🎵 An ORGAN RECITAL from GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL by Jonathan Hope (Bach, Elgar & Vierne)

Gloucester Cathedral's Assistant Director of Music Jonathan Hope gives an Organ Recital on the Cathedral's INCREDIBLE organ!!
00:00 | Introduction from Richard
JS Bach - Prelude and Fugue in G BWV 541
00:52 | Prelude
03:58 | Fugue
08:42 | Welcome and introduction to Froissart
10:49 | Elgar - Froissart Overture (arr. J Hope)
26:26 | Introduction to Vierne's 2nd Organ Symphony
28:58 | Allegro
37:13 | Choral
45:49 | Scherzo
50:47 | Cantabile
1:00:29 | Final
1:09:10 | Final words from Jonathan
1:10:09 | Behind the scenes
A huge thank you to Jonathan for being so accommodating and for his brilliant company. Thank you also to Adrian Partington and the entire team at Gloucester Cathedral for allowing me to capture this wonderful organ and cathedral over a few days. It was so much fun!
The cost of putting this concert together, along with Virtual Church, is in excess of £400 so please consider helping towards these costs if you enjoyed the Recording Gloucester series. Thank you.
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#richardmcveigh #beautyinsound

[@davidbriggs6375]

This is absolutely fantastic. Wonderful playing, fabulous production - and the organ sounds a million dollars... unique! 😎

[@beautyinsound]

Thanks David, I was really hoping that you’d approve! 😃

[@georgerobey9360]

@@beautyinsound ... and David Briggs should know!!!

[@caroline.balfour]

Richard’s day has just been made 😀

[@christiandiaz466]

Increíble 😊!!!! Muchas gracias!!!!!

[@ds1868]

@David Briggs The organ builders Nicholsons have removed all the pipework from this instrument and the pipes have been melted down. The exception are the case pipes which date from the 17th century. So the Gloucester Cathedral organ shown here no longer exists. The brand new organ is due to be completed in 2026.

[@stylusfantasticus]

I really love those cracked overwritten score pages and the destroyed shoes which speak absolutely about the time, dedication and perfectionism of this brilliant organist whose only interest is to make music getting rid of all personal vanity.....Thanks!

[@ds1868]

For those interested, the organ builders Nicholsons have removed all the pipework from this instrument and the pipes have been melted down. The exception are the case pipes which date from the 17th century. So the Gloucester Cathedral organ shown here no longer exists. As such this demonstration is a useful historical record of the instrument before its destruction. The brand new organ is due to be completed in 2026.

[@stevewatkins1221]

As a young lad, I grew up in Worcester. Every week, on way to and from piano lessons I cycled past Worcester cathedral (where Elgar was once the head organist). I often wondered how Elgar would have worked out his masters on the organ in Worcester cathedral. This performance answered my boyhood question perfectly, thank you Richard for capturing this magic performance. The way Jonathan arranged this piece, and steps through the registers to recreate the orchestration with such effect and detail, I have never heard to that level before. Truly brilliant and absolutely astounding!!!

[@quickfoxxes]

The visits to the cathedral have always been wonderfully impressive. The superlatives Richard has used in his commentary are not hype. The whole of this experience has been truly significant. As others have commented below, the whole effort between Jonathan and Richard in this collaboration brings joy to the heart and spirit. Our listening and watching, even vicariously, will continue to lift the mind from the mundane and preoccupations we endure. Thank you, thank you indeed. DJordan Knoxville, TN

[@maureendaniel-braveboy1835]

👏🏽👏🏽Jonathan was in command of the organ. The recital exuded confidence and grandeur at least to me. Lovely.👏🏽👏🏽Thank you Richard and team.

[@domila5316]

What an organ. WHAT A CATHEDRAL!!! Great Vierne 2nd Symphony and AMAZING BWV541 by Bach.

[@jerrymartin79]

This is an absolutely stunning production. Thank you Richard, Thank you Jonathan, and thank you to all at Gloucester who made this possible. The performance and musical selection is absolutely top notch. The recording fidelity (both video and audio) is completely immersive and so incredibly exciting. I cannot believe I can just tune into this whenever I want. BRAVO!!!!!!

