I've had the pleasure on many occasions of watching Robert Wolfe playing live, at Thursford and at many other venues across the UK. Not only is he an amazing theatre organist (in my personal opinion the best), but he's a very nice and kind man too. Here's why: I play the organ myself (obviously not to his standard!). At one of Robert's concerts I spoke to him in the interval and asked him about a particular part of his technique, and how he achieves the effect that he gets (it's a sort of left hand waving sweep up the keys, used in slower pieces). Not only did he explain it to me, he walked me back to the organ with him and actually demonstrated it to me. I don't know how many artists would take the time to do that for a fan, but it meant a lot to me, and shows us all just what a class act he is. This was at Ashorne Hall in Warwickshire, on a Compton organ. I think the venue closed in 2004, so this was quite a while ago, when I was in my twenties.
As a kid, I remember seeing Robert Wolfe play a concert on the organ at a local church, I don't think that instrument has ever worked so hard in its life!
I've played a few digital organs which can't deal with being played like this! This one is the real deal, still on it's workings from the early 1930s, and as you can see, it works like lightning!
It's been several months since I last listened to this, and have listened to a lot of other great organists in the meantime, but Robert Wolfe and this instrument remain at the top of my most memorable viewing / listening experiences. I kindly thank those responsible for bringing it to us, and am thrilled each time I listen and watch. Mr. Wolfe has earned our great respect for his very impressive talent.
Ive seen this VERY talented guy play many times and not just at Thursford. I did see him in his early days at Thursford and that got me and my now late parents interested
That's absolutely insane! I witnessed Robert playing suitably railway-esque music on the Wurlitzer at Thursford years ago in front of a huge screen showing steam locomotives at speed. I can remember being utterly mesmerised. Guy's a genius.
I put this on for the Mrs as I got in bed last night for a quick 5 mins of comedy and when it finished I had a real crap nights sleep. This is awesome during the daytime
This is an absolute treat to watch,so whilst ive been playing my uke at the Wintergardens all these years,I probably could have had the chance to hear this fantastic musician on a legend of an organ.Brilliant stuff !
Probably my single favorite organ performance ever recorded. I'm as tone deaf as a block of rotten wood, but if i ever learn how to play the piano/organ, this is how I'll do it. Fast, energetic, and showy! I adore performances where you can tell the musician is having a blast.
It is pure showmanship. Some here in the comments section have slated it, but it takes an enormous amount of energy to play like this, as well as keeping your timing, and still hitting keep things on track.
@@OrganMusicYT If they don't like it, they can go watch someone else! That's what I do if I don't like somebody's style. I hope the nasty comments (which will always show up given enough popularity) haven't discouraged Robert or anyone else involved in this channel.
It's thoroughly worth seeing this guy perform live at Thursford, Norfolk, England, if you're in the area over the summer. He usually goes crazy at least once per day...
Cannock Chase Organ Club Toward the end of the final flourish I hear what sounds like glass breaking. Is that an effect produced by Mr. Wolfe at the organ? Just curious. Thanks, and my compliments!
Gene Kinnick the sound you describe at the end is the combination of all the reiterating percussions such as the glockenspiel and sleigh bells being turned on.
Thank you. It was difficult for me to discern on my poor sound system, but I knew I was hearing something very lovely, dazzling and complimentary at just the right moment. The talent of Mr. Wolfe coupled with this powerful instrument has been such a pleasure to watch and listen to! Thank you for bringing them to all of us.
Having seen Robert Wolfe live, I can concur that he really is probably the best there is when it comes to getting a Wurlitzer to dance. Such a talented musician
9 років тому+1
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Wurlitzer Wolfe!..." A remarkable talent!
I saw him as a kid at the something collection in Norfolk, my parents always used to go there as part of our holidays. He's very talented and the show's really good. There's lots of old fair ground rides there too when he's not playing.
I think it's fair to say that his training at the Tower Ballroom went a long way to making Robert one of the all time greatest interpreters of this instrument. I don't think there is a single Blackpool organist who hasn't become a theatre organ virtuoso. They might be American built machines, but Blackpool UK is the Wurlitzer's spiritual home!
