Angels we have heard on high

Hymn: Angels we have heard on high (tune: Gloria). Sung at the preparation of the gifts at the Solemn Mass on Christmas Eve 2011. The choir of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, James Kennerley, Organist and Music Director. The improvisation towards the middle of the hymn covers the preparation of incense, which is offered to the ministers of the assembly and the congregation.

[@tannerwinchester]

And….12 years later we are all back watching this video. Such an incredible improvisation!! This improvisation truly paints the picture of that humble manger becoming the very throne of our Lord and Savior!

[@alexbreitler9048]

I watch this every Christmas

[@renegadeoflife87]

Long ago when the world was in a better place, this song was the absolute height of christmas eve mass. The organist and choir would really open up and glimpse the heavens. And the old bell tower would ring out, barely heard through the amazing music.

[@TheFab905]

Finally, an organist who doesn't leave empty spaces in the celebration but knows how to fill them properly. Bravo!

[@greggrant8213]

Love when you blow the dust out of it during the improvisation!! All of it beautifully played!!

[@SoggySandwich80]

I tried going tutti once and the bombarde ciphered out on me

[@contrabombarde1216]

this is without a doubt the best version of this song I have ever found. The improvisation interlude is nothing short of heaven. Magnificent performance, simply magnificent.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear James; You transported us form "Angels we have heard on high" to being among those who are singing with the angels. Congratulation upon your wonderful improvisational skills. Would love to hear more of your compositions. Sincerely, CVD

[@marvinarayasancgez5411]

Excelente organista. 👌

[@WINCHANDLE]

He really ROCKS during the between verse improvisation. One can fly all over the place during these improvisations. The hard part is to get back to the hymn and give the congregation a discern-able cue that the next verse is about to start.

[@DanielLight]

Seven years later, I'm still listening to this awesome improvisation. LOOOVE IT!

[@rholbrook0587]

Seeing this just makes me yearn for the heavenly worship that is to be! (So well done on so many levels). Bravo & thanks from a new subscribing fan from TN.

[@wljmrbill]

Nicely done my friend. I have been in those same shoes( so to say) in Liturgical churches whether it be Bishops problems,unexpected timing issues,larger congregations than expected etc etc week after week in my playing days. Most people do not realize what you may have to come up with to keep the service flowing smoothly. THey are lucky to have you as their organist. Blessings to you !

[@BostonBum15]

Wow, very French on that improvisation! Roth and Latry would approve I'm sure

[@joshuaalexander228]

Lol!!! I bet that congregation probably wasn't expecting to get a full organ recital right smack in the middle of their hymn!! 😂🤣 They're probably all standing there like...."ummmm...are we done... or...."

[@jameskennerley]

(cont...) The thurifer processes up and down the main aisle of the church (which is almost a New York City block long), and all of this takes time (about 7 minutes!) You'll see me looking in the mirror to the top left of the console, which allows me to see what's happening down in the church. Remember that this is very much out of context of the rest of the service. I suggest attending a service if you're ever in NYC. It's an incredible building and instrument to witness in the flesh.

[@josephbrandtner7713]

Only if you're playing it!

[@josephbrandtner7713]

Who is the organ builder? stats?

[@larikipe940]

Joseph, it's an Aeolian-Skinner. Click here for a full history and spec list: www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/StMaryVirgin.html

[@alwellus]

Perhaps a longer hymn should have been implemented for the required time.

[@JB-hh3tk]

@@alwellus perhaps you should zip it and mind your own business.

[@SuperLQQK]

I've listened to this over the years dozens of times and it keeps getting better and better.

[@MattLums02]

Incredibly talented organist that we could all learn AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT from!

[@CrashandTrash596]

Beautifully played, sir. Glory to God.

[@billh2527]

It is interesting - the Monday morning quarterbacks offer their side arm chairs and not present to witness the glory, interaction of these pieces of worship, meant to stir the soul of those present. How easy it is for those of us to break-down and offer side comments. Mr. Kennerly - Well Done!

