Widor - Toccata, from Op.42/1

[quantum]

Merry Christmas!

A piece for the season.

[birba]

YES YES YES!!!!!!!  I'm an absolute sucker for this piece and LOVE it - at Easter as well as Christmas!  Thank you so much for posting it!  Was it you playing it?  You're fantastic, if it was. It brought back memories of Smokey Mary's on 46th street in new york when I wanted to be a church organist with my own choir.
And Merry Christmas to you too!

[quantum]

Thanks birba.  Yes, this is me playing.  Being Christmas I was playing some seasonal music during which a thought occurred - why don't I play the Toccata.  Recording equipment was easily at hand.  Might as well press record while I am at it. 

I echo your sentiments for this piece.  It played a large part in me taking the step into studying the organ seriously.  This piece broke the ground for me to explore the French romantic organ rep, of which I am particularly attracted to. 

One day I hope to travel to NYC and witness the great organs of that city. 

[rachfan]

Hi quantum,

Bravo!  After hearing this recording, I believe the Toccata is a piece for all seasons, not for Christmas alone.  It's a magnificent work and your performance of it is splendid and inspiring.  Thanks for posting it!

[goldentone]

What a fantastic, spirited piece.  The opening just overtakes you with glory and energy.  Your organ playing is marvelous, Quantum, and has a larger-than-life quality to it.  I enjoy these organ recordings so much!  Thanks for sharing it, and Merry Christmas!  

[birba]

One day I hope to travel to NYC and witness the great organs of that city. 

You must go to St. Mary's Episcopal church on 46th street near broadway.  It's a "high" church with lots of music.  I once heard an improvisation during the offering, I think it was, and, though I'm not a particularly religious person (actually, I'm buddhist) I was very moved by the brilliant enthusiasm and "moving of the spirit", as you will, of the organist.  It's true, NY has probably the best organs in the country (St. John the devine, St. Thomas on 5th, St. Bartholomew's (I'm partial to the Episcopal churches because of the music liturgy - The catholic church has none anymore, to speak of) but it's the talent of the organists.  Such a high level.  I know the one at St. Mary's was whisked off to the National Cathedral in Washington, I believe.  Go for it!  It's a very very demanding job, but also very very gratifying!!!!

[quantum]

Thanks rachfan and golentone. 

There is probably a lot of organ music classical fans would love, but because of venues and the fact the organ isn't really a portable instrument people are just not exposed to it.  Even when an organ is available it isn't always given the opportunity to speak.  In my city, we have a concert hall with a 4 manual organ that is largely underused - played only a handful of times a year.  Most concerts in the hall consist of the symphony orchestra and visiting soloists.  I've discovered so much music that I would like to get into since taking the study of the organ more intently. 

Birba, I'll make note of your suggestions to visit those churches.