Gert van Hoef improvises on the Henry Willis & Sons organ in Liverpool
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 тра 2017
- website www.gertvanhoef.nl/.
Opname: 13 augustus 2015
Gert van Hoef verkent het Henry Willis & Sons organ in Liverpool.
Geniet van de majestueuze klanken van dit geweldige orgel in deze enorme kathedraal.
Zaterdag, 12 augustus 2017 speelt Gert voor de 2e maal een orgelconcert in de Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke on Trent (Engeland)
Welkom!
Recorded: August 13, 2015
Gert van Hoef plays the Henry Willis & Sons organ in Liverpool.
Enjoy the majestic sounds of this amazing organ in the biggest cathedral of England.
Saturday, August 12, 2017, Gert plays for the 2nd time an organ concert in Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke on Trent (England)
Welcome!
Absolutely loved it when Mr Tracey got up and woke the beast. The English cathedral sound at its most spine tingling. No wonder Gert didn't want to let go of that final chord. Neither did the church - still reverberating after Gert had stepped down from the console!
There's something truly wonderful about watching experts at play. It's amazing watching him studying the stops and planning what he'll do next.
This is the Gert we fell in love with. The slightly impish youth that could sweep us away with beautiful etheral sounds and bring us back with the great, full, supreme, majestic sound of the pipe organ.
Linnaeus, what a beautiful (and accurate) characterization of this young persons gift to us. No one could have expressed it better.
Sometimes you randomly stumble across great things in UA-cam. What a cathedral, what an organ, what a performance and talent! Thank you young man. I shed a tear watching you play that!
Religion's one contribution to Mankind:
Stunning architecture, epic music and glorious organs.
@@jerrycallender9927 You state it has 1 contribution - and then list 3. Your comment deserves all the respect an idiot observation warrants.
@@johnkaylor8670uh huh… and you’re the benchmark of grammatical and logical correctness.
Can’t we have three sub-parts of a great experience? What would you say to a fantastic jaguar? Comment on three “noticed” items on the car… so, the statement would be “not easy to find a great thing [a car]! The wheel rims! The leather seats! The speed at 0-60 in 3 seconds!”… dies that qualify fir three SEPARATE items? Or the components of a vehicle that captivates you???
Think about it…
Upon learning the death of her majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, this video came to mind. And true enough, here I am, basking at the beauty of this very British improvisation while appreciating the work of the late queen as she's being prepared for her funeral in a few days.
It's wonderful to note how music connects and comforts us, despite differing nationalities and cultures, especially when faced with such sad news. My heartfelt thanks to you, Mr. van Hoef, for sharing your talent in music with us. This one is truly timeless, and filled with so much inspiration and hope, that better days are ahead, no matter what. x
(Long live the King!)
I watched the television broadcast of the Coronation of Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Great, and still grieve for Her as if I'd lost my mother again.
I've enjoyed Gert's improvisation on this epic organ for years and it has always been a favorite from which I never tire.
Magnificent, marvelous, supremely elegant and uplifting!!! Timeless, the thrilling and profoundly moving voice of one of the greatest cathedrals ever, Liverpool. Thank you Gert, as always. You are truly one of the greatest organists of all time.
Your summation of this performance is quite glowing - but it truly deserves it. Some of the portions of this piece are simply glorious. And for a young man to 'casually' produce such beauty spontaneously - in improvisation - on a supremely complex instrument - is stunning.
THIS is art. You have to feel there is something objectively beautiful and valuable in this. It was not easy to achieve. This is an instrument effectively the size and scale of the cathedral itself, and this one man's ability to wield it with such facility is part of the fruit and culmination of the entire human story. You can almost hear the long, long line of souls who led up to this whispering through the pipes. God forbid that this heritage ever be lost or forgotten.
I just can't seem to stop watching this clip before I head for bed, it is a ritual that brings me great joy no matter how mundane or crappy my day has been. I've seen him live, and will be going back this summer, I live in Indiana, USA.
Have any of you notice the smile on Ian's face when he hits the "turbo" switch ? He was enjoying this performance just like us.
