widor and drums

George and me at St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores Michigan. The organ is a 46-rank, 3-manual 1965 (Phelps) Casavant.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• widor
• widor toccata
• toccata
• organ
• drums
• sja
• symphonie 5

[mach37]

I came here expecting to hate it, but I didn't! The Swingle Singers failed to harm Bach and the drums here haven't harmed Widor. It definitely helps that this is video and not just audio. I'm impressed with your skillful page-turns, too. Seriously.

[jcborgan]

@mach37 thanks :)

[noncervantes]

My dearest jcborgan!

It's very, very hard to find words for the deed you have committed. So suffice it to say: from today (the very day I heard this for the first time) I shall not have any doubts as to what the music of hell must sound like.

Congratulation for your diligence regarding the greatest musical crime and the worst musical shit I have ever come across in my entire life.

[jcborgan]

@noncervantes this is my favorite comment so far!

[octavegeigen4]

An insult to the piece, to the organ, and to the Church

[jcborgan]

@octavegeigen4 at least in my version, I am playing the Widor Toccata! Your version includes no arpeggiations!

[theremin137]

Well, folks will either LOVE it or HATE it... guess which category 99.99% of "traditional" organists will fall into....... of course....... their snooty upturned-noses are twitching out of joint as we speak.

More of this sort of arranging JUST might attract more YOUNG PEOPLE to the world of the old and stuffy organ.

It's clear that you guys are having a blast with this old chestnut ... I *LOVE* it!!!

[pldavey2]

Love it! Did something similar for a wedding at my church, drums but no kit, also added a few dustbins for extra fun!! As this piece has been played by brass band etc why not with percussion? Both of you seem to be having a whale of a time and thouroughly enjoying yourselves, pity there weren't a few more to hear you!!!! Do it as a postlude and people will stay on just to listen.

[ttfergu]

still needs more cowbell

[AllenAP40]

I think it was fun and great! As far as it being an insult to the organ and the church, I doubt it. I think the biggest insult is arrogant organist and people hung up on it being "correct" that they loose sight of what music really is. If people did not try new things and experiment with new arrangements we still would only be singing chant and even that is questionable. If you want to not try new things with the organ it will die along with all the music that you are "protecting"

[lansfordno9mine]

wow 5 stars glad to see someone putting a little intrest for those who might not find the pipe organ intresting....................­take away the drums and i would still be in aww and in love that instrament is wonderful! i would love to sit down and play it and be surrounded by pipes!!! makes my little 2 manual 14 rank estay pipe organ look like a toy!

[morelondon]

Spent last evening at St. Paul's Cathedral, London midnight service. Dreary Anglican bemoaning hymns without zest. Would love (both of ) you to visit London and play at St. Paul's, please! Your welcomed playing would charge the air!!

[mjfreeman]

Well Pierre Cochereau did a set of improvisations at Notre Dame de Paris with percussion and drums. Believe me it is quite exciting. I find it an insult to the piece, the composer, church and organ when a piece is played badly. Young people need to be introduced to the organ and if this generates some interest then so be it. I too am impressed at the page turns on your own...good playing.

[toddao70mm]

TOTALY and DEFINITELY EXCELLENT !!!!

you guys are giving us a great pleasure to see / hear you so inspired by this masterpiece !

I must say that George is absolutely great , I like the way he plays, the breaks he makes, the reprise etc..

The final is a true GREAT MOMENT !!!

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO ! ENCORE !!!

[sharky123]

This is BRILLIANT! Seriously, it works (kinda sorta) in a way that certainly doesn't hurt Widor . . . and c'mon, we're allowed to have a little fun with the classics, oui? Rock on!