician in Nashville, Tennessee. For many years, and during the time when this video was made, he was on staff at Harvard University as organist and as director of the Harvard University Choir.

A 2-CD set featuring an all-Bach program played upon the organ at Harvard's Busch Hall is available from Pro Organo. It is entitled "Remembering Biggs, Bach and the Busch" - Pro Organo CD 7138, and is available at http://www.zarex.com/bin

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Organ
• Flentrop
• Bach
• 565
• classical
• scary
• halloween
• Harvard
• University
• Busch
• Hall
• Murray
• Forbes
• Somerville
• Midnight
• Pipes

[pipeorganloverNJP]

This is the organ that Power Biggs used to play on, right?

[midnightpipes]

Yes. Mr. Biggs made some LPs on this instrument with Columbia. Before the Flentrop was installed, Mr. Biggs played upon an Aeolian-Skinner organ, installed in the same room, and his playing was broadcast live every Sunday morning (a 15-minute broadcast) over the CBS radio network, so I understand. So, Mr. Biggs, the organ and the hall were all instrumental in introducing the pipe organ to American listeners during the 1950s. - FH

[hidrigin01]

another legend with a different lighting style played and recorded on this instrument many years ago. I have an old vinyl recording of Virgil Fox which includes my all time favourite performance (however flamboyant) of BWV 537 (F&F Cm). Hope to hear many more (Bach!) recordings on this diamond of an instrument. Thank you!

[JoEbYX]

Let's start a debate about major vs. minor trill at 5:05!

[robertgift]

@midnightpipes Is the Aeolian-Skinner organ still there?

Thank you for your posts.

[robbynmelendez]

how much does a complete Organ Instrument like this cost? I head from somewhere like a million dollars.

[errj45]

Murray, Harvard's loss, Nashville's gain! Just go back up to Cambridge and do MORE! The inspiring influence of the old Harvard Flentrop/Biggs recordings and the St Olaf (Mn) Choir under Christiansen on past organ majors is legendary! Another great idea: do another video on the new Fisk in Nashville....(Reid)Augusta,GA

[elisabatha]

simply brilliant,!

[DSINKS]

Wicked!

[chenwenhua2269]

what a superb organ. JS Bach is truly a genius. Thanks for the inspiration and posting, awesome!!!