[@robertfovargue636]

Jerry you're so right! I, for one, keep returning for extra helpings. Absolute luxury! Jonathan's playing is superb.

[@keithdavies6316]

Great organ works played by Johnathan Hope I've enjoyed it tremendously thank you Richard McVeigh for allowing Johnathan to give the recital

[@grahamtwist]

A fabulous recital by Jonathan Hope. I particularly enjoyed hearing the Elgar which I thought worked wonderfully well on this organ with Jonathan's skillful registration (he certainly knows this organ so well!). I read some comments which questioned how the microphones had been placed and suggested that the sound recorded would not be true to anywhere a person might be located in the building. Well, the same 'criticism' can be levelled against the sample sound organs we enjoy via Hauptwerk . . . and most professional recording companies will position microphones high in a Cathedral (even if only stereo) where you could only be positioned if you had angel wings to lift you into the space! You clearly went to a lot of trouble, Richard, to give us a 'mix' in the final edit that enabled us to hear the very best of the organ . . . and for that, you are to be congratulated and thanked!

[@beautyinsound]

Thanks Graham - appreciate your comment. A lot of work went into these Gloucester videos, but I enjoyed every single minute of it (apart from when one of my SD cards ran out of memory, and when one of my cameras was out of focus for an entire take meaning Jonathan had to redo it. Supper was on me that night!).

[@jamesquinnpianist]

I've had the great honour of playing on this organ before for a few concerts in the recent years as well as last night when I had an organ lesson with the DofM (Adrian P) throughout the last 2 years. I count myself very lucky to know Jonathan during his stay with us as the Assistant Organist, a very fine gentleman and an amazing organist.

[@diannemills5594]

As requested Richard I found this recital and am listening to it Monday evening just after VC. Think this is my 3rd time. Love it.😊 Absolutely wonderful to listen back. Blessings from New Zealand 🇳🇿.

[@timdaugherty5921]

My grandmother was married in that space in 1934!! great place!!! Love the organ

[@barbaraives4962]

Thank you, Jonathan and Richard, for this outstanding recital. It's wonderful to keep discovering such treasures in the BIS oeuvre. Musically, aurally, visually thrilling.

[@jakeallinson]

Wow. There's never been a better time to hear Bach played live, but Mr Hope's Bach was absolutely superb. So crisp, buoyant articulation...and this organ really lifts it! Bravo.

[@markcooke729]

Just glorious! I've grown to love this organ over the decades and it just thrills me to hear it! A HUGE heads up to David Briggs for getting it all in place I think!

[@RobCharles1981]

I really enjoyed this Richard a fantastic sound! And loved the "behind the scenes" moments too! 😃

[@johnsilverton639]

I do not care what anyone says. This is one of the greatest organs in Europe. The sound it makes is sublime.

[@beautyinsound]

I love it too - it's very exciting when going at full pelt. The flutes are gorgeous!

[@charleshines844]

Thanks Jonathan & Richard for the platform on U Tube-smashing performance .

[@Denis-zb5pf]

Just imagining being in The Cathedral..be an amazing experience absorbing one's self with the sweet gentleness to the robust loudness..Just takes my breath away. So appreciate the ability of a Master Organist such a gift.

[@parisoncourt]

Glorious!! hats off to both of you for a spectacular event.

[@pj1473]

Brilliant playing. Especially enjoyed the Elgar Froissart Overture

[@gordonstevenson9197]

Absolutely wonderful concert. Fantastic playing and pieces. A truly inspiring organ. Many thanks.

[@benjaminknuf6258]

I have had the privilege to not only sing here but to play a bit on this amazing organ. Granted, I was about 12 years old, but this is, hands down, the most physically, artistically, and musically beautiful instruments I have ever played. DID YOU SEE THOSE PAINTED PIPES!?! By all the Gods, I love this place and this instrument! Thank you, Richard, for the nostalgia. Ben Knuf - AGO (semi-member)

[@martym61]

Wonderful recital on a fantastic organ! Especially enjoyed the Elgar. Thank you Jonathan.

