Amazing is (almost) all I can say. Mr. Houlihan is perfect in every way and especially technique and registration. Bravo Sir. Bill Simonds - Richmond, Virginia
Houli... is a lot more insightful and empathic than one might suspect. He listens to himself play. He listens to the room. He listens... ! He works with the silences in the silent spaces. ( Bless you.... old friend.) Upon your way. !!!!!!! !
You are exactly all of what a God gifted talent looks and sounds like. You live your music in such an intense way. Heartfelt Thanks Christopher and please never stop honouring the pipe organ classics.
Matus, you couldn't be more wrong. The Bach, from the opening improvised introduction to the finale was stunning. We need more organists to play for PEOPLE and not other organ students. Very orchestral, ENGLISH playing and I hope that he'll have a chance to explore the Liverpool Cathedral organ even more than I have. His performance here of the Durufle has inspired me to go WORK and get this testament to Alain and my own soul in shape for public airing... Bravissimo!
Who are you, dear David? What a wonderful young Titan this Christopher is. Talented. Thoughtful. Enjoys showing off for is audience. And most importantly, he's fearless in his creative registration and dynamics. Wonderful, simply wonderful. His Debussy was worth listening to over and over. Dear David, who were (are) his teachers. I hope they're pissing their pants with pride. Sent with love. And thank you for your educated insights. CVD.
@David The Bach certainly impressed the audience and was played with daring brilliance, but, judging from a historically informed playing practice, I slightly agree with Matus. And I didn't like his gymnastics..
I am overwhelmed by the immense talent of this modest young man. He is certainly one of the best organists I have had the pleasure of watching and hearing play! He is also a delightful chap, his parents must be very proud of him.
I hope so, about his parents being proud of him. Nevertheless, I've decided to give Christopher a million dollars in cash. I think he needs a little time to work on his own compositions. Wonder... is... as wonder does. CVD
His chosen encore chuckles all the way from start to finish. Houlihan has exactly the right facial expressions to match the piece. Fantastically gifted organist! Superb program!
This is the first time I have ever liked the Liszt piece. Magnificant interpretation, colors, and used of expressions pedals. Beautiful, musical, meaningful, and wonderful story telling. This is pure music, not just a performance.
UA-cam listed this as "recommended" for me. What a surprise to see Mr. Houlihan, who is so much more than our parish Organist and Choirmaster in New York, NY. How fortunate are we!
Christopher Houlihan elevates everything he performs, with amazing expression and fire. A pipe organ becomes alive under his touch. I only wish I was where I could hear him play in live performance.
Greetings Christopher and heartfelt congratulations. Simply stunning, "grandiose". You are elegant, lively, dedicated and so inspiring. I loved every instant and shall listen again and again to that great piece of art. May God bless and keep you in His love for all those years to come.Gerry from Québec City, Canada.
Merci Christopher, un vrai régal!!! Et toute ce vaste et complexe programme par coeur et sans assistant! On voit le plaisir que Vous prenez à jouer et à nous donner tant de plaisir! Merci encore ! Jacques
The Chromatic Fantasy and what... the hell... is going on? Wow!!! Breath taking. Electrifying. My highest praise goes directly to you, dear Christopher. Not in my life time have I ever heard that such a thing was even possible. You are breathing "Life" upon us all. O M G. In tears, CVD
This is a very substantial concert, with some epic works. I don't like to complain, and I'm not a professional critic, but it's too bad about the sound quality. It sounds like the average You Tube post made on a cell phone. The video was nice and clear, but I really wish the sound were as good. No depth. Monophonic. No stereo imaging. Clipping, or starving for power in the loud parts. This performer and the grand organ deserve much better.
Masterful! And what a superbly chosen program.... I think some of the carping about audio quality is a bit much: there are an awful lot of UA-cam organ recordings out there that don't come close to this in quality. Magnificent organ!
I recall learning the G minor Bach in my study under Clarence Mader in 1969. Mr. Houlihan plays it like I've always wanted (to play it). I still play the piece, but never like this!
The organ is an E.M. Skinner, completed in 1928 and restored by the Schantz Organ Company in the mid-2000s. You can find more information on the organ together with the URL for the current specifications at rockefeller.uchicago.edu/the-organs/e-m-skinner-organ When a UChicago undergraduate in the 1950s, I studied with University Organist Heinrich Fleischer (1912-2006). While still a student, I was for two years organist at a church in West Pullman, a neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago. Mr Fleischer fought in World War II and lost the ring finger on his left hand. While recovering, he refingered most, if not all, of Bach's works for organ. Mr Fleischer was said to be a direct descendant of Martin Luther, but I cannot vouch for the truth of that assertion.
