I knew Virgil through my Uncle, David Snyder. I just discovered this site, and it touches my heart to see so many beautiful comments about Virgil. The man was truly an Artist of Spirit, and a master of music. But for me, since I knew him as a child, he was a man who was kind, generous, and who took the time to care about each person. I am glad to have known him, and am very proud of my Uncle David, the lumierist who gave shape and movement to Virgil's music using light.
I was at the Fillmore East show back in 1970. The Fillmore outer ailes were lined 2\3 of the way to the back with speakers and the whole building shook when he played. The man was a non-stop ball of energy from the time the show began until it was over. It was a wondeful performance. I'm very glad I had a chanc to see him live.
I saw the Heavy Organ concert in 1971 in Chicago. I was in high school, and this was the first time I asked a girl out on a date. (When I picked her up, her father insisted on meeting the boy who could talk his daughter into going to a Bach organ recital.) The concert was terrific - thunderous a times, moving at others. And the packed house roared - quite a different experience from withdrawing into ipod earbuds.
At 18 years old, I learned of Bach via Virgil's "Heavy Organ" recordings. I thought that he had synchronized tape recorders playing all those "extra" parts. That began a fascination which later led me to a Fox show in South Bend IN, about 1973. After the show, I met Virgil and it was as though a spark of inspiration was given to me. I knew that night that I had to do more than simply hack at the Hammond in a bar band, so I quit and began to study classical piano, eventually earning a bachelor's degree. The love of Bach which Virgil imparted changed my life.
@tbman1943 Thank you for your most kind words about Virgil. The aye deeply appreciated by me and I am sure,,by many others. Blessings to you David Snyder, Lumierist
I saw Virgil a total of 5 times; from a Dedication of a newly restored pipe organ at a church in Dallas, to traveling to Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and of course, Dallas. In the Dallas concerts, he 'shared' the stage with the Dallas Sym Org and then he had the stage all to himself in the 2nd half of the program. I was priviledged to see him at his last concert before his untimely death and he knew that he was coming to the end of his life. You could tell it in his talks. Go Virgil
I got to see him with my dad when I was about 13 in Pasadena Ca. He did shake the house and he wasn't even playing a pipe organ, he was playing a electronic Rodgers organ, and he still kicked some serious ass!! Pomp and Circumstance, and he ripped it up!!
@carlefan thank you for your kind thoughts and so very glad you enjoyed my work also. It was a priviledge to creat Revelation Lights and to perform to great people such as you. I miss Virgil also, how could one not!
Virgil continues to influence future generations. Sadly, I was 4 when he was called home. However, I was raised in the church and fell in love with our organ from the time I could pick up a hymnal and sing on Sunday morning. I found a two-CD set of HEAVY ORGAN in high school (in the 1990's). While my own abilities is better suited to Bach's Little Eight Preludes and Fugues, the congregation I serve weekly for worship appreciates it. Part of my spirit is inspired from listening to him play.
Virgil was the Master. No one before him and certainly no one since his sad passing, will EVER bring the audience to Bach - - - and Bach to the audience. I've said it before. You had to be at any of his performances (and I was at 5 of them) - to appreciate Virgil's gift from God - and how he used his 'gift' to bring the people to J.S.Bach - and I thank him for it. I still pray for you, sir.
I had the great fortune to see him at the Paramount in Seattle in 1974. His mom was sitting right behind us! Yes he shook the whole building. I wish they would release his Live at the Filmore albums.
