Wayne, you never cease to impress me with your technical skills and your mastery of the music performed. As some folks love to say: Awesome! many thanks.
I had the pleasure of seeing Wayne Marshall perform this piece tonight on the organ at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Magnifico! It brought tears to my eyes.
Well I guess if you have to play the Widor at break neck speed like you’ve got the cops hot on your tail - THATS THE WAY TO DO IT! Wayne you are one incredible musician. Thank you for sharing your talent. I also love how you gesture to the organ at the end. Let’s face it though no matter how good an organ is, it’s only as good as the organist makes it sing.
Widor la jouait beaucoup plus lentement à Saint-Sulpice mais il s'adaptait à l'acoustique de l'église. A Notre-Dame c'est pareil les pièces sont souvent jouées plus lentement pour s'adapter au mieux à l'acoustique.
I also play the toccata. I enjoy his playing even though it's a little fast. I don't think there's just one way of interpreting the music. Widor might have preferred a slower tempo but I think he also would like to see his music being played differently.
There are many interpretations of any piece of music. I am always amused at the comments criticizing a good performance of the piece. It is approached with such awe and reverence by some.with the outrage of sacrilege if one doesn't interpret it in exactly the way the listener has reverenced it. Sit back and enjoy or merely listen to another recording...chill out! I know if no other piece that stirs such emotions.
Excuse me….but this is one of FEW organists I’ve heard that has played this FLAWLESSLY….Not to mention without any sheet music in front of him….Cut the guy slack (?)
I always played it about the same speed because I always played to my own satisfaction and no one else's. Also, a bride at her wedding didn't give a shit anyway.
Yes, it was FAST, but it was - at all times - under control and perfectly articulated...no small feat. As for Widor, I love the 1932 recording - but remember - Widor was nearly 80 when he made that recording, and even joked that , at his age, he was nearer the grave than the organ console. Time and place, as they say.
