'Great is thy Faithfulness'....performed at church just this morning. This video ran in my mind's eye, scene by scene, facial expressions and stops....it was an inspirational event.
This is simply wonderful. The organist's understanding of harmony and tempo are spot-on, to give this classic hymn a fresh sound. When the congregation joined - magic. (And that tremolo - WurlitZer would be proud!) From an organ built in 1789? WOW!
Gert's skills are many and exceptional. Not only can he play concert organ literature to a world class standard, he can create music extemporaneously through his improvisations, and he is also a sensitive church musician who can enrich the singing of psalms and hymns for very appreciative congregations. Very lucky is the church that has Gert seated on the organ bench (with faithful and supremely capable assistant Jan by his side)!
Another beautiful improvisation, this time on "Great is thy faithfulness". It is not just about the music but the way Gert and Jan work in perfect harmony to produce what we are hearing now and the way those earphones 'supercharge' Gerts playing into a fantastic ending.
I just love Gert's smiles as the people sing so beautifully. I remember that feeling of being young and leading hymn singing - the whole-body joy of it all. Gert this is just gorgeous - congratulations!
Gert, God has given you a special gift, and He is showing Himself to us through your music. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” [2 Chronicales 16:9]. Keep your heart humble Gert. God bless you for sharing.
I believe I sensed you were elated with the strong singing. I felt the Spirit and as well you felt it along with the others there!! Good work, Gert! God has truly Blessed you!
An absolutely compulsive watching and listening video. What a fantastic team on a really great organ. Also, I would have thought it to be strikingly obvious that a congregation would slow down the tempo of the organ. To get that number of people to sing in unison at a faster tempo would be nigh on impossible. Thankfully, Gert and Jan do understand the obvious and modified the playing accordingly, with no less an effect on the incredible result. Well done to both of you..
This song I like so much! The text goes right into - and from - my heart! Singing and your play - its obvious why everyone also there were so thankful! Great, dear Gert!
One of my favorite hymns. So nice to see Jan again.He has been with you a long time and you seem to blend so well as a team. IN my early concert days when much younger my registrant/assistant was very important to my performances. Take care.
One of my favorites in Opwekking, great! Gert, you gave them a great singing gathering there! Probably the hidden clue was finding the headphone! That was a really funny moment!
AWWWW Gert wow one of my favorite hymns I was sat with tears running down my face your beautiful mindblowing interpretatation was just incredible and you are a really great organist and I just knew when you got to the nitty gritty the congregation would sing with absolute rapture because I could see that you were in total command your whole body was tuned into the organ and you became part of that instrument just so emotional playing well done and so nice to see Jan back by your side as registerant thanks also to the camera peeps for sharing with us :)
Viewing again....it is still cool to see Gert and Jan work together. It seems like Gert never shakes off a Jan suggestion about stops without telling him why....the consideration is very strong. I would like to see this pair of musicians together permanently...but I understand that has become more difficult. Our loss.....
Hi Gert - that was brilliant and I really enjoyed your playing and watching the way you and Jan worked together though the piece.You have a great passion and uplifting style. Well done and really hope we can have more!
Gert, the look on your face was priceless when Jan slipped the headphones on you. Your face lit up and you were beaming. What a blessing to see and hear you 2 young men sharing your gifts. It was wonderful to see the congregation applaud your playing. Any concerts scheduled for the United States? I live in Arizona. Peace and blessings on both you and Jan.
i love the reaction when you put the headphones on! by the way i listen to all your music with my Beyer dynamic DT770 headphones on it is the closest thing to being there! keep the music coming!
Still enjoy this recording...they must have played other pieces. I would like to see those as well if for no other reason than to see some of the last pieces with Jan. I hope Gert is planning a return guest shot for Jan soon.
Gert, je bent echt een wonderkind, een engel. Jouw muzikaliteit en affiniteit met het Calvinistisch idioom is meer wervend voor het Christelijk geloof dan 100 preken. Geweldig man, ik ga je weer ontmoeten.
A fine improvisation from a beautiful old hymn. As usual, the congregation comes in too slow and continues to drag the tempo. But Gert and Jan are not surprised and you can see they are amused. Jan is himself an accomplished organist (I believe).