@crowman593 I just noticed your note my friend and I must say,you brought a tear to my eye. I am constantly humbled at folks such as you that remember Virgil so kindly and use what he taught you in your musical world. In the 17 years I worked closely with him, there were few days when, if one wished to,,they could not learn from this great man. David Snyder, Lumierist. Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production
After I had help set up the organ, I met Virgil Fox at the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Plymouth meeting, Pa and All I can say he was a real gentleman to me :) I heard him live at TUMFI several times. I was impressed he remembered my name and was kind enough to autograph an album for me. I remember my wife and I were sitting waiting for Diapason to come on Philly station WFLN when it was announced he had passed away :(. It was a sad day for all of music indeed.
this is the greatest video, i saw Virgil back in 1973 and even though i am a pianist and violist, organ music has a special place in my heart. Virgil really showed me how to appreciate this organ music and i love all of Bach of course, i have my little basket of favorite organ fugues on my Ipod that i listen to all the time. Virgil, i really miss you but i feel your spirit always!!! Virgil and Glenn Gould were 2 men who really brought Bach to life, thank you! oh yeah, and Mendelsohn
Merry Christmas to all of you great people and my thanks to all of you for the time you have taken to write me and remember and to post great thoughts about Virgil this past year. Christmas was Virgil's favorite time of the year. It was always spent at home and only with a few friends.
I saw his concert in 1971 at Murray(KY) State University. It was a brilliant performance. The "Jig Figue" was wonderful. And I took away from it a whole new appreciation for Charles Ives's "Variations on America." Remains one of the top five concerts I have seen in my lifetime.
This video was made in the public Auditorium in Saint Paul Minn. We filmed it for a TV call in show that was to provoke VF haters into calling in so Virgil was specially antagonistic to them,,just for the tv show. He was not like that ,,so overboard.
I wish to remind all our great friends that on May 3, 2012,,we will all celebrate Virgil Fox's 100th birthdate. Yes,,can you imagine. To mark this historic event I am asking all of you to write the the Post Office and ask them to now put out a special stamp. In 1981 I asked,,and they said they would but he needed to be "demised" longer,,so,,now please help,,lets all DO IT TOGETHER.
Thank you for your kind comments on our performance in St Pauls performed with Virgil Fox and David Snyders Revelation Lights. You are seeing only a part of our visually recorded performance created under not the best of conditions with low light levels. God Bless
This was recorded in New York City at the Fillmore East in December of 1970. The position of background light show give it away as compared to the Winterland and Fillmore West.
I don't think so. I think this was done much later. From what I can tell the light show is David Snyder's Revelation Lights, and not the Fillmore East Pablo Lights show.
Actually, the Fillmore concert was earlier, and the background was "Joe's Lights"...which was the "house band" for lighting at the time. David Snyder created a show specifically for Virgil shortly thereafter. It's really hard to say where this concert took place since there is almost no footage of the hall. I toured with Virgil as the technician responsible for the organ, and later the Royal V before he eventually left Rodgers and went to Allen. This is definitely David's light work...only he could make Metalman dance to the gigue.
@gforce2002 You just bet he does! Sorry for the highly edited presentation but considering how hard it was to record I' m glad we did it. Thanks for writing. Blessings
I have this on vinyl and CD performed at Fillmore East in 1970. The liner notes said that it was an enthusiastic hard rock audience listening to a "square" performer playing ancient music, and mesmerizing them entire time. I also have his "Bach Organ Works" CD, and it has some of most beautiful Bach organ works ever recorded.
Today is May 3, the birthdate of Virgil Fox. Is it possible he has been gone now since 1980. When will the pain for the loss begin to abate. Thanks to all of you who remembered and contacted me today. Blessing to you all. Never forget,please! David Snyder Lumierist /Revelation Lights, Heavy Organ Productions.
I saw him play a 'Heavy Organ' at the Marin Center Theater (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright)in 1978, and the final piece was BWV 540, ablaze in smoke and lights while he disappeared into the floor.. It was rumored that he was on 'acid' during the concert -- I was just high on weed... But it was an AMAZING experience that I shall NEVER forget!!! He was a true and consummate artist, and I hope other musicians cherish his profound legacy...
@LorinTone "better than you or I"? He felt true Bach came from within,,from your spirit,not completely from your or my hands on a keyboard only, or in my case from my Clavalux. Thank God for the differences! Blessings
@ShandyHall I believe with all my heart compliments and comments expressed comparing aspiring young artist to Virgil Fox are done with the best of intent,but I ask that we encourage these young people of great talent to be their own "very best". They should not be expected nor be asked to copy Virgil but to be creators of their own artistry. Stop comparing please,,, and start encouraging with positive suggestions. Enjoy them all for what they do as their own person not a copy of anyone.