[@camilloflaim8933]

I understand the meaning of these 541 because to me composer- organist.

[@bobmartin9018]

Richard, This recital is So Amazing to. see this talented Organist performed Magic .A big Thank You too everyone involved.,and of course the Composiers.

[@charleshines844]

thanks to adrian also for the support he gives to all genres musical at Gloucester.

[@gminor680]

Well, that really lifted my Friday night in! Many thanks for the stunning playing and beautifully clear recording.

[@tomparsons6177]

Very well done. Thank you and keep up your good work

[@kenrickmervine4979]

Particularly enjoyed your Vierne intro and performance! Congratulations on splendid playing!

[@garydb]

Just amazing

[@robertfovargue636]

Your performance of the Bach is sensational - wonderful tempo; just feels perfect (have listened to this countless times - so inspirational). Brilliant recital.

[@Marco-Lo-Muscio]

Fantastic concert and video recording! BRAVO dear Jonathan!!

[@calvinrichardjoness]

Great organMusic and visuals of the church... Perfect one.. absolutely loved it 😍

[@stephenmills6117]

Great recital on a great sounding organ!

[@zbigniewnykiel]

Maybe Can you talk to Piotr and make one of English organ to hauptwerk?

[@diannemills5594]

Enjoyed watching this again.

[@MarcelMangnus]

Wonderful footage from 0:50 to 2:20! Very impressive.

[@carolynclark1724]

Beautiful performance Jonathan!

[@user-be8wr4jj1q]

Супер видео ! ! ! 🙂

[@billraty14]

I watched this and enjoyed it greatly, but was so rude not to comment earlier. The Bach is fresh and lively, played on an instrument with a principal chorus much like a Silbermann, but better. The Elgar is splendid. The Vierne outstanding, especially the Allegro during what I call the "stewing sewing machine" at 32:24, and the pedal reeds are eerily like genuine Cavaille-Coll. Such a blessing to capture this instrument so well with a wonderful performance.

[@beautyinsound]

Thanks Bill! 😊

[@dahnemann1]

Brilliantly played, Jonathan! Richard, you have really outdone yourself with this one. Between the incredible filming and the spectacular sound, you have shown yourself to be quite the master of recording events like this. Can't wait for the next one!

[@beautyinsound]

Thank you! Where should we go next??

[@georgerobey9360]

@@beautyinsound Durham

[@EmeraldPixelGamingEPG]

Nice to see a Neo Classical Organ, especially considering the rarity of them in the UK seemingly

[@bcurt47]

Impressive steady-cam work! 0.

[@RachyRooM]

Amazing music! From Harry G (age 6.5)

[@katrinaclinton2143]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽♥

[@bluefunkybassman]

Incredible! The Elgar was an absolute triumph! And what an amazing job you did with the audio, Richard! I was using my most critical headphones and this is just stellar work.

[@bluefunkybassman]

Btw, Richard, I had the same YT problem that someone else reported. In the Elgar, I got an ad starting when Jonathon was halfway through the last page 😬

[@beautyinsound]

When did that happen Steve? I’ve checked my ad settings, and there definitely isn’t an advert placed mid-piece. How odd! I’m sorry about that!

[@bluefunkybassman]

@@beautyinsound no worries! I unfortunately wasn’t able to catch the premiere live, so this was when I was watching last night. I suspect this was a temporary KZbin gremlin which hopefully won’t arise again

[@robertmartin5494]

Richard, If you would please tell your Organist here Johnathan, his second selection is Marvelous, Outstanding, etc. This the way the piece should sound. Many Thanks Bob Martin

[@beautyinsound]

Glad you enjoyed it! This recording has accidentally turned out to be the final 'proper' recording of this organ before its restoration!

[@robertmartin5494]

@@beautyinsound Thank You for your rapid response. Have you noticed during last few minutes grand finale KZbin commercial seeks in. FYI.