Vazir Mukhtar The organ is a Skinner Organ Company...Em Skinner became vise president in 1919 when Arthur Hudson marks became the president and the company went from EM Skinner to Skinner Organ Company. Check the Skinner/A-S archives and you will see ....
Very good and interesting. This is an American J. S. Bach - G moll Fantasie und Fuge - anyway very different from how we understand it in Germany. Interesting anyway.
Dear Christopher; Where are you right now? Point me in the right direction. I have only one word for you... "Excellence" and you are hand-in-hand. Love everything about you. But where are you now? I think you're learning how to milk the cow.
Amazing is (almost) all I can say. Mr. Houlihan is perfect in every way and especially technique and registration. Bravo Sir. Bill Simonds - Richmond, Virginia
Houli... is a lot more insightful and empathic than one might suspect. He listens to himself play. He listens to the room. He listens... ! He works with the silences in the silent spaces. ( Bless you.... old friend.) Upon your way. !!!!!!! !
Absolutely fantastic
The awesome power of the organ
Combined with the extremely talented organist really moves your soul
You are exactly all of what a God gifted talent looks and sounds like. You live your music in such an intense way. Heartfelt Thanks Christopher and please never stop honouring the pipe organ classics.
Matus, you couldn't be more wrong. The Bach, from the opening improvised introduction to the finale was stunning. We need more organists to play for PEOPLE and not other organ students. Very orchestral, ENGLISH playing and I hope that he'll have a chance to explore the Liverpool Cathedral organ even more than I have. His performance here of the Durufle has inspired me to go WORK and get this testament to Alain and my own soul in shape for public airing... Bravissimo!
Who are you, dear David? What a wonderful young Titan this Christopher is. Talented. Thoughtful. Enjoys showing off for is audience. And most importantly, he's fearless in his creative registration and dynamics. Wonderful, simply wonderful. His Debussy was worth listening to over and over. Dear David, who were (are) his teachers. I hope they're pissing their pants with pride. Sent with love. And thank you for your educated insights. CVD.
@David The Bach certainly impressed the audience and was played with daring brilliance, but, judging from a historically informed playing practice, I slightly agree with Matus. And I didn't like his gymnastics..
I am overwhelmed by the immense talent of this modest young man. He is certainly one of the best organists I have had the pleasure of watching and hearing play! He is also a delightful chap, his parents must be very proud of him.
I hope so, about his parents being proud of him. Nevertheless, I've decided to give Christopher a million dollars in cash. I think he needs a little time to work on his own compositions. Wonder... is... as wonder does. CVD
First class organist...marvellous...
You are each and all of what means THE BEST AMOUNG THE GREATEST. Bravissimo Christopher and may God bless and protect you for many years to come.
He is excellent, he a master at the organ, nothing more can be said.
His chosen encore chuckles all the way from start to finish. Houlihan has exactly the right facial expressions to match the piece. Fantastically gifted organist! Superb program!
the faces he makes XD you know he's having a good time
This is the first time I have ever liked the Liszt piece. Magnificant interpretation, colors, and used of expressions pedals. Beautiful, musical, meaningful, and wonderful story telling. This is pure music, not just a performance.
An absolutely brilliant performance. Liszt was fantastic. Incredible that its all without
a score. The man is truly a genius.
Best registration on Ad nos I have ever heard. Too bad the recording isn't better. Chris, you are a genius.
Excellence ! at play. Still waiting for his compositions. (Wow!) 2019 AD
Holy perfect! Listen and live. Breathe. Breathe and choose life. Na am mes tey.
UA-cam listed this as "recommended" for me. What a surprise to see Mr. Houlihan, who is so much more than our parish Organist and Choirmaster in New York, NY. How fortunate are we!
Christopher Houlihan elevates everything he performs, with amazing expression and fire. A pipe organ becomes alive under his touch. I only wish I was where I could hear him play in live performance.
Thank you so much, Christopher. It was wonderful to hear you play as always.
Greetings Christopher and heartfelt congratulations. Simply stunning, "grandiose". You are elegant, lively, dedicated and so inspiring. I loved every instant and shall listen again and again to that great piece of art. May God bless and keep you in His love for all those years to come.Gerry from Québec City, Canada.
lovely. the organ is awesome.