Bravo! I love it. So inspirational....Why God takes people before their time I will never understand...truly this man will be remembered for generations to come.
I watched as he danced the jig Fugue in G. Sure, I played it, but I could not dance it on the pedals when I was in my 20's. He did it in his fading years, and he kicked serious ass.
@Mr139Contax It is great to know there are so many people out there that obviously love the classical organ when played by an artist with virtuosity but it saddens me to see many trying to compare talented musicians to Virgil Fox, when indeed every artist be it Virgil, or others commented on ,is an artist in their own way .If you go to concerts only to compare rather than to soak in the message, one askes,are you missing the entire point of that individuals performance.? Respect every artist.
thanks to all who viewed our HEAVY ORGAN performances and have taken time to "remember" and then write. for all to share. I will say, despite all, theV F I worked with for 19 years was a man who loved his ladies and laughed with the boys! That my friends is the truth,anything else is "notions and good reading material" penned in some cases by jealous wana-bee substance abusers. And that my friends is also the truth. (at least for 25 years I knew him and 19 that I worked with him) Blessings
Get yourself an organ. They're abundant and either free or of little cost. You can get a full size organ with 25 or 32 pedals( like what Virgil Played), or you can get a spinet with 13 pedals. Some people get combo organs. In fact you'd be surprised at the big full sound that can come from a combo organ if it is going through a full range amplifier with good bass, or possibly even hooked to a Leslie ( rotary speaker cabinet, BTW THAT's what will grab you and keep you!). KEYBOARDS ARE NOT ORGANS
I think not. Many talented artists can play astoundingly well and Cameron is a self proclaimed athiest,,that puts him out. Right out despite his keyboard dexterity,which in fairness is astounding.
I've been a fan for many years. I also saw this show in the early seventies and thought it was fantastic. I remember writing in a class journal that I felt it as a 'religious experience', and my otherwise liberal teacher at our parochial school expressed some concern :-) Probably not as brilliant an interpreter of Bach as Gould, but he had a similar spirit and he did make Bach come alive.
Say what you like. He brought organ music, and specifically, Bach to more people than anyone before or since. Surely everyone should be able to see the importance of, and the virtues of that. The sad part is, that once he was gone, there was no one "next in line" to step up and pick up where he left off. Plenty of wonderful organists, yes, but no one that had the infectious stage presence needed to pull off what Virgil did.
Cameron has chops and a very good performer. I'm glad he is doing what he is doing; hope he takes it further than Virgil. I saw Virgil's Heavy Organ concerts at least 4 times. No "classical" concert has gone to this extreme, yet. Disneyland has a ride that with smells and some mist sprayed onto you as you virtually fly around. A step in the right direction. Virgil calling out the note pukers is spot on, even 40 years later. Check Carlo Curly, too. Musically artistic classical organ.
modern organ? i cant help thinking that he would have been using heavy technology... keyborards of all kinds, midi controlers n computers... HE WAS A GENIOUS, A MIND WITH NO LIMITS ;)
The classical organ "recital" (hate that word)was an odball event that appealed to 15 persinickety Nancy boys before Virgil, and since he's gone it's gone back to just that. In the 60s and 70s, when Virgil was touring the organ actually went mainstream classical, and was enjoyed by symphony audiences the world over. You girls can keep your oh-so-tasteful and "correct" (lifeless, mechanical, boring) playing.
Hi! Yes I know what you mean - the "correctness", like equal temperament, takes the colour out of life and makes it boring and as you say, it's really difficult to get audiences nowadays. I'm trying to get organists and audiences to buck the trend at Hammerwood Park in Sussex as we really need to get the organ, and classical music, back into the mainstream for the new generation before they get to be the nightclub generation. The organ bass is much cooler than any bass out of a nightclub.