And one other thing worth mentioning. Watch Gert at 11:20 look over his left shoulder, letting Ian know he wants a little more
blast after the pause. Having Ian as your registrant is something. Life is good. Happy listening to all.
Gary Collins: I feel just as you do! This vast cathedral (the Anglican cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool) has always been one of my favourite buildings; along with its Roman Catholic equivalent, down the street! Tourists should go to Liverpool: better than going to London!
This is a huge church and the "kid" really has to pull out "all the stops" to be heard in here. A real treat for the Liverpudlians.
After a day of watching financial catastrophe and the advance of the COVID-19, I relax by watching on my 82" SAMSUNG monitor and listening (with my dog, cat, and roosting parrot) on my 7.1 surround sound system (Polk audio) to this beautiful sound played by the cute, teenage, talented Gert van Hoef on this wonderfully rich Henry Willis & Sons organ while the cares of the day melt away. I am in no way monetarily rich, in fact on the poverty level, but am rich in appreciation of this music, sound, and talent. I hope others enjoy the "glory" of the pipe organ, which has entranced me since childhood, and only been made widely accessible in this age.
Inspired improv, goosebumps and wiping a tear away with all the patriotism at the moment.
I think this may be my favorite organ in the world. Thanks Gert for giving it a spin.
Wow!!!! What a magnificent performance Gert❤️❤️❤️❤️
Talent at it's best on a fabulous instrument. Can't get any better.
The most truly incredible performance from a younger Gert and I cannot stop playing this over and over again !!!! I would also love to hear him play his "Danse Macabre" improvisation on this instrument, with of course at least one if not two registrants to necessarily assist in the performance on this amazing organ.
And Gerts'reaction at the end speaks volumes for me as to how much he enjoyed playing on the magnificence of this organ. He fully woke it up!
I think this is the definitive “child let loose in the sweetshop” example!
Yes, and with such brio! This is a Buxtehude of striking talent.
This still ranks as my favorite. It makes me want to give standing ovation every time I hear it.
Gert please make a recording from this beatiful organ in liverpool some day Tears in my eyes what a gift
The Sound of the Organ! Majestically played by Gert !!!! Wow!!!
Wow! Simply amazing! I wouldn't have let go of that final cord either. What a talent.
Watching again a year later, still gives me chills!
Yes. Absolutely. And is that not the REAL test of REAL quality. This performance was Not just 'catchy' and 'different' at first, but which later, after listening to it a couple times, became boring and no longer exciting, let alone awesome. I seem to Never stop desiring to consume this gifted playing. It's comparable to a fine liqueur you discover and never tire of savoring. Some who have encountered his playing said that they went out and got, or connected, high-end speakers so they could absorb and take in even more of the recorded performance.
Gert, wat speel je bizonder mooi, op dit Engelse super-orgel! Schitterend!
Just love this young man Gert, and his abilities, especially at the console of this extremely powerful organ in Liverpool.
I mentioned in an earlier post, that I had the opportunity to meet him and his soon too be bride at one of his concerts in Holland
Regarding this particular event, if you look closely, he gives two signals to Ian to assist with the stops, which had to have been
discussed prior to playing. The first is at 10:37, you can see him turn his head to the left as he pauses as Ian hits the "turbo"
switch, and then again at 11:20 for the extra hit, Ian obliges. Just amazing, we are all very fortunate to be overwhelmed with
his God given talents. !!
I see Prof Ian Tracey enjoying the playing. It’s great how accommodating Ian is to anyone who visits Liverpool and wants to play the organ: young or old, virtuoso or beginner. Not many Cathedral organists are as generous with access or their time. I’ ve always been a big fan ever since I heard him give his regular recitals in Devon where he has friends. He used to drive down to Exeter or Teignmouth give the recital and the back again to Liverpool the same day a near 600 mile round trip because of his hectic schedule which I thought was nuts but he always seemed fresh.
My sister was visiting from Colorado and when I played your video for her she couldn't believe it. What a fabulous organist you are. What a powerful organ and you know how to make it explode!!!
Gert....what a magnificent performance!! There are only a few organists that have this kind of talent. I have been playing organ(s) for about 59 years....and since I have been following you for some time now, I see something VERY special. Truly a great performance from a very talented person. Loved it!! Charlie Smith
This is by far one of the most amazing and wonderful improvisations ever!