This must be the result of having amazing muscle memory to be able to hop up and down those manuals like that! It's surprising that all those little old electric relays can still keep up with his playing without blowing a fuse or causing a valve to stick somewhere. Perhaps that's a testament to Bob Ince's loving maintenance. :-)
Some instruments with solid state relays, and digital instruments, lag when they are played like this! It's a great testament to Wurlitzers relays and workmanship, and, as you say, the maintenance it receives to keep it in such great condition.
I did wonder whether these organs have some sort of latency between the key being struck, and the pipe speaking. Some traditional pipe organs do don't they?
Like any mechanical instrument, there is some degree of latency as it takes time for relays to move and valves to open etc. However, an instrument on a good and well maintained Electro Pneumatic relay and action, everything happens like lightning and there is practically zero latency in the action and sound. What does affect you as a player is acoustical delay. If you are a distance from the pipes or cannot hear the organ directly, then it takes a little extra time for the sound to reach you at the keys.
Funny you should say that... I'm just playing about with the Miditzer using a MIDI keyboard and find I have that problem with the program's built-in reverb. It's sort-of like playing amplified on a stage, but without monitors.
absolutely Amazing to watch,I am so glad I came accross this vid,its inspired me to be a fan of the Amazing Wurlitzer sound.Wish my technics kn6500 sounded like that ! Would love to see him live and even join in with my uke.
***** Thankyou Andrew for that advice I will have a look at the back of my Technics Kn6500 for that 5 pin midi conection plug and if its there I will be on the hunt for that software you talk about which sounds awsome,thanks again kind regards Jonathan.
In my next life I want my own old Wurlitzer Theater organ and a 2nd set of arms, hands and a 3rd foot. MAYBE, ...just maybe, I'd be able to keep up with this talented guy! May also need to add another air supply booster to the pipes! This man is awesome!
Check out the Theatre Organ Garage sale group on Facebook. Organs come up for sale on there all the time. Sometimes they go for very little money (although of course restoration and installation take a lot of work, and time). There is also a home pipe organ builders group for people putting (usually smaller) pipe organs in their homes. A spare bedroom or corner of the basement can be converted into a pipe chamber, if you know what you're doing.
If you join ATOS, the American Theatre Organ Society, you can learn organ work as a volunteer working on the organ in your local chapter of the group, and some members can help you with your own projects.
I've had the pleasure on many occasions of watching Robert Wolfe playing live, at Thursford and at many other venues across the UK.
Not only is he an amazing theatre organist (in my personal opinion the best), but he's a very nice and kind man too. Here's why:
I play the organ myself (obviously not to his standard!). At one of Robert's concerts I spoke to him in the interval and asked him about a particular part of his technique, and how he achieves the effect that he gets (it's a sort of left hand waving sweep up the keys, used in slower pieces). Not only did he explain it to me, he walked me back to the organ with him and actually demonstrated it to me. I don't know how many artists would take the time to do that for a fan, but it meant a lot to me, and shows us all just what a class act he is.
This was at Ashorne Hall in Warwickshire, on a Compton organ. I think the venue closed in 2004, so this was quite a while ago, when I was in my twenties.
hi ian he did the same with me some years ago he showed how everything worked even showed me in the chambers too
@@meepanderson3617 Wow, you were really lucky! That sounds fantastic.
I initially started by studying for history, and some how ended up here..... Thankyou Internet.... Oh so very productive.....................
+Maraos What was the subject, if you can recall?
+epicdude61388 I think it was the Cold War
...and my wife thinks I'm wasting time on UA-cam...
So Fabulous I got here from Florrie Forde's "I Do Love To Be Beside The Seaside," in which I came from Queen's "Seven Seas Of Rhye."
Kevie Wevie lol -me, doggie off to the vet vids - my wo rld is getting stranger by the day , somehow organ music has become my new passion!
As a kid, I remember seeing Robert Wolfe play a concert on the organ at a local church, I don't think that instrument has ever worked so hard in its life!
At one point, I was expecting the organ either to explode, or to lift off the stage and go into orbit.
I've played a few digital organs which can't deal with being played like this!
This one is the real deal, still on it's workings from the early 1930s, and as you can see, it works like lightning!
