"A WHITER SHADE OF PALE" - XAVER VARNUS PLAYS HIS OWN CONCERT HALL'S ORGAN WITH JOHNNY LAKE (GUITAR)

I dedicate this recording of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" to the loving memory of life long friend, the legendary Hungarian actress, Mari Törőcsik (1935-2021). Transcription of the 1967 Procol Harum song for organ and guitar, performed by guitarist Johnny Lake and Xaver Varnus on the Casavant Organ in his own concert hall in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia.
•●The Official Video Site of Concert Organist Xaver Varnus●•
Xaver Varnus' first piano teacher was Emma Németh, one of the last pupils of Debussy. He has played virtually every important organ in the world, including those in Bach's Thomaskirche in Leipzig (2014), Berliner Dom (2013), Notre-Dame (1981), Saint-Sulpice (2006) and Saint-Eustache (1996) in Paris, National Shrine in Washington, D.C. (1985), and Canterbury Cathedral (2004), as well as the largest existing instrument in the world, the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia (1985). His Quadruple Platinum Disc winning album "From Ravel to Vangelis" (SONY, 2007), is the best-selling organ CD ever. As a Canadian citizen, Xaver Varnus resides in Berlin, and in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia Peninsula, where he opened Varnus Hall in a 19th century church. "Put simply, Varnus is a monster talent, every bit as stimulating and individual as the late Glenn Gould" (The Globe & Mail, Canada's National Newspaper). "He is one of the most influential figure in organ music in the early twenty-first century." (Mark Wigmore, The New Classical FM, Canada).
The Varnus Organ Hall needs your help. We are asking the community's support to restoring and operating Varnus Hall, Canada's only private organ concert venue owned by Xaver Varnus, to provide a worthy home for organists, famous artists and young talent alike, from around the world to perform, and broadcast their concerts online. We are grateful to you if you can help our work with any donations. www.gofundme.c...
Booking & Enquiries:
[e-mail]
Soundtrack Post Editing: / kmrecordshangstudio

[@steventyreman3642]

Wonderful ,,,,what rendition of an all time great,,,love this ,played at my wedding to my beautiful lady Anna ❤ 😍 ♥ 💕

[@eugenegauggel1000]

I call it "Bach with a beat." Based on J.S.Bach's Air on a G-string. This song inspired me to study the pipe organ in the nearby church.

[@user-bw6uu3un9y]

I never knew a piece of music can communicate a message this clearly. The feeling of old memory, the emotions of missing someone who is dear... Sure was unexpected this piece on my way to work. Perhaps life is unexpected after all, for it is in the hand of God.

[@brunow.calabria786]

I was born in 1960, but not in the.US. however I have lived and breathe last echoes of the hippie movement and freedom and those wonderful era of creativity in music and... This is one of these.songs. It's so absurd to see what the world.has turned into. I'm a survivor, and is very painful to hear this song, it makes.me.sad and nostalgic

[@DocCrash]

Know the feeling

[@rimmersbryggeri]

This song is absurd. That's what makes it good.

[@margeryfeit8446]

Lovely version of the Procol Harum (English group), hit.

[@johnmcgarry9519]

We mourn with those who mourn. Still a wonder of the shared human experience

[@robertstubberud2427]

And with hope for a better and peaceful world!👏💖🙏

[@Railfan6675]

Nova Scotia has been blessed with this world famous organist. Welcome. Awesome rendition of Whiter Shade of Pale.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

They are not playing "amazing Grace."

[@nyulassybeatrix1948]

A "Sápadtabb árnyalatú" felvételt az egész életen át tartó barát, a legendás magyar színésznő, Törőcsik Mari (1935-2021) szeretetteljes emlékének szentelem. Az 1967-es Procol Harum orgona és gitár dalának átirata Johnny Lake gitáros és Xaver Varnus előadásában a Casavant Organon, saját koncerttermében, Brooklynban, Új-Skóciában. A szám eredeti címe : A halványabbnál is fehérebb árnyalat. Kislányként ez volt a kedvenc számom :(

[@Pipendreamer]

Play on Gentlemen. You are brilliant musicians. May God watch over you.

[@ritaarendt7327]

UNVERGÄNGLICHE MUSIK ! ES VERZAUBERT UND LÄSST TRÄUMEN VON EINER WUNDERBAREN FRIEDLICHEN WELT !

[@michaelodonnell6078]

This performance of a whiter shade of pale is superbly played, and is like a hymn of true beauty. Powerful.

[@dorisbubelova8683]

It´s so beautiful, it made me cry..

[@Patracat]

me too Gina in Australia

[@marikapelyvas7752]

Beautiful! Brought me peace into this crazy world and assured me that I’m not alone. Thank you!

