This was the best arrangement I’ve listened to. I wasn’t familiar with this hymn before hearing it at the queen’s funeral. When I was watching her service with my mom, she knew what song it was. I should have asked her to play it for me because she played by ear and she inherited the gift from her mom and I inherited from both of them. I’m the only one in my generation who could and I don’t know of anyone else in my family who can other than my mom and grandma. My grandma died unexpectedly when I was in HS. Six months ago my mom passed unexpectedly. We were very close and still living together. Usually it’s pretty easy for me to pick up a song and play it but there’s a few that are tricky for me. I’d be able to watch my mom’s hands and once I got past the first line, the rest followed. Tonight I listened to several videos and couldn’t get past the first line. I was able to play the chorus and even parts of the verse. Finally I saw your video and had the camera on your hands and I finally saw the one little note that I ran stuck on which was B. Normally a flat gets me if I’m stuck. Felt like it took hours to get it but it was basically 20-30 minutes. How I wish I could hear the piano playing by my mom and grandma again. They played beautifully. My biggest regret ever in life was not taking proper piano lessons.
This church and organ are in Wales, for goodness sake. Can you imagine these hymns played on this organ, but with a congregation singing out as only the Welsh can do.
Nice to see the unseen (Foot work) I been a church organist since the age of 12 when I took over from my Uncle Tom who had been a organist for 55 years. I don't play as often as I used to as I want to see younger people coming behind me so I only play now as a stand in I also have arthritis in my hands. I been a organist for 61 years
Brings tears to my eyes, every time and I'm a fledgling Catholic. Favourite hymn of my maternal grandfather Clifford Blagbrough who was an unofficiated preacher in the Halifax Methodist circuit in the mid 1900s.
Rob, you play that Organ beautifully, I was fighting back tears when I heard you play 'Abide with me'. I am not allowed to play the organ that loud in my Church, the congregation do not like it, I say with humour......
If I sing loudly in church (as a member of the congregation not a chorister) other people from church (congregation, choir and clergy) appreciate the gusto I give but if my mum is in church with me she tells me to keep my voice down especially if it’s a hymn I know well
Glorious! Truly inspirational! I attended a Lutheran church in college and organist would often play a "free accompaniment" on last stanza. Feels like the roof is opening and the angels of Heaven are joining in. Thank you. Excellent musicianship!
Lyrics Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of Heav’n to earth come down; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; All thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure unbounded love Thou art; Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter every trembling heart. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find that second rest. Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. Come, Almighty to deliver, Let us all Thy life receive; Suddenly return, and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love. Finish, then, Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be; Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee; Changed from glory into glory, Till in Heav’n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Truly a fantastic hymn tune, very well registered and play with heart and soul. Thanks so much for your continual stream of recordings of hymns, Rob. I truly want you to know that your many hours of learning, practice, and recording are not falling on deaf ears! All of us appreciate YOU and your God-bestowed musicality.
You have done it again Rob, another piece of music beautifully played. I feel you could could play this version for a state occasion . I just love the hymn and feel you have put your own personal touch to it. Thank you.
Fabulous! I have just heard an amazing young organist play this hymn today in Saltaire Church near Bradford. The shear power of the piece and especially the final verse at full volume with all the stops out made my lungs rattle. It was beautifully awesome in every sense of the word. He then followed it with the theme to Terminator 2 which was also breathtaking and how I wish I had recorded it on my iPhone. Thank you for this Rob. Your playing is awesome too and is saved in my bookmarks. Now... I'm off to listen to your others.
Happy memories Rob! This hymn has guided me through the years as a chorister at All Saints, Oystermouth, a student at Aberystwyth , Cambridge and Oxford and, at our wedding at St James's Parish Church, near Haworth and, now we sing it as a family in my parish in Fort Augustus. 'Hiraeth, Hiraeth!' Thank you. Revd Anthony Jones, F..R..S.A.
Another Splendid Rendition. My Spirit Was down Earlier Today. Now sitting In My Old Chesterfield Armchair, I listened To this Most Uplifting Music. I Feel Much Better Now. Grateful Thanks , Always, Rob. Best Wishes, From Scotland.
Rob, That was beautiful, as usual. It is lovely to watch someone else play, I always feel like someone else is playing when I do. I only go for organ practise about twice a week now. I would love you to show you playing using the pedal cam and the other cams. Keep going Rob, you're brilliant. Oh, and you DO look like you have the talent to become an FRCO!! it is harder now than it used to be, lots of unnecessary stuff in it. Take good care of you, Rob.
Orgasmic!!!! Plain, pure & simple! @RobCharles1981, you're such a blessing! Goosebumps and chills all over as I repeat the improvisation! The Lord bless you and honour you!
While making a film for the United Bible Societies in 1996 , I filmed this hymn being sung at a church in Mississauga Canada. Apparently chosen by Canadian Bible Society friend Blain Macleod. I had never heard it before then, but now it always lifts me up whenever I hear it. Rob's playing it really gives me a boost, especially during these lock down days. THANKS ROB. AWESOME RENDITION BUD. Bruce in Atlantic Canada.
I believe the last verse is by Noel R... He is no longer with us, but he would be very proud of your rendition... Although Hyfrydol is popular in some venues, I've fallen in love with this tune... God bless..., and many thanks for uploading this video...
Thanks very much it's the best by far to play and the sound is just right for me here. Oh the shirt haha thanks! Probably doing another walking tour soon depending on Weather. Best Wishes Rob
This is quite a masterpiece. I enjoyed it tremendously. I don't know how I could have missed this one ten years ago when I was first looking for these kinds of hymns. Please keep uploading these as you get time. I won't miss them now because I'm subscribed to your channel.
This is one of my favourite hymns and you played it excellently! Also, I don't play the organ so I'm in awe of your incredible God-given ability to use both your hands and feet - just amazing! God bless you brother :)
They don't call this the king of instruments for no reason. When I die, I'd like Rob and Lionel Rogg to play at my funeral, like duelling banjos - and I'm not even inbred ! Regards again from Burry Port.
Rob - What a great job you do capturing the magnificent sound of that organ and how lucky you are to have access to it! I would live in that building. Your playing, as usual, is so effortless, and it is a joy to watch as well as listen - always. Your shirt IS cool and so are you. I know it's chilly, but when is our next walking tour? I want to tag along and buy lunch (I wish I lived closer and really could.) Your playing inspires me so much - Thank You. Mark
Absolutely bostin, Rob! I'll make no mention of the shirt! lol As I was listening I was thinking, 'What are my top-half-dozen favourite Welsh hymn tunes?' I reckon that they are (although it may change with the weather and/or the years) in this order: 1) Blaenwern 2) Calon Lan 3) Cwm Rhondda 4) Rhosymedre 5) Lloyd (I think that it may a Welsh tune - but could be from Lancashire) if so 5) [alternative] Llanfair 6) Hyfrydol