[@djturbo88]

Excellent playing on a truly marvelous instrument! I did some research on it and found the PDF with the guidelines for visiting organists...mind you, I'm mostly self trained; that lecture gave me a mild headache. Are the rules/regulations just as strict at other major cathedrals in the UK or is it just the folks at Gloucester that maybe went a little bit overboard? 😂

[@CONSTANTINS]

I read them too, what a funny and thrilling reading! But I'm afraid these guidelines are pretty much the same in all cathedrals !

[@beautyinsound]

I haven’t seen the guidelines. What is it about the guidelines that stands out so much to you? As Constantin says, I suspect that they’re fairly similar to other cathedral organs here in the UK.

[@djturbo88]

@@beautyinsound I found a 15-page PDF; looks like the practice times are very limited and they have pretty strict guidelines as to which stops may or may not be used. Most of it does make sense considering that it's a massive cathedral with a busy schedule; it just makes me wonder how does one get around to practicing/setting up registrations for a recital with so many guidelines/restrictions in place. I ran into similar situations here in the USA but I've also had the chance to play on some truly magnificent pipe organs with minimal supervision (basically I was free to let loose on full organ). P.S.: listening to virtual church as I'm typing this comment. It does sound absolutely wonderful!

[@beautyinsound]

Ah I see. So for people giving concerts, they’ll be given access to the organ (usually) the night before once the cathedral is closed. This means they can make as much noise as they want - a little like the 2 evenings I had in there last week with Jonathan. During the day, it’s common to have a practice slot early in the morning and late afternoon. Most cathedrals will allow quiet practice during the day, often only allowing the organist to use a single flute as to not disturb the various guide tours. With regards to what stops are allowed to be used, this will be a guidance to visiting organists playing for services. It’s quite common for someone who isn’t overly experienced at playing large organs like this to play too loudly in a service, therefore ruining the experience for the congregation, clergy and choir. Guidelines like this are essential in places like this due to the complexities of the cathedral itself, and of the organ.

[@djturbo88]

@@beautyinsound I didn't realize that they allowed late night practice. I've always found something awe-inspiring about playing/practicing in an empty sanctuary. I've seen videos of Olivier Latry going into Notre Dame after all the lights were out and all the tourists were gone and I kept thinking to myself: 'that looks like it would be a lot of fun!' Looking forward to the following recitals and I'm also curious about the new BIS console! Best wishes!

[@peterallison5021]

Fantastic performance and fantastic recording... now to shoes, we need to get a crowd funding project going to get poor Johnathan a new pair (am joking.....)

[@saralamb8437]

A good polishing would work wonders!

[@MrKmoconne]

He used the word infamous which means a negative. Famous would be the positive usage. Are the acoustics good or bad? Sounds good to me!

[@bengunn99]

Yes I noticed that too.

[@parisoncourt]

I just had to cast it to the telly to make use of my 5.1 and sub

[@beautyinsound]

Wooo I bet it sounded good with your sub!!

[@parisoncourt]

@@beautyinsound I moved a bit if dust around

[@beautyinsound]

Very glad to hear it! It was my intention to capture just how awesome this organ sounds and I’m pleased with the results.

[@jakeallinson]

I noticed the console has, for want of a better description, double key-cheeks at the treble end. Are they designed to come out if they expand the compass to top-C?

[@beautyinsound]

lol, I think that was an error on the builder’s part when it was made! They assumed the keyboards went up to top-C rather than A!

[@jakeallinson]

@@beautyinsound oops. I wouldn't admit the mistake if it was me 😉

[@TurtleFL]

32 foot stops are always great (if in tune.) Every organ should have a couple. Dozen. A couple dozen

[@beautyinsound]

There are a few cathedral organs in this country (in generous acoustics) which have 2 32' reeds, and the effect is incredible!

[@raynere4154]

Hi

[@beautyinsound]

Hi!

[@Comedy_bangla9]

New friend

[@peterwakeman9930]

Not my taste of music

[@beautyinsound]

Fair enough. What is your taste?

[@jgh548]

And answer there came none… unsurprisingly!