Gasp, gasp, gasp. A really fantastic, worthwhile and extremely well constructed working around Advent's 'Veni Emmanuel'. Beautifully conceived and crafted by Andrew Carter, beautifully played by Richard with his usual unbelievable brilliance. It's good, too, to hear a coherent ending (the final 'E') for once as, in my unworthy opinion, it is often spoilt by many people in their way-hey 'listen to me' improvisations (me included - let's be fair) as 'they' try to end on the E Major chord which .... GRATES ... if not done in a sympathetic fashion (modulating seamlessly from E minor to E Major.) Anyone else agree?
How right you are, Trevor. A work in a minor key does not always require that shift to the major in the final chord as it can rob the music of the gravitas that might have been intended (we wouldn't do it with a funeral march!). However, it does work wonderfully here in the composer's own Toccata on 'Veni Emmanuel'. (By the way, the story behind this music is fascinating: if you're interested, read this Wiki entry.) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Come,_O_Come,_Emmanuel#The_%22Veni_Emmanuel%22_tune
Andrew Carter was my school music teacher way back in the 1960's! Since then I have had the pleasure to sing in choirs where he has been the guest conductor.
Bravo!! I had never heard this before. What a great piece. And so well played as always. Love the photograph too. What a wonderful treat all around. Thank you so much!!!!!
Absolutely amazing. Thank you Richard for another inspired performance. You are a true master of your art, and we are all greatly blessed by your music.
I heard this amazing Toccata for the first time this week when the brilliant young American organist, Carina Sturdy, placed a link to her recording via Facebook Organists Association. So what a treat to hear it again played by you, Richard. Having read the comments already posted, there is little more I could add as we are all clearly blown away by your stunning performance. So, I would have to join Andrew Carter himself and (in pre Covid times!) just ask: "Please may I have a hug?"!
Your ABSOLUTELY right! My bad - Richard is playing F# not E. Thanks for pointing that out to me, although I have to say that that's the first time I've met this 'hymn' in that key - all my hymn books have it in E Minor and for the last 60+ years, that's the only key I associate this 'hymn' with. But, thinking about it, for true and brilliant 'Let's give it the Toccata treatment", me thinks, and now agrees, that F# works a lot, lot better harmonically and tonally. So, apologies for my embarrassing boo-boo - I should have watched Richard's fingers and feet more closely as well as listening to the glorious rendition. 😟
Gasp, gasp, gasp. A really fantastic, worthwhile and extremely well constructed working around Advent's 'Veni Emmanuel'. Beautifully conceived and crafted by Andrew Carter, beautifully played by Richard with his usual unbelievable brilliance. It's good, too, to hear a coherent ending (the final 'E') for once as, in my unworthy opinion, it is often spoilt by many people in their way-hey 'listen to me' improvisations (me included - let's be fair) as 'they' try to end on the E Major chord which .... GRATES ... if not done in a sympathetic fashion (modulating seamlessly from E minor to E Major.) Anyone else agree?
How right you are, Trevor. A work in a minor key does not always require that shift to the major in the final chord as it can rob the music of the gravitas that might have been intended (we wouldn't do it with a funeral march!). However, it does work wonderfully here in the composer's own Toccata on 'Veni Emmanuel'. (By the way, the story behind this music is fascinating: if you're interested, read this Wiki entry.) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Come,_O_Come,_Emmanuel#The_%22Veni_Emmanuel%22_tune
Andrew Carter was my school music teacher way back in the 1960's! Since then I have had the pleasure to sing in choirs where he has been the guest conductor.
Spine-tingling piece, love it!
Bravo!! I had never heard this before. What a great piece. And so well played as always. Love the photograph too. What a wonderful treat all around. Thank you so much!!!!!
Fantastic performance. Thanks, Richard
Absolutely amazing. Thank you Richard for another inspired performance. You are a true master of your art, and we are all greatly blessed by your music.
Bravo!
I heard this amazing Toccata for the first time this week when the brilliant young American organist, Carina Sturdy, placed a link to her recording via Facebook Organists Association. So what a treat to hear it again played by you, Richard. Having read the comments already posted, there is little more I could add as we are all clearly blown away by your stunning performance. So, I would have to join Andrew Carter himself and (in pre Covid times!) just ask: "Please may I have a hug?"!
Fantastic Richard ❤️
Just WOW. U D Greatest.
Amazing, Richard!! Breathtaking!! And I absolutely LOVE your “foot note” socks 🧦!! Where did you get them?
Frayed knot Trevor. (It’s F#).
Your ABSOLUTELY right! My bad - Richard is playing F# not E. Thanks for pointing that out to me, although I have to say that that's the first time I've met this 'hymn' in that key - all my hymn books have it in E Minor and for the last 60+ years, that's the only key I associate this 'hymn' with. But, thinking about it, for true and brilliant 'Let's give it the Toccata treatment", me thinks, and now agrees, that F# works a lot, lot better harmonically and tonally. So, apologies for my embarrassing boo-boo - I should have watched Richard's fingers and feet more closely as well as listening to the glorious rendition. 😟