@Mr139Contax I know that this is a matter of taste, but I do not like Cameron's stuff at all. I prefer Carlo Curley. But of course, give me Virgil any day!
@crowman593 I just noticed your note my friend and I must say,you brought a tear to my eye. I am constantly humbled at folks such as you that remember Virgil so kindly and use what he taught you in your musical world. In the 17 years I worked closely with him, there were few days when, if one wished to,,they could not learn from this great man. David Snyder, Lumierist. Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production
I knew Virgil through my Uncle, David Snyder. I just discovered this site, and it touches my heart to see so many beautiful comments about Virgil. The man was truly an Artist of Spirit, and a master of music. But for me, since I knew him as a child, he was a man who was kind, generous, and who took the time to care about each person. I am glad to have known him, and am very proud of my Uncle David, the lumierist who gave shape and movement to Virgil's music using light.
Deb Brown What a lovely sentiment to a man who was one in a million.
I was at the Fillmore East show back in 1970. The Fillmore outer ailes were lined 2\3 of the way to the back with speakers and the whole building shook when he played. The man was a non-stop ball of energy from the time the show began until it was over. It was a wondeful performance. I'm very glad I had a chanc to see him live.
I saw the Heavy Organ concert in 1971 in Chicago. I was in high school, and this was the first time I asked a girl out on a date. (When I picked her up, her father insisted on meeting the boy who could talk his daughter into going to a Bach organ recital.) The concert was terrific - thunderous a times, moving at others. And the packed house roared - quite a different experience from withdrawing into ipod earbuds.
We need Virgil Fox. There will never be another.
At 18 years old, I learned of Bach via Virgil's "Heavy Organ" recordings. I thought that he had synchronized tape recorders playing all those "extra" parts. That began a fascination which later led me to a Fox show in South Bend IN, about 1973. After the show, I met Virgil and it was as though a spark of inspiration was given to me. I knew that night that I had to do more than simply hack at the Hammond in a bar band, so I quit and began to study classical piano, eventually earning a bachelor's degree. The love of Bach which Virgil imparted changed my life.
@tbman1943 Thank you for your most kind words about Virgil. The aye deeply appreciated by me and I am sure,,by many others.
Blessings to you
David Snyder, Lumierist
I saw Virgil a total of 5 times; from a Dedication of a newly restored pipe organ at a church in Dallas, to traveling to Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and of course, Dallas. In the Dallas concerts, he 'shared' the stage with the Dallas Sym Org and then he had the stage all to himself in the 2nd half of the program. I was priviledged to see him at his last concert before his untimely death and he knew that he was coming to the end of his life. You could tell it in his talks. Go Virgil
I got to see him with my dad when I was about 13 in Pasadena Ca. He did shake the house and he wasn't even playing a pipe organ, he was playing a electronic Rodgers organ, and he still kicked some serious ass!! Pomp and Circumstance, and he ripped it up!!
@carlefan
thank you for your kind thoughts and so very glad you enjoyed my work also. It was a priviledge to creat Revelation Lights and to perform to great people such as you. I miss Virgil also, how could one not!
I can imagine him saying 'eat this purists!' before playing in his concerts.
Virgil continues to influence future generations. Sadly, I was 4 when he was called home. However, I was raised in the church and fell in love with our organ from the time I could pick up a hymnal and sing on Sunday morning. I found a two-CD set of HEAVY ORGAN in high school (in the 1990's). While my own abilities is better suited to Bach's Little Eight Preludes and Fugues, the congregation I serve weekly for worship appreciates it. Part of my spirit is inspired from listening to him play.
How can anyone (7) people NOT Love the power and enjoyment of Virgil Fox at the pipe organ? he was a master!
Thank you for sharing these videos! They bring back SO MANY great memories of the V.F. concerts I was privilaged to attend.
Virgil was the Master. No one before him and certainly no one since his sad passing, will EVER bring the audience to Bach - - - and Bach to the audience.