[@etienneswart8700]

You are not alone 🇿🇦🥺

[@seniletravel7171]

Wow, what a beautiful, well said comment. I grew-up in the 60's and this, above all other songs of that era, speaks directly to my heart.

[@mariaburik6164]

This song is one of my favourit ones. It was interpreted by Annie Lenox too. Wonderful! Thank you!

[@fredwood1490]

A combination I never would have thought of, his mighty organ and a lowly guitar. We need to thank the third member of this group, the Engineer who shaped the power of the music to bring out the best of each and kept the one from swallowing the other. Awesome music, unforgettable!

[@mathewwrightman854]

Respecfully, who in gods name disliked this?? This was such a beautiful version of a song made for crying. Perfect!

[@etienneswart8700]

26 trolls 🥺

[@merlecharge6813]

Because it's not rap or grunge or whatever....

[@elderrobertv.fullersr.1739]

So true even with Proco Harum singing it, it's a classic 👍

[@randyhull7408]

@@josht.1317 In a way I agree with you. At least I would say the guitar should'nt overshadow the sound of the organ, which is without a doubt flawless.

[@ramilarteta6514]

@@josht.1317 Yes indeed, the guitar was awful.

[@anthonygreen5160]

Awesome. Wish someone would have the ballocks to play that on the organ at my church on a Sunday. (Church of Scotland) Raise a few eyebrows amongst the old dears!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I have passed by that church so many times in my youth... so great to see it's new use. Listening to that made my day.

[@londontoursandevents3714]

A beautiful substitution of the guitar for Gary Brooker's vocals, the guitar bringing out the full emotion. Great organ playing too. Bravo.

[@susanbrown822]

Beautiful!! Great way to highlight the freedom you have to play what you choose in your beautiful new church/concert venue, the excellent sound quality and beauty of the property, with adjacent body of water. An organist's paradise. Bravo!!

[@ddomotor66]

What a beautiful rendition Gary Brooker R.I.P.

[@stevecollier4741]

I've always loved this song and this version is totally mesmerising beautifully played lads

[@karolynefekete2498]

Egy csodálatos Művész egy csodálatos Művésznek...szívből jövö, mélyen megérintő.

[@davidherman29]

I just wanted you guys to play for ever, I absolutely love this tune, when I first heard as a child back in the early 70s it has stuck in a very special part of my mind. This performance is outstanding, wish I could give you a million likes. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marcogardois3678]

I just wanted you guys to play forever

[@SternDrive]

@@marcogardois3678 You seem to have stolen my name! What's with that? i did NOT say the above! Are you a troll, or did the computer glitch?

[@simontay4851]

Im a grown man of 37 and this made me cry. It reminds me of the scene from the film The boat that rocked, where it is sinking with records floating

[@joanneuhlman4249]

A long time favorite of mine! Wonderful tribute! Beautifully played!

[@user-eo5oy6lx5j]

this is the most beautiful version of the song I have ever heard

[@mariaszekely1668]

Simply wonderful!

[@bwmcelya]

Procol Harem created a masterpiece. Brings back fond memories. Well played gentlemen.

[@JDon280Z]

I could listen to this song over and over and over. One of the most Beautiful songs ever written. Excellent Job. Thank You.

[@organblower]

In 1968 I spotted a beautiful man on the other side of the dance floor of a smokey club. The DJ started to play this song and a moment later we were dancing. He is my husband now. This song has always evoked an emotional response from both of us. When we hear it on the radio a mischievous smile blossoms on our faces along with a twinkle in our eyes. I learned BWV 1068 a couple of years earlier. Registration imitates a B3 except for lack of key clicks and a Leslie spinning up. The resultant 32' is a nice touch. rainbow

[@1972scenic]

❤❤❤Greteengs from Poland.

[@organblower]

@@1972scenic thank you!

[@gasoranm.8449]

September 2023 😊

[@Longtack55]

That is a beautiful love story, and on that criterion alone you chose well. Whiter Shade can do that... Listen to Varnus playing Purcell's "Cold."

[@thomasmartin7425]

Organ blower? Bawahahaha! You have a great sense of humor too!

[@berylwhite2983]

May she rest in peace and never be forgotten! This beautiful piece will help!

[@robertk6ha]

That was wonderful, played at the right tempo. Always been a favorite when done right. Amazing

[@domenicocogo6809]

musica, contemplazione, preghiera, felicità! Grazie e complimenti

[@pmishke]

I always loved this song from the moment it came out way back in 1967. It’s one of those tunes that just makes you feel good every time I hear it. This is a wonderful version and so glad I found it. Thank You both !!!!!!

[@hughcrosby5705]

What a treat and to think this beautiful concert hall is only a few miles away from my home. Looking forward to attending a live concert. Great job guys and thankyou.