I've seen some unfortunate positions for the organist, but this must be one of the worst. Being behind the Positive case is bad enough, but in this case, the player seems to be behind the main (and only) case, effectively inside the organ. I am guessing that the wooden 'ceiling' over the console is a walkway for the organ tuner. (Does anyone know if this is so?) No wonder Gert needed head-phones, thoughtfully provided by the church, I presume, and discovered by Jan halfway through. I like the way that Gert's expression changes, when he can actually hear the singers. Thanks again for your usual, very interesting and musical presentation. It's good to see what goes on 'behind the scenes.'
Offshoreorganbuilder Gert has played many different organs in all kinds of locations and acoustical environments and with many varied tonal resources--some vast and some very limited. But, no matter the restrictions or limitations of any organ he plays, he brings out the best it has to offer and makes it sing magnificently and to the ultimate of its capability, even if he has to fight placement and mechanisms, etc. I enjoy Gert's playing whether it's on a huge magnificent cathedral organ (e.g., Dudelange) or a modest chapel organ with only a handful of stops.
***** Sadly, even great organs are the product of human endevour, and people do make mistakes. Putting the organist inside the organ is an obvious error of judgement, but it's not the first time it has happened. I know of an identical case, myself. The instrument had 2 case-fronts, one inside the 'hole' where the organist sat, and another out in the church, just for the sake of appearance. In these cases, you can usually lay the blame at the door of the architect. One fool put the organ above the ceiling, with the idea that the sound would filter down through a grille. Others have put the organ in a pit, to try to reduce its visual impact. Many have consigned it to a 'kennel' down the front of the building, fondly imagining that the sound will come out through a narrow opening, and turn a right angle and so on down the church. (It doesn't!) Almost all architects are incompetent, when it comes to dealing with the organ. The largest piece of church furniture, and they don't know what to do with it. Amazing!
Offshoreorganbuilder -- Thanks for this post...I was wondering about the strange configuration of the organist and his console (and his registrant). I have never believed that hiding the organist was a great idea. He really is performing the voice and emotion of the organ and is part of the church-going experience (for me).
***** -- In that interview, Gert actually said that the delay was due to the organ being "pneumatic". I assume that means opposed to direct action conveyed by a linkage system ("tracker"?). Maybe builder can comment on the relationship of distance and delay.
Jim Martin Right, but love has different levels. Love as a favourite, love as a friend, love as a lover, love as a family, as such. What love are you referring to?
ik word een beetje heel moe van deze persoon op UA-cam. hij blijft nu op een bepaald niveau hangen en het begint wat narcistisch te worden. veel gezien worden id geen verrassing meer hebben en het geheim en de magie van de organist te kijk zetten. ik kan de overvloed aan beelden. Gert voor en na, niet meer pruimen. het gaat niet eens om de kunde, maar toets orgel in en...hup daar is-ie weer
Sure enjoy seeing you and Jan working together again,I really like your friendship together ,very special.
'Great is thy Faithfulness'....performed at church just this morning. This video ran in my mind's eye, scene by scene, facial expressions and stops....it was an inspirational event.
This is simply wonderful. The organist's understanding of harmony and tempo are spot-on, to give this classic hymn a fresh sound. When the congregation joined - magic. (And that tremolo - WurlitZer would be proud!) From an organ built in 1789? WOW!
Gert's skills are many and exceptional. Not only can he play concert organ literature to a world class standard, he can create music extemporaneously through his improvisations, and he is also a sensitive church musician who can enrich the singing of psalms and hymns for very appreciative congregations. Very lucky is the church that has Gert seated on the organ bench (with faithful and supremely capable assistant Jan by his side)!
Another beautiful improvisation, this time on "Great is thy faithfulness". It is not just about the music but the way Gert and Jan work in perfect harmony to produce what we are hearing now and the way those earphones 'supercharge' Gerts playing into a fantastic ending.
One of my favorite hymn tunes. Thank you!
I just love Gert's smiles as the people sing so beautifully. I remember that feeling of being young and leading hymn singing - the whole-body joy of it all.
Gert this is just gorgeous - congratulations!