Johnson Cannon, I totally agree. I have never been drawn back to a (casual no less !) spontaneous performance like I have this. I, literally, cannot think of anything that challenges this in beauty.
I knew that Gert played the Willis organ in Liverpool Cathedral, but I assumed there was no video of the occasion. Now it has been presented on UA-cam for the first time. Thanks to all involved, especially Gert's father who always acts as his videographer. A really joyful 13 minutes!
Folks, for those of you who have wondered what it would be like to actually meet and chat with Gert, let me tell you, that I had that distinct privilege on July the 17th at his Beekbergen concert with my son. It was really humbling for me, having followed his rise to "star" status over the years. He was walking through the parking lot with his "honey" when we drove up. He was surprised that we had come from America to hear him play, though it was actually a Holland double header for us, as we had just been to the Andre Rieu concert,another famous Hollander, just a short distance away in Maastricht the night before.
Spoke at bit after the concert, he is very much loved by his followers, and the church congregation really did a fantastic job with the vocals on the final piece, another Gert improvisation. I don't speak the language but it was a thrill to be there among those dedicated concert goers, humming along with them. I've been humbled, goose bumped, and pumped up all in one evening !
Of course I still get those thrills with his performances on my home theater system, 148" screen, and 500 watts of audio filling
the air with the power that can only come from the king of instruments. This monster Willis is am absolute monster! I plan on returning next year, would like to assemble more fans from the United States for a group tour. There is so much to offer in Holland, I could go on, but I'd better not drone on anymore for now.
I feel that the hand of God guides this man and we, the chosen listeners, benefit from the beautiful music.
Gary
very well said and i totally agree.....:-):-):-):-)
Gary Collins so looking forward to hearing Gert play in Stoke on Trent in August. I will be travelling from London and car not wait to hear him in person.
Cool story, Americans are always welcome in our beloved Holland!
How nice from you
Gary, I personally find it interesting that you suggested that God is involved here, with this earthly phenomenon - the entry of Gert into the world of music. Because I also experience a perception that with Gert, both in his person and definitely in certain of his performances, there is something that emanates from the performance more than the mere manual producing of sound from a device. He is like 'one' with the instrument, and in an uncanny way, transcends the mere notes and passages of the written composition.
Iam a volunteer at the Cathedral so am fortunate to hear this fabulous organ on a regular basis. Wonderful impro by Gert, gives full reign to the Willis. Would love to hear him play a full recital here. Extemely talented young organist.
We should show interest to see if this can be done.
Wounderful young orgainist...i hope he comes back to play that great historical pipe organ..
It is so wonderful to see this young man so enjoying himself playing this fabulous instrument. You can see the joy on his face.. Bravo, Gert
Yes it is wonderful. But I am also truly amazed at how beautiful his 'improvisation' is. It has shades of being truly profound. This very performance demonstrates that Gert is MORE than 'an organist'. Many play the organ. But Gert brings a deep soul to the instrument : he clearly draws from an inner musical well-spring few possess.
A follow up on my comment. As to a natural 'well spring' of musical sourcing, that's almost an understatement. Notice in the video of how LITTLE of his strict mental attention and effort is focused on the physical playing. It's like 'that' is almost a subordinate part of his activity at the instrument. He freely has abundant time to look around the place (casually and unpressured), review the whopping array of stops on the new (unfamiliar) machine, and start experimenting with them. The beautiful piece of music he gives us here took maybe 60% of his physical effort to actually perform ! He clearly possesses a marvelous well spring of musical beauty who can simply 'open the tap' and make it flow.
Pulling out all the stops, taking us on a spiritually uplifting journey! Exclamation.
Dear Gert, I never get tired of listening to you playing this. Everytime I hear it, I am inspired. Praise God and thank you. Mark Walkup
I have lost count as to how many times I have watched this...….FABULOUS!
Me, too!
And me, very meditative...... magnificent
And me!!
I’ve watched this so many times and every time I come back to it I have to catch my breath, let the goosebumps settle and bring myself back to earth. This is simply magnificent!!!