[@АлександрСтафиевских-с5д]

Xaver Varnus bravo good luck. Благодарю вас за исполнение прекрасной композиции удачи вам и вашим близким и здоровья.

[@Mike--WA7QZR]

Xaver, how blessed you are to have your own pipe organ. Words fail me.

[@martasimon5820]

Szuper zenei együttes Ügyesek kedvesek és aranyosak vagytok Öszintén gratulálok

[@chas0353]

Just a beautiful peaceful place. Love to all all

[@zoltanneszabo2717]

Törőcsik Mari most is él és mosolyog, ne feledje, most is mosolyog, Onnét is mosolyog Önre és szereti!!! Csurog a könnyem.

[@zsoszabo7188]

Nem biztos, hogy rá mosolyog. Ő sosem hagyta volna el a hazáját.

[@paulspalace]

Way past my bedtime, but keep finding another video that draws me to stay a little longer.

[@carlosc.garzajr.9699]

Bless all the who are in a better place than, we are. Some way may we meet again. ❤

[@parkinsonalzheimer]

The best song ever , wonderful rendition

[@mattevans5812]

beautiful. tears and chills. I need less of social media and more of this

[@martenskamiz3318]

Panowie... Genialne wykonanie..absolutny the best i sztos w internecie❤❤❤❤❤ pozdrawiam serdecznie z pięknej i niepodległej Polski...❤❤❤❤🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱👍👍👍👍 Cóż za ciarki i emocje...jesteście najlepsi❤ Dziekuje ....

[@merlecharge6813]

Aaahhh easy listening just beautiful 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍👍👍👍👍

[@harleycharley8323]

Well done…a classical rendition…both artists add their emotions and create a lovely atmosphere.

[@empressoftheknownuniverse]

Entrancing, hauntingly beautiful. Thank you. 😓

[@organgoesheavy]

I love it, the impact of this performance is incredible. The guitar stays calm with the main theme, but the organ is full of emotion😍

[@jphilology7357]

Xaver Varnus is my favorite organist of all time, since first listening to his work many years ago. Thank you!

[@margeryfeit8446]

Beautiful version, I hope Procol Harum has heard it.

[@pauljonkman6368]

Thanks Both of You very much . This performance of a nostalgic piece touched my soul.

[@archiesbaby3181]

Absolutely heavenly! Thank you!

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

No, "Amazing Grace" is.

[@chrissiewilken41]

EXCELLENT Performance!

[@philipdagley9547]

Two great talents . glad to have you both here in our community . Enjoyed very much. thank you.

[@fjpepin3047]

Varnus lets the organ sing. Splendid!

[@chas0353]

Absolutely emotionally moving and just beautiful version of this classic song . Take care and love goes to you all. Charles from Sydney, Australia

[@debsg2024]

Um dos mais bonitos arranjos que já ouvi desta linda música. Parabéns! Tocaram maravilhosamente bem. 🙌🙌🙌🙌👏👏👏👏👏❤️🥰

[@ОлегА-ч4о]

Очень красивая и проницающая музыка, спасибо большое за удовольствие!

[@scottnyc6572]

One of my favorite songs.Great job with both organ and guitar!!Thank You!!

[@chasea.williams6025]

I play this all the time. Love it!

[@s1nd3r3llee]

Beautiful! Will listen and watch it again! Thank you. Made my evening much nicer, here in the southeastern US.

[@MgrMJ]

Listened to it during my first cup of coffee of the day. I didn't finish even my cup, best start up is music I can tell you. Thank you Xaver!

[@christianodelamarta9553]

Uau! Maravilhoso! Incrível! Fantástico! Simplesmente lindo!

[@TheMagnitudo]

absolutely stunning interpretation ❣️

[@adriennebeecker5000]

An beautiful combination for an exceptional piece of subtle music. Very well suited.for the organ which it was originally composed for, I think. Keep your excellent music coming Xaver Varnus on your Cassavante. You are a GENIUS!!

[@Anna-yq2vg]

Non immaginavo......felice di aver ascoltato, grazie

SUPER!!!

[@barryfrazer4304]

I have adored this song since its release when I was 9 years old. I stumbled into this version when listening to Gert Van Hoef, and this has simply left me stunned! Amazing understanding of the piece. Best wishes to you all from Northern Ireland.

[@andreagregor8203]

Izgalmas a gitár és orgonajáték ! Nagyon klassz ! Köszönöm !!!!!!❤

[@Marjorie-yt7pb]

❤incredible . Many Thanks !

[@randyhull7408]

I do believe that this is my favorite piece of music. It is hard to describe the feelings that come over me while listening to this.