Gert, God has given you a special gift, and He is showing Himself to us through your music. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” [2 Chronicales 16:9]. Keep your heart humble Gert. God bless you for sharing.
Brings tears of joy. Beautiful piece and improvisation. Great teamwork!! Thank you.
Brilliant as ever and so moving. Nice to see you working together again. The Celestial Duo from Heaven.
Beautiful music with spendid chorus played by a maestro. Congratulations.
What a blessing to listen to the beautiful hymn. You are so wonderful to listen to. Thank you and God bless you.
I believe I sensed you were elated with the strong singing. I felt the Spirit and as well you felt it along with the others there!! Good work, Gert! God has truly Blessed you!
A beautiful arrangement of a great hymn. Nice to see Jan again.
It is always heartwarming to see you two young men working together musically! It seems you must be best friends! I enjoyed it very much!
An absolutely compulsive watching and listening video. What a fantastic team on a really great organ. Also, I would have thought it to be strikingly obvious that a congregation would slow down the tempo of the organ. To get that number of people to sing in unison at a faster tempo would be nigh on impossible. Thankfully, Gert and Jan do understand the obvious and modified the playing accordingly, with no less an effect on the incredible result. Well done to both of you..
This song I like so much! The text goes right into - and from - my heart! Singing and your play - its obvious why everyone also there were so thankful! Great, dear Gert!
One of my favorite hymns. So nice to see Jan again.He has been with you a long time and you seem to blend so well as a team. IN my early concert days when much younger my registrant/assistant was very important to my performances. Take care.
Beautiful as always.. and Happy to see Jan back helping out.
One of my favorites in Opwekking, great! Gert, you gave them a great singing gathering there!
Probably the hidden clue was finding the headphone! That was a really funny moment!
AWWWW Gert wow one of my favorite hymns I was sat with tears running down my face your beautiful mindblowing interpretatation was just incredible and you are a really great organist and I just knew when you got to the nitty gritty the congregation would sing with absolute rapture because I could see that you were in total command your whole body was tuned into the organ and you became part of that instrument just so emotional playing well done and so nice to see Jan back by your side as registerant thanks also to the camera peeps for sharing with us :)
You two make awesome music together. Great to see.
Hinreissende Improvisation, gediegen registriert.
Sympathische Klänge, die berühren.
...und dann ein grosses Kompliment an die Kirchgemeinde.
another very enjoyable posting. It is great with the audience singing with such voice, even though I could not understand the words.
Another great selection for the GH collection...and welcome back Jan!
Viewing again....it is still cool to see Gert and Jan work together. It seems like Gert never shakes off a Jan suggestion about stops without telling him why....the consideration is very strong. I would like to see this pair of musicians together permanently...but I understand that has become more difficult.
Our loss.....
Beautifully done!
Hi Gert - that was brilliant and I really enjoyed your playing and watching the way you and Jan worked together though the piece.You have a great passion and uplifting style. Well done and really hope we can have more!
Lieflike spel en gemeentesang. Welkom terug Jan!
Gert, the look on your face was priceless when Jan slipped the headphones on you. Your face lit up and you were beaming. What a blessing to see and hear you 2 young men sharing your gifts. It was wonderful to see the congregation applaud your playing. Any concerts scheduled for the United States? I live in Arizona. Peace and blessings on both you and Jan.
Sempre ottime scelte musicali. Grazie
Bravissimo come al solito. Sai trasferire in maniera superlativa il cuore del messaggio musicale
i love the reaction when you put the headphones on! by the way i listen to all your music with my Beyer dynamic DT770 headphones on it is the closest thing to being there! keep the music coming!
Wat een genot om u beiden weer te zien!
Beautiful !!!!!!
Ode to Joy, Jan's back!!
Wonderful!
Superb!
mooi gespeeld gert! fijn dat jan weer terug is! een vertrouwd koppel.
The English hymn is "Great is your faithfulness"
Still enjoy this recording...they must have played other pieces. I would like to see those as well if for no other reason than to see some of the last pieces with Jan.
I hope Gert is planning a return guest shot for Jan soon.
that is to say ...other pieces at this church...in this concert.
Die prachtige harmonische wendingen in combinatie met de heerlijke warme klank... Verrukkelijk!
