Well articulated even at this speed.....kind of her thing with this piece. I think Virgil Fox might have played it faster, but still withgreat accuracy . I think this song is what all organist aspire to play....like a passage of adulthood for the organ. Regardless of what people say about her and Virgil, no two organist have done more to promote the appreciation of organ music to the masses then they.
If that was supposed to be a contest, i couldn't tell which organ or organist won. The look on Diane's face: "oh this is so much fun!" The look on that mans face: "aint no woman gonna out-play me! GAME ON!" lol!
Hello Sandra Kleinman. Nice to meet you! I know that this great piece is unfofgettable!!! Life in music!!!! Can I ask you a question: you have replied to me that the smile on Diane's face says all. Is Diane Bish married to Simon Preston? I ask you this because a little bit of curiosity means woman as we can say here in Italy. And so, Diane, during this wonderful piece goes further to perfection because she's magic and unluckily Simon Preston is too technical and methodical. In my opinion Diane is superrrrr perfect and Sylvia Rovere in person touches the light blue and sparkling sky with fingers.
[# 7320] Two of the best organists the world has ever seen and heard, playing together one of the most powerful compositions for this instrument -- beyond all words... Thank you from my heart for sharing this rare and precious recording with the people worldwide! Reinhard from Germany, January 20, 2022
I've heard Diane play this on Easter mornings...at half this speed.. Much more detail and expression... But... This was definitely an exhibition performance with the two organists and two consoles... Cheers to them both...
I am amazed at the inane comments below. Here are two splendid musicians, playing an unusual concert (given the combined sonics of the Rodgers and Ruffati organs. Talent, humility and respect are evident in the way the arrangement allows antiphonal playing. Widor would have been delighted had he been in the audience. This is the piece I have selected for the Postlude at my memorial service. Such splendid sonics and such a fine send off. This deserves congratulations, not gain saying. These musicians are proven professionals who need no advice from the obvious amateur self esteemed individuals below.
I like the way its played and love the program been a fan of hers for years and even composed a piece for her to play; have seen her in concert and have met her she is a great person indeed!!
Anyone can say it's too fast/slow or that the registration was good/bad or really make any comment about this interpretation of Widor's beautiful Tocatta... But the smile on Ms. Bish's face says it all.
NASCAR race tempo, however, Diane and Simon articulate the piece very well together. Both are amazing musicians and people in general. I have been privileged to meet both.
I never know why so called music lovers criticize the way this Toccata is played by different Organists,as each have their own interpretation as to how its played. Which in itself is fine but sometimes Organists do play this piece as if their backsides are on fire and spoil what is a beautiful piece.If you listen to Widor playing this music in Paris when he was 88yrs of age,you will see how it was intended to be played. Full marks to Diane and Simon for bringing this Concert together with two great organs. BRILLIANT. Tho personally I much prefer to hear Widor played on the Klass Organ in Wurtzburg Cathedral
And I would much rather it snow on Christmas Eve than any day of the year, but that's neither "here nor there." What a dumb comment. This is the best version of "Widor's Toccata" I've ever heard and if I were to count the times they really weren't together, it could only be accomplished using one hand. Diane and Simon are two of the best organists around. If you aren't a "believer yet", type in their names on youtube and no other organists combined would have the viewed count that they share.
Mi Picasso Argumentum ad populum fallacy. Just because they get many views does not mean they are popular, nor does it mean that those people know anything about organ music. You need to provide better evidence than that to make your case.
Towndrunk26er Here's one, sweetie - As of 2009, The Joy of Music is broadcast on The CatholicTV Network, EWTN, TBN, WTLU-CD and various PBS stations, and continues to feature her performances taped on-location at prominent organs in North America and Europe. Since the program's beginning in the early 1980s, she has recorded over 500 episodes as of 2009, each of which shows her playing one or more different pipe or digital organs. You would think that someone who has recorded over 500 episodes would be quite popular, now wouldn't you? But then, judging from you comments, you probably can't wait until December 24 so that you can make fresh cookies and pour fresh milk for Santa Claus. Maybe change your name from "Towndrunk26er" to "Internetdrunk26er." Surely you can make a fool out of yourself somewhere else. It seems to be working fine in this forum. Next?
Mi Picasso I only stated you used a well known logical fallacy in your argument. I did not say you were wrong about her popularity. Perhaps you should try to absorb what you are reading rather than jumping to conclusions. I think the only person that made a fool of themselves is you with your juvenile little rant. Have a lovely evening.
Amazing and what fun! I wish I could have been in the space to see and hear that since it is my favorite work of organ music, mostly because of the huge part that the pedals play.
if you want a piece with a lot of (rather more taxing than this) pedals find Simon Preston's performance of the Bossi piece Etude Sympnonique at the Albert Hall in the 1960's ; it's on RU-vid. The most difficult piece I know of for pedals.
I could not have said it better myself! As to Nigel T`s comment I do indeed find it to be "The Joy of Music"I do respect your comment but I have been watching this programm since I was 18 years and It has been giving me joy for years(even as I watch the re-runs on Yout Tube(I am now 46).She got me hooked on playing classical organ. There may be even better organist out there like Daniel Roth or even Cameron Carpenter(there, that might touch a nerve!) But when she play the spark jumps over and ignites the audience.If every one where to play like Widor,that would be a little boring.That is the great thing about interpretation-the variety! :)
I for one loved the way it was played;. one calls the other answers;. very well thought out and played to perfection!!! they both did fantastic. hope you all agree with me on this. .
This sounds great. Also go onto You Tube and look up two young organists and have a listen to them. Gert van Hoef from the Netherlands and Paul Fey from Germany. I love some of the pieces they play.
Accurate at that speed for sure.... But difficult to hear or appreciate the themes and phrasing. Too many missed subtleties. Precision is one thing, but music is another.
Well, Widor himself played this slower, but it would have been great to be present on this concert - it does have a "wow" factor. Is it Diane Bish who drives the speed? She is a virtuoso organist....
Alleluiahs by Simon Preston is a beautiful piece. He always played this too fast, even in England, so his “battle of the Organs” here is well suited to both.
I understand wanting to show your skill but do you really have to play this song, on the organ? Out of all the songs this one I think is most enjoyable when you can clearly hear all the notes. It's like if you go to a high end restaurant your not gonna scarf down all the food because its special and you want to enjoy it at a slower pace.
Organists always show off by playing this far too fast. In fact, a truly expressive performance at a more moderate tempo, bringing out the full beauty of Widor's amazing composition, is much harder to achieve. This is an abomination!!