Now imagine at the fastest point the phantom of the opera playing it and screaming "Keep up Christine!!! SING!!! FASTER....FASTER!!!"
Oh god😂
In the character of Walter Plinge.
I think half the pipes will be rusty after that performance.
so that's what a human being can do, impressive
Fancy seeing you here.
It's been several months since I last listened to this, and have listened to a lot of other great organists in the meantime, but Robert Wolfe and this instrument remain at the top of my most memorable viewing / listening experiences. I kindly thank those responsible for bringing it to us, and am thrilled each time I listen and watch. Mr. Wolfe has earned our great respect for his very impressive talent.
Gene Kinnick ua-cam.com/video/0-ZerXm_xuU/v-deo.html - This one is even faster than this one!
He plays so fast that the camera shows a blurr. Incredible. Very entertaining.
Im surprised it didn't blow up.
камера просто мало фпс пишет, игра не так технически сложна, как кажется, переходы простые, любая полифония сложнее будет
I was watching video's on RC cars doing sweet jumps and now
I am here, Once again well played internet....Well played.
I'm going to go look at RC cars doing sweet jumps. The internet giveth.
Now this is a cinema organ!
Ive seen this VERY talented guy play many times and not just at Thursford. I did see him in his early days at Thursford and that got me and my now late parents interested
That's absolutely insane! I witnessed Robert playing suitably railway-esque music on the Wurlitzer at Thursford years ago in front of a huge screen showing steam locomotives at speed. I can remember being utterly mesmerised. Guy's a genius.
I`ve seen Robert do this many times-a wonderful artiste and a gentleman in every sense of the word
Remarkable work. I've seen organists switch keyboards before (Phil Kelsall is a master at it) but this gave me chills. Thanks for this post!
I put this on for the Mrs as I got in bed last night for a quick 5 mins of comedy and when it finished I had a real crap nights sleep. This is awesome during the daytime
Geez, now that was simply astonishing. Talk about out of this world sound and skill. Bravo!
When you get nervous at a competition
Great playing wonderful pieece and a happy player too. Thanks
Whatever this guy earns, it isn't enough. Simply amazing
This is an absolute treat to watch,so whilst ive been playing my uke at the Wintergardens all these years,I probably could have had the chance to hear this fantastic musician on a legend of an organ.Brilliant stuff !
Who said that organ music is sad & boring? This is amazing!
I`ve seen/heard Robert many times-lovely fella and VERY talented too!
Stunning, just stunning
Hugely impressive but the final chord is breath-taking!
this video will never get old
Probably my single favorite organ performance ever recorded. I'm as tone deaf as a block of rotten wood, but if i ever learn how to play the piano/organ, this is how I'll do it. Fast, energetic, and showy! I adore performances where you can tell the musician is having a blast.
It is pure showmanship. Some here in the comments section have slated it, but it takes an enormous amount of energy to play like this, as well as keeping your timing, and still hitting keep things on track.
@@OrganMusicYT If they don't like it, they can go watch someone else! That's what I do if I don't like somebody's style. I hope the nasty comments (which will always show up given enough popularity) haven't discouraged Robert or anyone else involved in this channel.
It's thoroughly worth seeing this guy perform live at Thursford, Norfolk, England, if you're in the area over the summer. He usually goes crazy at least once per day...
Wow!! That's amazing and so fun to watch!
Absolutely the fastest organist i've seen!! Fantastically Excellent! ! !
it is just beautifull, grand, stunning, very entertaining. j'am french and it is woderfull composition !!!! musical madness marie christine
it is just beautifull, grand, stunning , very entertaining j'am french and it is wonderfull composition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many thanks!!
Dude can shred on that organ! :)
He kind of puts most chainsaws to shame, that's for sure!
+Gene Kinnick One of wittiest
remarks EVER
on you tube!
On an organ it's called grinding
You're having way too much fun. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing.The guy should have been a boxer.He would have had 50 shots on his opponent before the guy caught his first breath.
Holy moly! That man is a machine with blurred hands! Very damned impressive!
I saw the legend in real life at Penistone Paramount two years ago..his fingers are trueley bionic Hes got the passion.