I totally understand Chris. I also am drawn back to it time and again. It is haunting in a very real way (a wonderful way). I sit there partly mesmerized and also the video shots are marvelous. For this degree of natural, musical beauty to issue from such a young man is clearly a gift.
God I love this guy!!!!!!!!! He gives me chills every time!!!!!
Yes James, I completely agree. I'm going to have to stop posting any more comments on this performance because I'm probably over-using my stay in the personal response to this. But, man. There is NO other piece, or performance, anywhere, that I can go to and sit back - captured in heavenly bliss - like I am here.
This leaves me all choked up. Good job, Gert.
Pure joy - absolutely marvellous!
Goosebumps every single time!
his glance toward the corona when the trompette militaire is pulled says it all
It is great to see Gert's face when he is so pleased with the organ and his performance. His visual acknowledgement makes it even better, especially with the last chord. GREAT reverberation here, love that. It is sweet closure for the ears and mind. Very soul satisfying..
Only certain performers can even touch your soul - let alone satisfy it. Gert regularly has no problem with that - frequently doing both.
Just .... AWESOME !!! I have chills when I listen this great improvisation !!!!!
Biggest organ in the UK. Great improvisation. I'm sure you enjoyed that. Great to see Ian Tracey pulling the stops for you Gert! Hopefully you can do a full concert sometime on the Willis organ in Liverpool.
This is one of my favourite buildings. Imagine strolling in to have a look round and hearing this! It's wonderful to hear it filled with such ecstatic sound. How I wish I had been there. Thank you, Gert.
What an experience! Spine tingling! Thanks for sharing a beautiful moment Gert.
One of the most gifted improvisors on one the the best of Liverpool's three great organs. You must do a recital in Liverpool. To hand registrar this this large instrument, pausing musically to have a look what's on offer. Amazing.
What a superb improvisation, Gert. Well done!
In the solo instrument world, nothing is as magnificent as the cathedral organ, especially when played by such a great talent as Gert. From 9:00 minutes on, it is simply goose bumps. Thanks to Ian for the fff. :)
Absolutely superb. A top drawer performance from Gert.
Gert, proficiat met deze geweldige improvisatie. Je hebt een geweldig talent. Hoop snel bij één van jouw concerten te zijn.
His talent far exceeds any expectations. He is truly a musical genius
You hit on a point that's sort of funny to me. Which is - if you were to simply show shots of this video (without sound) to many cathedral music lovers (who didn't know who Gert was) - just of him - at the console playing, most (including me) would say to themselves 'who is this "kid" sitting at this great organ in blue jeans 'trying' to play 'something'.
That is, little would you know that you were watching a Master organist, in the highest sense, playing a unique, marvelous improvisational MASTERPIECE.
At 9.08 my heart stopped! magnificent Gert!! What an astounding sound, you certainly blew the dust out of that old Willis! Wonderful talent great improvisation, thanks so much!
Gert, keep showing your joy of playing. It's wonderful.
I agree. Not only is his music wonderful, but He is a joy to watch having such fun bringing unique beauty into the world.
Absolutely amazing I am so proud that you came to my home city to play on such an amazing instrument in the best cathedral and the best place in the world, I like the fact that Mr Tracey helped you with your grand finale as he is very familiar with this organ, god bless you
So incredible and moving thank you Gert 🙂
I've enjoyed so many of Gert's performances. So often, so easily, he has touched my emotions at the very deepest level. His artistry, literally and figuratively, resonates with me. His talent is such a gift, I like many others I'm sure, feel blessed having discovered him.
Yes that is true for me. I Do Not go head over heals easily. I'm math & science oriented and very conservative in character. And take God dead seriously. But here, with this young man, I lost it. I have NEVER even thought of suggesting, or concurring with a suggestion, that some musical performer I heard was 'blessed', even if they were great. Until now. Going back to some of his performances, repeatedly, over an extended period of time, has simply made it clear.
Gert, the musicality is magnificent as always. Love the look backs to your friends as you thoroughly enjoy playing and hearing such beautiful musical sounds that your skill and this organ produces.