I've said it before. You had to be at any of his performances (and I was at 5 of them) - to appreciate Virgil's gift from God - and how he used his 'gift' to bring the people to J.S.Bach - and I thank him for it.
I still pray for you, sir.
I had the great fortune to see him at the Paramount in Seattle in 1974. His mom was sitting right behind us! Yes he shook the whole building. I wish they would release his Live at the Filmore albums.
@crowman593
I just noticed your note my friend and I must say,you brought a tear to my eye. I am constantly humbled at folks such as you that remember Virgil so kindly and use what he taught you in your musical world. In the 17 years I worked closely with him, there were few days when, if one wished to,,they could not learn from this great man.
David Snyder, Lumierist.
Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production
After I had help set up the organ, I met Virgil Fox at the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Plymouth meeting, Pa and All I can say he was a real gentleman to me :) I heard him live at TUMFI several times. I was impressed he remembered my name and was kind enough to autograph an album for me. I remember my wife and I were sitting waiting for Diapason to come on Philly station WFLN when it was announced he had passed away :(. It was a sad day for all of music indeed.
this is the greatest video, i saw Virgil back in 1973 and even though i am a pianist and violist, organ music has a special place in my heart. Virgil really showed me how to appreciate this organ music and i love all of Bach of course, i have my little basket of favorite organ fugues on my Ipod that i listen to all the time. Virgil, i really miss you but i feel your spirit always!!! Virgil and Glenn Gould were 2 men who really brought Bach to life, thank you! oh yeah, and Mendelsohn
Merry Christmas to all of you great people and my thanks to all of you for the time you have taken to write me and remember and to post great thoughts about Virgil this past year. Christmas was Virgil's favorite time of the year. It was always spent at home and only with a few friends.
I saw his concert in 1971 at Murray(KY) State University. It was a brilliant performance. The "Jig Figue" was wonderful. And I took away from it a whole new appreciation for Charles Ives's "Variations on America." Remains one of the top five concerts I have seen in my lifetime.
This video was made in the public Auditorium in Saint Paul Minn. We filmed it for a TV call in show that was to provoke VF haters into calling in so Virgil was specially antagonistic to them,,just for the tv show. He was not like that ,,so overboard.
I wish to remind all our great friends that on May 3, 2012,,we will all celebrate Virgil Fox's 100th birthdate. Yes,,can you imagine. To mark this historic event I am asking all of you to write the the Post Office and ask them to now put out a special stamp. In 1981 I asked,,and they said they would but he needed to be "demised" longer,,so,,now please help,,lets all DO IT TOGETHER.
Thank you for your kind comments on our performance in St Pauls performed with Virgil Fox and David Snyders Revelation Lights. You are seeing only a part of our visually recorded performance created under not the best of conditions with low light levels. God Bless
This was recorded in New York City at the Fillmore East in December of 1970. The position of background light show give it away as compared to the Winterland and Fillmore West.
I don't think so. I think this was done much later. From what I can tell the light show is David Snyder's Revelation Lights, and not the Fillmore East Pablo Lights show.
Actually, the Fillmore concert was earlier, and the background was "Joe's Lights"...which was the "house band" for lighting at the time. David Snyder created a show specifically for Virgil shortly thereafter. It's really hard to say where this concert took place since there is almost no footage of the hall. I toured with Virgil as the technician responsible for the organ, and later the Royal V before he eventually left Rodgers and went to Allen. This is definitely David's light work...only he could make Metalman dance to the gigue.
ShandyHall Yes, you are absolutely correct. It was my Revelation Light Instrument that we performed with
+David Snyder Lumierist you are a master of light and timing ...Thank you so much for your great work.
Thank you most sincerely for your kind words. I deeply appreciate your words
@gforce2002 You just bet he does! Sorry for the highly edited presentation but considering how hard it was to record I' m glad we did it. Thanks for writing.