WOW! Never seen anything like it in my life!!
Absolutely amazing!
Robert fantastic remember you at the tower as a wee laddie , great playing .
Just fabulous!
Legends say you die when you watch this video in double speed
Challenge accepted
LOL
CHATO was never heard from again
Trying it now... Oh God it's coming after me
Just did... im still here
...I think I need to take a breather after listening to this. XD
Quite splendid in every way! Bravo!!!
Calm down man! O-o That's BAD ASS!!!
Me trying to finish a assement due on the same day
HAHAHHAHAHA Good one
Absolutely fabulous performance (and recording!)
Someone needs to get out more! Wonderful finger work and I know that it only comes from practice, practice, practice. Wonderful.
Yes, utterly fabulous. Well done.
only robert :) what a muso and such a show man... way to go!
Knowing a bit about the mechanics of these organs I`m just surprised that the instrument manages to keep up with the player! lol
It's on the original action too! We've known Allens to give up and stop working with waterfalling that has been nowhere near as fast as this.
Cannock Chase Organ Club
Toward the end of the final flourish I hear what sounds like glass breaking. Is that an effect produced by Mr. Wolfe at the organ? Just curious.
Thanks, and my compliments!
Gene Kinnick the sound you describe at the end is the combination of all the reiterating percussions such as the glockenspiel and sleigh bells being turned on.
Thank you. It was difficult for me to discern on my poor sound system, but I knew I was hearing something very lovely, dazzling and complimentary at just the right moment. The talent of Mr. Wolfe coupled with this powerful instrument has been such a pleasure to watch and listen to! Thank you for bringing them to all of us.
A tracker organ would die when played so violent, or your fingers would loose from the organ instead!
That first foot glissando was marvelous , absolutely marvelous !
O.O Bloody hell, he plays any faster, he's gonna start a fire! Well done.
Pure brilliance ! I loved that , and he had to be so high on adrenaline till he was done with that too , very powerfully done indeed !
This is quite amazing!! Great Job! It is like stride piano being played vertically! Fats Waller would definitely approve!!
It pretty much is as you describe!
Cascading at this speed is insane!!! Impressive performance!
he broke the sound barrier I'm sure of it
The speakers on my pc need replacing.
Having seen Robert Wolfe live, I can concur that he really is probably the best there is when it comes to getting a Wurlitzer to dance. Such a talented musician
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Wurlitzer Wolfe!..."
A remarkable talent!
Wurlitzer .....simply amazing what it can do with the right player
I saw him as a kid at the something collection in Norfolk, my parents always used to go there as part of our holidays. He's very talented and the show's really good.
There's lots of old fair ground rides there too when he's not playing.
That would be the Thursford Collection, where this video was recorded. Robert still plays there!
+Cannock Chase Organ Club I remember his famous entrance was a stream train. I've got the VHS somewhere!
This is off-the-scale-incredible! Any faster and the audience would have had to take to the blast shelter.
That was insane. Brilliant entertainer..
I loved it. Cheers just want the eardrums ordered.
I seriously thought he was going to pass out! I would have gone on overload.
Extremely Outstanding!
OH MY GOODNES. NOW THAT WAS A SHOW !!!!!! EXCELLENT !
One of the greatest organists--and organs!
I've become enthralled 100% as well! I also love the American Foto-Piano Player for silent films.
Absolutely fantastic!
He plays so fast that his hands nearly dissappear near the end when watching it in 144p.
I think it's fair to say that his training at the Tower Ballroom went a long way to making Robert one of the all time greatest interpreters of this instrument. I don't think there is a single Blackpool organist who hasn't become a theatre organ virtuoso. They might be American built machines, but Blackpool UK is the Wurlitzer's spiritual home!
Danum Festival
When my friend was waiting outside to play but I still had to finish my piano lesson before I could go out. 1:51
Is it just me or is it that he kinda a looks like Jfk
I thought the same thing
Jeffrey Cho It's him! Organist for President! ;-)
Digital Numbers I swear I thought I was the only one
+Digital Numbers Yeah I think I know that guy I 360 noscoped the dude
Im glad to see Jfk has been picking up some talents in heaven.
