This is probably one of the most thrilling Concertos ever produced for the organ and orchestra. It keeps you on your 'toes' literally and highlights the instrument and orchestra in a very short period of time. There are of course many concertos from previous periods and they are terrific in their own right, but Samuel Barber produced one of the few from the 20th Century. The only other piece that stands out and is much, much longer in duration is the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra by Stephan Paulus.
This is one of Barber's most fantastic works and needs to be played more often. The main theme sounds almost as though it had been written by Bartók. In the middle of the work comes the incredible cadenza played on the pedals which one can miss if one is listening to an audio CD.
Stunning! Great interplay between organ and orchestra and Scott Dettra's virtuosity takes my breath away. Thanks...I'll listen to this again...and often!
I have not heard this piece in years and really never knew the name of it. Please correct me if I am wrong in my facts: Toccata Festiva was commissioned for the inaugural of the concert hall of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington DC, National Symphony with E. Power Biggs at the organ (Allen electronic provided by Jordan Kitt's Music Store, DC). The Aeolian-Skinner was not finished and our government kept them going to be able to finish the organ...I think it was their last opus. Casavant of Canada refurbished or created a new organ 2012. Also, there was a recording made. Have not seen it on CD. I am so glad to see this on UA-cam. It is one of my favorite pieces for organ and orchestra.
The first time I would have heard this work was at a concert in Philharmonic Hall, New York, featuring Virgil Fox. It was a program of music for organ and full orchestra. The Barber was on the printed program, but somehow was cancelled and I believe it was replaced by a solo organ work. Virgil Fox was probably too "Romantic" for this type of music. Needless to say, this is my introduction to it. What better setting is there than what we have here? Organ, orchestra, conductor, and organist. All coming together in a Utopian space.
Fantastic! When I first heard this piece in San Diego, 1988 or so, the only recording (Fox/Ormany/Philly) was out of print. I was desperate for years, but now there are so many great recordings! Thanks for the post and performance.
Excellent performance from both orchestra and soloist in this great work by Barber. But the acoustics (and perhaps mic placement) made it almost impossible to hear the orchestra at times.
ZacPB189 I've wondered too. I think it's just because he just wanted the last note of that melody not to be changed as it continued into the final chord. As it is, the orchestra has A as its lowest note; but if the organ has a 32' stop, that makes E the lowest pitch heard.
Super performance. Is not it very funny....the cathedral organ is magnificent and wonderful for a complicated piece like this Barber, however, the organ is not good enough for church services. Let us hope this organ is not ruined like others we know of....for the time being, the organ is as built. Hopefully, it will stay with us.
This is probably one of the most thrilling Concertos ever produced for the organ and orchestra. It keeps you on your 'toes' literally and highlights the instrument and orchestra in a very short period of time. There are of course many concertos from previous periods and they are terrific in their own right, but Samuel Barber produced one of the few from the 20th Century. The only other piece that stands out and is much, much longer in duration is the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra by Stephan Paulus.
This is one of Barber's most fantastic works and needs to be played more often. The main theme sounds almost as though it had been written by Bartók. In the middle of the work comes the incredible cadenza played on the pedals which one can miss if one is listening to an audio CD.
I agree, this is RARELY heard! There a so many new organ concertos that are rarely performed these days, especially here in America.
Stunning! Great interplay between organ and orchestra and Scott Dettra's virtuosity takes my breath away.
Thanks...I'll listen to this again...and often!
A sublime piece of music and superbly executed.Such dynamic contrast -- an excellent example of program music .Bravo Scott and orchestra !!
This is my first exposure to this piece and I am smitten with the music, the ensemble, the organist, and the instrument. Simply: bravo!
I have not heard this piece in years and really never knew the name of it. Please correct me if I am wrong in my facts: Toccata Festiva was commissioned for the inaugural of the concert hall of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington DC, National Symphony with E. Power Biggs at the organ (Allen electronic provided by Jordan Kitt's Music Store, DC). The Aeolian-Skinner was not finished and our government kept them going to be able to finish the organ...I think it was their last opus. Casavant of Canada refurbished or created a new organ 2012. Also, there was a recording made. Have not seen it on CD. I am so glad to see this on UA-cam. It is one of my favorite pieces for organ and orchestra.
The first time I would have heard this work was at a concert in Philharmonic Hall, New York, featuring Virgil Fox.
It was a program of music for organ and full orchestra. The Barber was on the printed program, but somehow was cancelled and I believe it was replaced by a solo organ work.
Virgil Fox was probably too "Romantic" for this type of music. Needless to say, this is my introduction to it.
What better setting is there than what we have here? Organ, orchestra, conductor, and organist. All coming together in a Utopian space.
Just Wow!! I really enjoy this.
I was there for this!
Fantastic! When I first heard this piece in San Diego, 1988 or so, the only recording (Fox/Ormany/Philly) was out of print. I was desperate for years, but now there are so many great recordings! Thanks for the post and performance.
That was E. Power Biggs on the Ormandy/Philadelphia recording, not Fox.
Quite. Virgil Fox wouldn’t play this piece. Was quoted as saying of Barber “stupid man writing all that- ridiculous” lol
@@jonspark True - see my post from 07/25/2023 - above
Thank you for posting this!!!
This is amazing!!! You are Great Organist!
WOW. I have the naxos album and didn't realise this was on there. Need to get this out at some point.
thank you !
Wow!
Bravo!
one word Superb
Quite an intense performance.
Excellent performance from both orchestra and soloist in this great work by Barber. But the acoustics (and perhaps mic placement) made it almost impossible to hear the orchestra at times.
I wonder why he [Barber] voiced the last chord with the 5th of the chord in the bass...
ZacPB189 I've wondered too. I think it's just because he just wanted the last note of that melody not to be changed as it continued into the final chord. As it is, the orchestra has A as its lowest note; but if the organ has a 32' stop, that makes E the lowest pitch heard.
because he could.
@@arcanaedgard6098 very true - EEEE on the piano represents the lowest pitch in the orchestra, which is assigned to the contra bassoon.
Super performance. Is not it very funny....the cathedral organ is magnificent and wonderful for a complicated piece like this Barber, however, the organ is not good enough for church services. Let us hope this organ is not ruined like others we know of....for the time being, the organ is as built. Hopefully, it will stay with us.
For me these music not for church but ok
for Conservatorium or Auditorium.
These casino good for Auditorium not for Conservatorium
Samuel Barber write for
Auditorium not for Conservatorium.I know others musics of Barber.
@@camilloflaim8933 Didnt know that had organs in casinos