[@КатяУшакова-г6о]

Добрый вам вечер Уважаемый Автор этого замечательного видео спасибо вам огромное за это прекрасное видео и дай вам бог крепкого здоровья счастья и успехов с Уважением К вам Катя Ушакова!!!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@garlandbrooks2630]

A beautiful match between the registration chosen for the organ and the quality of the guitar's sound....

[@samuelhelmlinger9588]

Magnifique , merci

[@margitkovacs6637]

Sono rimasta seduta per ascoltarla..la sua musica entra nel cuore 💖

[@mihalynemelkvi6519]

Csodálatos, és mélyen megható. 😢 Köszönöm!

[@davedyson4730]

Just a few seconds in I can honestly say how beautiful and moving you both played this piece. Thank you.

[@elderrobertv.fullersr.1739]

WOW!!!! One of my favorite pieces played on the Hammond, but first time on the Pipe Organ!!! Excellent 👍🎼🎵🎶🎹🎹🎹 The sound of flowing waters are very soothing and relaxing. Thank you!

[@ernosoltesz8501]

Marvelous and beautiful crosstalk. "Fehérebb mint a sápadtság."

[@Valerius7711]

Я родился в Донбассе. В городе Горловка. Мне очень нравится с самого раннего детства органная музыка. Господи, молю тебя, воцари на земле нашей благоденствия,мир и покой!!!

[@ssippishark]

Fantastic!

[@lesleyel-banawy1685]

This has always been my favourite song since I was 16 years old and I am now 70 I absolutely love it….I must admit I adore this version and think it most beautiful. It is a song that I have considered being used for my own funeral and now I have heard this version I have taken the details, Simply beautiful.

[@manuelyamaha55]

Bravo!!!!!!!!!! beautiful performance of one of the most beautiful musical themes where the sound of the organ stands out without which it would never have become what it is. ( Created in 1968 by the organist of Procol Harum, who was not recognized as an author by the singer and pianist of that musical group who recorded the song in his name and collected royalties due to the organist who had to go to court and sue him until he won the trial in 2007, a pity that such a beautiful work was tarnished by the greed of the singer and pianist, my most energetic repudiation of that person). Congratulations to the young man who plays that beautiful pipe organ and to the guitarist who plays the melody. Greetings from Argentina. ( Some thought that this music is based on the : Aria for the 3* string of J. S : Bach, nothing more wrong because neither the melody nor the chords are similar. )

[@lam4704]

Beautiful!!!💝

[@martasimon5820]

Köszönöm megtisztelő kedves figyelmességedet nagyon szép hangversenyt tettél föl ma reggel

[@amangogna68]

Great music with your fantastic playing and beautiful video !

[@MrPeter3011]

my alltime No.1 in Rock-Pop-Musik...it has the spirit of J.S. BACH........

[@zbynekzahradnik5103]

Not just the spirit - the melody is JSB, from BWV 1068: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paK4ZaV8lN6mh9E

[@anthonygreen5160]

Beautiful version of it.

[@frzbtt168]

Great performance. Thanks!

[@brunomattarello8991]

Melodia affascinante ,conciliante il raccoglimento e la meditazione.Ottimo abbinamento organo-chitarra.

[@vulgivagu]

Wonderful piece of music and wonderfully played. It was written for the amazing Hammond organ and its Leslie speakers but this is the next best thing.

[@su-anemerald]

Beautiful. 😍

[@oscarcaviglia5640]

This was the John Lennon most favorite song, he used to say what it really is "a real master work". This performance made it with the acoustic pipe organ it reveals how great is the composition. I am amazed, great musicians, excellent recording. Bravo!!

[@ronmontgomery3622]

Wonderful...!

[@manoscott2012]

Deeply moving. A beautiful tribute.

[@cofeebeing]

Bach's Air on G String as introduced to many of us with Gary Brooker's "Whiter shade...". All good. Oh and welcome, Mr. Varnus also to my new home of Nova Scotia. Bach, I always loved. Nova Scotia, after two years? If not love, so far rates a solid like. Thanks, Xaver Varnus. Thanks, Johnny Lake.

[@jamesparker6017]

Coral Gables Florida 🌴🇺🇸 USA Very nice arrangement of a great song. 👍 Beautiful countryside also. 🏄

[@georgeleermakers7467]

7 Jhr. Humphrey: This is the absolute combinatie organist and brilliant gitaarspel. Merci

[@laszlonelovasz7715]

Minden este megnézem. gyönyörű a zene, és persze a háttér amit tudunk a történetről, gondolom Marika is meghallgatja minden este, és nagyon boldog, ez annyira szép.

[@mikeschneider901]

That was really sweet - Percy Sledge closed out a show at the college I did lighting for with that song . . . and it was brilliant.

[@brandonchaffin5599]

It moved me to tears! I've always loved this song!

[@Green4321]

This music stirs up so many memories. I'm 72 years old and can so clearly remember the loves and losses of my youth.