Prachtig die improvisatie en fijn dat Jan je uit de brand heeft geholpen. Daar heb je vrienden voor!
Gert, je bent echt een wonderkind, een engel. Jouw muzikaliteit en affiniteit met het Calvinistisch idioom is meer wervend voor het Christelijk geloof dan 100 preken. Geweldig man, ik ga je weer ontmoeten.
A fine improvisation from a beautiful old hymn. As usual, the congregation comes in too slow and continues to drag the tempo. But Gert and Jan are not surprised and you can see they are amused. Jan is himself an accomplished organist (I believe).
Why does everyone say Jan is an organist? Yet we have not seen a video of Jan playing! I wish we could.
Indrukwekkend - impressive - beeindruckend !!!
Mooie improvisatie Gert .
What ear-phones can do for a performer!!
Can we see Jan playing the organ himself? Are he and Gert just good friends or what?
Pourquoi n'avoir mis le casque qu'à la fin ? on ne doit rien entendre vu la configuration de la tribune !
Pekné. Gert je taký jahňadček.
I've seen some unfortunate positions for the organist, but this must be one of the worst. Being behind the Positive case is bad enough, but in this case, the player seems to be behind the main (and only) case, effectively inside the organ. I am guessing that the wooden 'ceiling' over the console is a walkway for the organ tuner. (Does anyone know if this is so?) No wonder Gert needed head-phones, thoughtfully provided by the church, I presume, and discovered by Jan halfway through. I like the way that Gert's expression changes, when he can actually hear the singers.
Thanks again for your usual, very interesting and musical presentation. It's good to see what goes on 'behind the scenes.'
Offshoreorganbuilder Gert has played many different organs in all kinds of locations and acoustical environments and with many varied tonal resources--some vast and some very limited. But, no matter the restrictions or limitations of any organ he plays, he brings out the best it has to offer and makes it sing magnificently and to the ultimate of its capability, even if he has to fight placement and mechanisms, etc. I enjoy Gert's playing whether it's on a huge magnificent cathedral organ (e.g., Dudelange) or a modest chapel organ with only a handful of stops.
***** Agreed!
***** Sadly, even great organs are the product of human endevour, and people do make mistakes. Putting the organist inside the organ is an obvious error of judgement, but it's not the first time it has happened. I know of an identical case, myself. The instrument had 2 case-fronts, one inside the 'hole' where the organist sat, and another out in the church, just for the sake of appearance. In these cases, you can usually lay the blame at the door of the architect.
One fool put the organ above the ceiling, with the idea that the sound would filter down through a grille. Others have put the organ in a pit, to try to reduce its visual impact.
Many have consigned it to a 'kennel' down the front of the building, fondly imagining that the sound will come out through a narrow opening, and turn a right angle and so on down the church. (It doesn't!)
Almost all architects are incompetent, when it comes to dealing with the organ. The largest piece of church furniture, and they don't know what to do with it. Amazing!
Offshoreorganbuilder -- Thanks for this post...I was wondering about the strange configuration of the organist and his console (and his registrant). I have never believed that hiding the organist was a great idea. He really is performing the voice and emotion of the organ and is part of the church-going experience (for me).
***** -- In that interview, Gert actually said that the delay was due to the organ being "pneumatic". I assume that means opposed to direct action conveyed by a linkage system ("tracker"?). Maybe builder can comment on the relationship of distance and delay.
I love the page turner. He is my favorite. the rest are not as good.
Gert loves him too.
Jim Martin Um... how?
Matt, I will defer to your imagination. My post was only four words and without ambiguity.
Jim Martin Right, but love has different levels. Love as a favourite, love as a friend, love as a lover, love as a family, as such. What love are you referring to?
Офигенно!)
Always nice to see Jan. He seemed annoyed for a minute.
ik word een beetje heel moe van deze persoon op UA-cam.
hij blijft nu op een bepaald niveau hangen en het begint wat narcistisch te worden.
veel gezien worden id geen verrassing meer hebben en het geheim en de magie van de organist te kijk zetten.
ik kan de overvloed aan beelden. Gert voor en na, niet meer pruimen.
het gaat niet eens om de kunde, maar toets orgel in en...hup daar is-ie weer