Blessings
I have this on vinyl and CD performed at Fillmore East in 1970. The liner notes said that it was an enthusiastic hard rock audience listening to a "square" performer playing ancient music, and mesmerizing them entire time. I also have his "Bach Organ Works" CD, and it has some of most beautiful Bach organ works ever recorded.
Happy 100th Birthday Virgil Fox!
Right you are. His 100th birthday is coming up. Virgil Keel Fox (born Princeton, Illinois May 3, 1912- died Palm Beach, Florida October 25, 1980)
Virgil Fox brought the music to the PEOPLE! We need Virgil Fox again TODAY NOW!
Today is May 3, the birthdate of Virgil Fox. Is it possible he has been gone now since 1980. When will the pain for the loss begin to abate. Thanks to all of you who remembered and contacted me today. Blessing to you all. Never forget,please!
David Snyder Lumierist /Revelation Lights, Heavy Organ Productions.
@Composerland Yes, and we need another Virgil Fox today. He is missed :(
I saw him play a 'Heavy Organ' at the Marin Center Theater (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright)in 1978, and the final piece was BWV 540, ablaze in smoke and lights while he disappeared into the floor.. It was rumored that he was on 'acid' during the concert -- I was just high on weed... But it was an AMAZING experience that I shall NEVER forget!!! He was a true and consummate artist, and I hope other musicians cherish his profound legacy...
@LorinTone "better than you or I"? He felt true Bach came from within,,from your spirit,not completely from your or my hands on a keyboard only, or in my case from my Clavalux. Thank God for the differences! Blessings
@ShandyHall
I believe with all my heart compliments and comments expressed comparing aspiring young artist to Virgil Fox are done with the best of intent,but I ask that we encourage these young people of great talent to be their own "very best". They should not be expected nor be asked to copy Virgil but to be creators of their own artistry. Stop comparing please,,, and start encouraging with positive suggestions. Enjoy them all for what they do as their own person not a copy of anyone.
Thank you soooo much for sharing this video!!!!!
We need another Virgil.
He's playing the Wedge fugue. One of my favorite ones.
Bravo! I love it. So inspirational....Why God takes people before their time I will never understand...truly this man will be remembered for generations to come.
I watched as he danced the jig Fugue in G.
Sure, I played it, but I could not dance it on the pedals when I was in my 20's. He did it in his fading years, and he kicked serious ass.
@eameece Not the gigue fugue but the wedge bwv 548 he's playing.
@Mr139Contax It is great to know there are so many people out there that obviously love the classical organ when played by an artist with virtuosity but it saddens me to see many trying to compare talented musicians to Virgil Fox, when indeed every artist be it Virgil, or others commented on ,is an artist in their own way .If you go to concerts only to compare rather than to soak in the message, one askes,are you missing the entire point of that individuals performance.? Respect every artist.
thanks to all who viewed our HEAVY ORGAN performances and have taken time to "remember" and then write. for all to share. I will say, despite all, theV F I worked with for 19 years was a man who loved his ladies and laughed with the boys!
That my friends is the truth,anything else is "notions and good reading material" penned in some cases by jealous wana-bee substance abusers. And that my friends is also the truth. (at least for 25 years I knew him and 19 that I worked with him)
Blessings
@DavidSnyderLumierist Thank you David. I love hearing your insights.
this video speaks for its self, a master !
Virgil Fox? Virgil ROCKS!
Nobody did the gigue fugue better.
@cheesehoven At 6:09 he is playing the Gigue Fugue.
@jgraif WOW, thats a sobering observation. I'm glad I found your note.
Get yourself an organ. They're abundant and either free or of little cost. You can get a full size organ with 25 or 32 pedals( like what Virgil Played), or you can get a spinet with 13 pedals. Some people get combo organs. In fact you'd be surprised at the big full sound that can come from a combo organ if it is going through a full range amplifier with good bass, or possibly even hooked to a Leslie ( rotary speaker cabinet, BTW THAT's what will grab you and keep you!). KEYBOARDS ARE NOT ORGANS
That is the Wedge fugue. BWV 548
Amazing Man
I think not. Many talented artists can play astoundingly well and Cameron is a self proclaimed athiest,,that puts him out. Right out despite his keyboard dexterity,which in fairness is astounding.