Bonjour, je vous souhaite une belle et longue carrière comme Karl Richter. Votre manière de jouer est superbe. Bravo!
With these dazzling amount in variety of registers this is a kind of "Gert in a candy store!" 😆
Couldn't have described it any better !!
You are so right, he is so enjoying himself!
and when Ian hit full organ...... instant diabetes ;-)
@@audiolab1962 :0)
Hearing the Henry Willis III is like coming home to me... used to go many times and can always tell this organ and he seems to easily wrap it round his little finger.... 11:47 practically blew my brains out when he hit that chord!
Wrapped it up with that looooong E flat Major !!!!
Geweldige uitvoering Gert.. Alle lof voor jou. Klasse man. 👍👍👍
oh my...NOW that was amazing! the joy on his face to play on this stunning organ and the space around it, the cathedral!
The very organ that Ernest Martin Skinner adored and wished to emulate....he almost did it!
Gert. As another young organist, I have heard great things about this organ. Is it truly as wonderful as they say it is?
From a silver whisper, all the way to a ground shakingly majestic sound at full organ, it is magnificent in every sense of the word. If you ever get the chance to hear it, or play it, don't miss it!
What a way to exhibit such great talent. Gert and this great organ melt into one. It can't get any better.
I agree. And it is literally true. Gert and the organ become ONE.
This was beautiful to wake up to on this nice morning.
Just discovered Gert and if I had to sum up in one word it would have to BREATHTAKING !!
Så mäktigt och storslaget!
I love the transition into the Elgar. You never cease to amaze me at what you can do. That was gorgeous!
I have no words..... Incredible!
Yes, and I would like to issue a formal complaint about this problem : Mr. van Hoef you are hereby guilty of rendering many traditional, linguistic superlatives effete. I cannot formulate sufficient or proper praise for your performances (except possibly by going to affected-sounding extremes - which even then, fall short of what you deserve). At a verbal loss….. and loving every moment, John.
This is probably one of my very favorite yet from Gert. So fun to watch and listen! The repertoire is awesome and easy to listen...
I'm so glad to see others comment that they too become emotional and get chills for the music, the way it is arranged, the registration and played by Gert. I kind of felt weird that it was only me enjoying it to the depth of my soul. Thanks Gert and fellow appreciators of his dedication to creating wonderful music.
What an insightful comment Rich. I also take great comfort in the fact that many others come out and admit they feel as stirred as I do by his truly gifted playing. Gert is worthy of glowing praise.
Schit-te-rend Gert!!! Prachtige klank heeft het orgel. Je zult genoten hebben.
Bravo !!! A masterpiece Carl . Such a fresh and exciting performance . Your play on Edward Elgar was so masterfully British . Awesome .
So glad this one was posted...great finish as usual.
I got shivers and goosebumps at the end! Fantastic!!
well after playing this over and over again to the 32 that didnt like it, if you can play and improvise better, no need to say any more, this young organist is extremely talented
Don't trouble yourself or your spirit on 'those who didn't like it'. Those same people would probably spit on the Pieta and declare Heifetz incompetent with the violin. This world simply contains the ignorant, the blind, the insensitive and just plain evil - until God cleans house.
Apologies for the prior overly strong comment. Offensiveness, even in the form of an attempted explanatory reference, has NO place in the realm of Gert van Hoef. Gert is a beautiful and wonderful gift. Much too special for his site to be stained by distasteful or improper comments. Even in defense of him.
@@johnkaylor3929 by
@@johnkaylor3929 cye
Oooooh chills aplenty, Gert certainly opened this huge beautiful organ up!
In 2013 I visited this cathedral, but I had no opportunity to hear this great organ. Thanks a lot!
Simply Breathtaking! Gert at his best and quite clearly enjoying himself!
I agree. Even Gert would find it difficult to surpass this for dreamy entrancing beauty. I personally know of no equal.
And again, what is so amazing - if you watch it with an eye toward observing him - is his CASUAL and relaxed attitude during play. It's like producing a marvelous musical work like this, spontaneously, is no biggie - nothing special. Just a modest effort ! What an immense talent he possesses.
