Bach: Passacaglia in C minor (end)

The organ of St. George's, Preston, UK, was built by Henry 'Father' Willis in 1865. It's a remarkably fine instrument, but is in urgent need of restoration.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Organ
• Bach
• Classical
• Baroque
• Lyndon
• Hills

[stanmugs]

It sounds fine to me; no restoration needed. Have a nice day.

[lyndon1904]

You have to avoid using the bits that don't work or are broken! Unfortunately there really are lots of things that are literally falling to bits, and you need muscles like Charles Atlas to manage the very heavy tracker action!

[lyndon1904]

Thank you! The videos posted so far are a bit old and made when I was trying out a new camcorder. I'll try and make some new ones, perhaps up the road on the Hill organ at the Minster. It might make me do a bit of practice ;)

[lyndon1904]

"Neither the 4' Viola or 3 rank Fourniture sound very authentic for a Willis of this vintage and size."

I agree, it's surprising: but the drawstops are undoubtedly original and hand-engraved in gothic script. There are also old documents that confirm their originality. If you'd like to see more about the organ, have a look at my Preston organ website. Apparently I can't include a URL link here - it's w w w dot minsterorgan dot co dot uk!

[joeyboi87]

This is a really interesting organ console. How old is the organ? I working on the Passacaglia and Fugue too on the organ at St Mary Magdalene's. Its a very well designed modern organ with a great baroque sound to it, also three manuals

[lyndon1904]

The console dates from 1865. Originally it was in a gallery at the back of the church, but Willis moved it in 1885. Although we need a lot of money to restore it, at least it hasn't been messed around with significantly, and is much as Willis left it.

[celestialproduct]

Very nice playing, however this is not the end of the passacaglia, it is the fugue.

[gingervytis]

Knowing what this accomplished musician is doing... it's pathetic that a tyro can poke a couple of fingers on the keys of a computerized keyboard instrument, hear some crappy hip-hop shit come out, and think he's a great talent!

[plaza2nd]

The organ is indeed in need of restoration, but just to support the recording alone, the organist and the recording gadget is inside the organ enclosure. I've played this instrument on several occasions and in my opinion the console would be better relocated to the chancel - if and when funds allow of course! Super playing as always Lyndon!

[Benedict101]

Did you not have a video up of Messiaen's Jésus Accepte La Souffrance played by yourself on this organ?

Where has it disappeared to?

[advisorC101]

So has anything been done to help with the restoration?

[advisorC101]

Its fine the way it is.

[paranormaalutrecht]

more non legato! more breath in the frases!

[Knappa22]

Great organ, but I agree about urgently needed restoration - the trackers are making a heck of a racket on this clip!

[pipeorganloverNJP]

I just figured out how to play the very ending today and I played it over and over again for close to three hours. :)

[alfcassano]

this is the real power.

[charlottewww]

Oy, that's my Great Grandfathers organ!!