Does anybody know the end of the song The Great Fox played starting at 8:12 and ending at 9:10?
Toccata and Fugue in D minor.
Sorry ShandyHall. He's playing the end of the Fugue in C minor (aka - The Key of the Earth).
Josh H
You are absolutely correct!!!! I stand corrected. Silly me! Thanks!
I believe we do have a worthy & modern succcessor to Virgil:
Cameron Carpenter
I've been a fan for many years. I also saw this show in the early seventies and thought it was fantastic. I remember writing in a class journal that I felt it as a 'religious experience', and my otherwise liberal teacher at our parochial school expressed some concern :-) Probably not as brilliant an interpreter of Bach as Gould, but he had a similar spirit and he did make Bach come alive.
Say what you like. He brought organ music, and specifically, Bach to more people than anyone before or since. Surely everyone should be able to see the importance of, and the virtues of that. The sad part is, that once he was gone, there was no one "next in line" to step up and pick up where he left off. Plenty of wonderful organists, yes, but no one that had the infectious stage presence needed to pull off what Virgil did.
He was a good musician with the guts to say "To hell with what the purists think" and have the showmanship to get away with it. That's how I like him!
I agree!!!
Arguably the greatest organist of the 20th century. I believe his closest successor is Carlo Curley.
Can anyone tell me what piece he's playing at the beginning? I've never come across it before.
Hey, what is a "Nancy Boy". Never heard that phrase before.
You were at the last performance? I think we would all like to hear what that was like. Thanks.
Is that still the Wedge fugue at around 6:45, or if not, what is that piece? Thanks.
To all the naysayers: you have only to start at 4:50, wherein you will find yourself succinctly defined.
No, that is the Gigue Fugue. BWV 577
Cameron has chops and a very good performer. I'm glad he is doing what he is doing; hope he takes it further than Virgil. I saw Virgil's Heavy Organ concerts at least 4 times. No "classical" concert has gone to this extreme, yet. Disneyland has a ride that with smells and some mist sprayed onto you as you virtually fly around. A step in the right direction.
Virgil calling out the note pukers is spot on, even 40 years later. Check Carlo Curly, too. Musically artistic classical organ.
@Marksnotebook he was a master !
gwiezdne...
modern organ? i cant help thinking that he would have been using heavy technology... keyborards of all kinds, midi controlers n computers... HE WAS A GENIOUS, A MIND WITH NO LIMITS ;)
The classical organ "recital" (hate that word)was an odball event that appealed to 15 persinickety Nancy boys before Virgil, and since he's gone it's gone back to just that.
In the 60s and 70s, when Virgil was touring the organ actually went mainstream classical, and was enjoyed by symphony audiences the world over.
You girls can keep your oh-so-tasteful and "correct" (lifeless, mechanical, boring) playing.
Hi! Yes I know what you mean - the "correctness", like equal temperament, takes the colour out of life and makes it boring and as you say, it's really difficult to get audiences nowadays. I'm trying to get organists and audiences to buck the trend at Hammerwood Park in Sussex as we really need to get the organ, and classical music, back into the mainstream for the new generation before they get to be the nightclub generation. The organ bass is much cooler than any bass out of a nightclub.
Virgil Fox died in the 1980's
How can we like him?
He injected emotion and played Bach better than you or I can.
@Mr139Contax I know that this is a matter of taste, but I do not like Cameron's stuff at all. I prefer Carlo Curley. But of course, give me Virgil any day!
This man defiled bach - HOW CAN YOU LIKE HIM !!!!!
@crowman593
I just noticed your note my friend and I must say,you brought a tear to my eye. I am constantly humbled at folks such as you that remember Virgil so kindly and use what he taught you in your musical world. In the 17 years I worked closely with him, there were few days when, if one wished to,,they could not learn from this great man.
David Snyder, Lumierist.
Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production