Hi Gert, what a wonderful experience you must have had at the keyboard of this magnificent organ. As a teenager I often travelled from London to Liverpool to hear this great organ being played. In the 1960's this organ was in the process of being extended and modified, Noel Rawsthorn was then the organist, and was at the time of one of my visits testing the new mobile console at which you played. As an inquisitive young man I asked Noel many questions about how this new manual operated to which he obligingly demonstrated the wonders of this huge organ, the sounds the expanse of that great instrument filled the building which sent shivers down my spine. As ever you demonstrated the God given gift you have as a fantastic musician and thank you for the pleasure you have given me over the years that you have played on UA-cam since a young boy, I am in my twilight years now, but each new production you offer is eagerly awaited, I have your DVD and CD's I hope one day you will be able to record a DVD playing the Organ again in Liverpool, I am sure IanTracey would help you with this, he is a lovely and generous man
Froggie24546 the instrument has never been extended apart from adding the Trompette Millitaire in 2001. A few ranks have been substituted and moved around but it’s still essentially the same organ as built in 1926. Also this console certainly wasn’t there in the 1960’s. The original 5 manual mobile console was installed in the 1940’s but rarely used. It was removed in the 1970’s and replaced with a 2 manual console. The 5 manual you see here was installed in the 1990’s
An amazing performance on such a wonderful organ! Just loved the "Land of Hope and Glory at the end. Gert you are the best! you have an incredable talent.
A treat for all the world to hear!
That's a really neat idea Paul. This piece, and performance, is actually a Treat for the WORLD. It is Not just some "entertaining performance" by some musician 'at a concert' somewhere. Not to those of us who appreciate it's ethereal beauty.
Brilliant playing!
Excellent performance loved that final chord ( it sounds like Eb major) with the full fire and thunder of Willis pipework, spectacular is all I'm saying
Outstanding! Wow! Amazing!!
It begins with ethereal sounds and builds to finally the stately Elgar. And just when you are overwhelmed with the great sound, and think it can get no bigger, you are awashed in a glorious sfortzando! (I hope my neighbors enjoy it as much as I do, for I often like to end my video evening with it. My Chihuahua and parrot seem to also like it.)
I also - find Gert's music so deeply beautiful, that I save it for the end of my evening. No one, Nothing, rises to the level of heavenly immersion that his music does. Period.
That was freaking awesome!!
dsh122 I I.
Have only just come across this improvisation - what a wonderful piece to listen to full blast on one's earphones. I hope to be able to go to one of Gert's concerts when he is next in the UK and if he could try a similar improvisation it would make my day!
Wat een schitterende improvisatie!! Echt geweldig als je zoiets kunt! Met zoveel gevoel en passie! Ik hoop dat je nog veel mag genieten van het orgel spelen. (en wij er bij :-))
Was für ein kraftvolles Instrument!! Super! Danke!
Bravo, Gert - That was spot on, and worthy of a 10+ score!
Cheers!!
Loved the powerful ending!
That must have been an awesome experience Gert. The power available at your finger tips is truly amazing. You are certainly the envy of lots of people. Hope you go back there soon...maybe this summer :) I haven't been to Liverpool but have been to York Minster so I can appreciate the grandeur. Have a great Summer.
Thanks Gert, what a wonderful way to start a Friday morning in Australia. Apart from Olivier Latry improvising at Sunday Mass at Notre Dame, you seem to be about the only organist willing to play so freely on UA-cam.
absolument magnifique et quelle joie sur votre visage à la fin de votre improvisation. Génial, vraiment!
That was beautiful Gert. Tears and goosebumps at the end!
Amazing the final chords
I've watched this many times and always with keen interest, attention, and engagement. You're an inspiratioin, Gert. Love the jaw clench at 9:41; it's the right thing to do.
You need to come to London and play the Grand organ of St Pauls, love this!
Maestro van Hoef magnificently recorded, improvising. A majestic video of a genius organist, a Mozart and Liszt of our time, watch this gifted artist.
Wat een geweldig stuk . Hier zit alles in wat orgel zo mooi maakt: Je speelt zo mooi klein tot zo mooi groot. Ik draai het met regelmaat en geniet er van. Dank je wel
Bart Gleijsteen