Masterful performance! Brilliant musicality. My first introduction to Houlihan.
Bravo!
Очень, очень музыкальный ! Так любить Музыку ! Какой светлый, красивый Ум !
Браво!!!
Спасибо всем за подготовку записи !
BRAVISSIMMO. Wonderful Master of the Organ. Thankyou Christopher.
Had the amazing chance to meet Christopher at a pipe organ encounter this year. Thanks for helping me register my piece!
Merci Christopher, un vrai régal!!! Et toute ce vaste et complexe programme par coeur et sans assistant! On voit le plaisir que Vous prenez à jouer et à nous donner tant de plaisir! Merci encore ! Jacques
Stunning!
Who thinks this level of ability to play like this comes naturally? I dare you. And from memory? Please. Who is this?
The Bach, wow!!
The Chromatic Fantasy and what... the hell... is going on? Wow!!! Breath taking. Electrifying. My highest praise goes directly to you, dear Christopher. Not in my life time have I ever heard that such a thing was even possible. You are breathing "Life" upon us all. O M G. In tears, CVD
This is a very substantial concert, with some epic works. I don't like to complain, and I'm not a professional critic, but it's too bad about the sound quality. It sounds like the average You Tube post made on a cell phone. The video was nice and clear, but I really wish the sound were as good. No depth. Monophonic. No stereo imaging. Clipping, or starving for power in the loud parts. This performer and the grand organ deserve much better.
Masterful! And what a superbly chosen program.... I think some of the carping about audio quality is a bit much: there are an awful lot of UA-cam organ recordings out there that don't come close to this in quality. Magnificent organ!
I recall learning the G minor Bach in my study under Clarence Mader in 1969. Mr. Houlihan plays it like I've always wanted (to play it). I still play the piece, but never like this!
Houl is.... incarnate. !!!!!!!! Listen and live.
Good video, but why not in stereo ?
The organ is an E.M. Skinner, completed in 1928 and restored by the Schantz Organ Company in the mid-2000s. You can find more information on the organ together with the URL for the current specifications at
rockefeller.uchicago.edu/the-organs/e-m-skinner-organ
When a UChicago undergraduate in the 1950s, I studied with University Organist Heinrich Fleischer (1912-2006). While still a student, I was for two years organist at a church in West Pullman, a neighborhood on the far south side of Chicago. Mr Fleischer fought in World War II and lost the ring finger on his left hand. While recovering, he refingered most, if not all, of Bach's works for organ. Mr Fleischer was said to be a direct descendant of Martin Luther, but I cannot vouch for the truth of that assertion.
Vazir Mukhtar The organ is a Skinner Organ Company...Em Skinner became vise president in 1919 when Arthur Hudson marks became the president and the company went from EM Skinner to Skinner Organ Company. Check the Skinner/A-S archives and you will see ....
Very good and interesting. This is an American J. S. Bach - G moll Fantasie und Fuge - anyway very different from how we understand it in Germany. Interesting anyway.
You should have heard him play the six Vierne symphonies. He is a great talent...too bad about some of the "improvements" made to this organ.
It is toooo bad that the audio isn't any better. :(
Which Debussy & Saint-Saëns & Vierne (encore) pieces specifically are they?
Fuck me.... ! Houli is __________ ! Inspired. Perfect. Insightful. Out of agitates. MOI
B A C H. Wonderful...... !!!!!!!!!!
Is the Debussy arrangement available?
Good concert, sharp video, but the sound needs help. Get some nice mics and get them away from the camera and the audience.
Thanks for sharing this
Interpretazione simile ma diversa da quella di M.Schneider a Roma negli anni 1980.
whats the piece after Durufle alain p and f?
Saint-Saens Fantasie in E flat major
Don't know who is a better Organist Laube or Houlihan... who knows?
yo
Jesus H. W. Christ. Let me die now. This is IT! I want no more...... ..... !!! CVD
Just don't watch his act, just listen! ok?
Dear Christopher; Where are you right now? Point me in the right direction. I have only one word for you... "Excellence" and you are hand-in-hand. Love everything about you. But where are you now? I think you're learning how to milk the cow.
17 people without sensibility....
too much talks
To fast and to clowny.....
Bach? Catastrophe!!!! :( Es ist nicht Bach!!!