This tune always gets me.
I just looked at my organ and piano and said "Now why can't you do that ! !"
Probably your organ and piano says that about you Dude.
Love the organists!
BRAVO!!! ENCORE!!! MAGNIFICENTLY PLAYED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Impressive and highly entertaining.
Watching this, all I can think is, how is this even possible?!
Practice, timing, and coordination
All I can think to reply is:
"Nothing is impossible with God"
This must be the result of having amazing muscle memory to be able to hop up and down those manuals like that!
It's surprising that all those little old electric relays can still keep up with his playing without blowing a fuse or causing a valve to stick somewhere. Perhaps that's a testament to Bob Ince's loving maintenance. :-)
Some instruments with solid state relays, and digital instruments, lag when they are played like this! It's a great testament to Wurlitzers relays and workmanship, and, as you say, the maintenance it receives to keep it in such great condition.
I did wonder whether these organs have some sort of latency between the key being struck, and the pipe speaking. Some traditional pipe organs do don't they?
Like any mechanical instrument, there is some degree of latency as it takes time for relays to move and valves to open etc. However, an instrument on a good and well maintained Electro Pneumatic relay and action, everything happens like lightning and there is practically zero latency in the action and sound. What does affect you as a player is acoustical delay. If you are a distance from the pipes or cannot hear the organ directly, then it takes a little extra time for the sound to reach you at the keys.
Funny you should say that...
I'm just playing about with the Miditzer using a MIDI keyboard and find I have that problem with the program's built-in reverb. It's sort-of like playing amplified on a stage, but without monitors.
Would that also be caused by the room or size of room where it can affect acoustics Chris, I have Miditzer and have noticed that.
Fantastic!! BRAVO!
Very Impressive and Entertaining
amazing performance
This is amazing!
Ah, Robert Wolfe on the Thursford Wurlitzer theatre organ. 11 year old me was blown away when I saw him play....
Great that you find this cool at your age Elise! :)
simply .......... wooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marvelous
absolutely Amazing to watch,I am so glad I came accross this vid,its inspired me to be a fan of the Amazing Wurlitzer sound.Wish my technics kn6500 sounded like that ! Would love to see him live and even join in with my uke.
***** Thankyou Andrew for that advice I will have a look at the back of my Technics Kn6500 for that 5 pin midi conection plug and if its there I will be on the hunt for that software you talk about which sounds awsome,thanks again kind regards Jonathan.
Robert is always well worth going to see, I'm sure you'll enjoy his concerts at Thursford!
Applause. Incredible.
Insane!!! How does he play that fast!!
He wasn't able to sign autographs after that for at least 2 years.
Best museum I've been many times
Andy DUNNE It's a nice collection, and Roberts concerts just top it all off
Fantastic 👌🏽😮
Gotta say, a title like this is usually terribly misleading...but this one doesn't disappoint! Safe to say, he's done this before! :D
The human body is so fascinating.
A fascinating subgenre of music, and of musician.
Impressive! If machines could talk...your not playing me again!
The opposite actually, the more these sort of machines are played the better it is for them.
Awesome.! Man! This cat would love to study with this fella!
My fingers get tired just WATCHING!
In my next life I want my own old Wurlitzer Theater organ and a 2nd set of arms, hands and a 3rd foot. MAYBE, ...just maybe, I'd be able to keep up with this talented guy! May also need to add another air supply booster to the pipes! This man is awesome!
That was AMAZING! Thanks for sharing daddy. :)
I asked Kory if he thinks we might try this if we stack up a few keyboards.Kendra Kinnick Myers
Gene Kinnick
That would be so cool!
Check out the Theatre Organ Garage sale group on Facebook. Organs come up for sale on there all the time. Sometimes they go for very little money (although of course restoration and installation take a lot of work, and time). There is also a home pipe organ builders group for people putting (usually smaller) pipe organs in their homes. A spare bedroom or corner of the basement can be converted into a pipe chamber, if you know what you're doing.
If you join ATOS, the American Theatre Organ Society, you can learn organ work as a volunteer working on the organ in your local chapter of the group, and some members can help you with your own projects.