[@グーキBugsBunny]

Bill H

[@hdbikerfl1]

One of the most talented and gifted of organists! May God bless and godspeed your career! Thank you for sharing your talent wit us!

[@TommyH1975]

my favorite Christmas Hymn! Played beautifully. Gave me goose bumps! Kudos James!!!

[@nancyhobson9710]

One of my favourites too. Goose bumps indeed!

[@mortonbelcher]

Greetings! I listen to this hymn often during Advent, Christmas, and the beginning of the New Year. I hope you can upload other hymns (with the choir) of different church seasons. Although you are not at Smokey Mary's, any church that invites you to be their Director of Music will be very blessed with wonderful music, I'm sure...

[@Richard-vq7ud]

Incredible. I cant even come close to playing like that, but hearing it makes me so grateful to be an organist for almost 50 years, since i was in 5th grade.

[@bryttafitzgibbons6901]

Wow

[@foxred1988]

3:20 Lit up the torch. WOOOOOOOOO

[@accousticdecay]

SHAZAMM! What an IMPROV!! I baby-cried on the last verse! Oh, what a service that must have been!

[@edoardofanfani809]

Who's watching this during coronatide-Advent? Would sell a kidney to get some of this at Christmas...

[@bryttafitzgibbons6901]

I am

[@jameskennerley]

@dorianmodify. Thanks for your comments. The choir is being conducted by someone out of the picture, hence my lack of direction. I understand your confusion - it would seem that I get a little carried away with the improvisation. What's missing, of course, is what's happening down in the church itself, which is what the music is of course accompanying. Saint Mary's is a church in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, and so incense is used to bless the congregation at this point in the service (cont...

[@10amc26]

Chester Izzy it’s called feeling the music as u play.This fellow is a truly blessed musician

[@iSNARK]

Nice Improv! Another Olivier Latry in the making! BMP

[@Mr05241948]

Skillfully done on a beautiful pipe organ

[@lucaslatino796]

This is one of my fave carols... Thumbs up for Mr.Kennerley

[@nancyhobson9710]

God speaks in spirit and in music, too, I am sure

[@chen0466]

Wow, Mr. Kennerley - the Church of St Mary is privileged to have you serve as their organist. I liked your improv very much! Your changes in registration are seamless. I'm curious - the beginning sounds like a romantic-era registration with 16' in the manuals. Is that correct? I've not heard this carol with that type of registration but you handled it well. It also seems like you have a million thoughts racing through your mind as you're playing. Is that so? What kind of thoughts go through your mind when you know you've got a difficult improv upcoming and you're on the first verse of the hymn? Aeolian-Skinner with French reeds? Awesome! The pedal division sounds amazing.

[@liamcummings5341]

I liked the use of the swell division.

[@michaelwolf7280]

Wow, fantastic!!

[@robmarais]

Wow, one of the most impressive voluntaries on a hymn I have ever heard.

[@davenamanda]

Brilliantly played on a magnificent instrument. I am totally in awe of this piece of music, particularly the improvisation. If you are not moved after hearing this, I don't know what will. Very powerful and full of emotion.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

He has a lot of FIRE!!!!! iMPRESSIVE!!!!!

[@mrstevebournias]

Glorious G Donald Harrison Aeolian-Skinner ; the FIRST ever with ALL French-type Chorus Reeds--1932; the Swell chorus reeds were originally going to be in the Bombarde division eventually; but they never traveled over there; they are of the larger shallot desigb #2 French Aeolian-Skinner voiced by the renowkned Oscar Pearson of Aeolian-Skinner in 1932.

[@josephlittle-organist]

James Kennerly This is Fabulous!! Beautifully and expertly rendered! How did you do it? Can you break the structure for me?

[@charlesdavis7087]

Unforgettable... but I keep listening to this wonderful creation over and over again. Wow.

[@mrstevebournias]

what a refined organ tone

[@simonnicklin1313]

Absolutely terrific... thank you for sharing this. A beautiful church, with outstanding music. Wonderful.

[@mudgebauer]

Is this church St. Mary the virgin in New York City, San Francisco, or Podunk¿ Excellent playing. It would have been nice to show the sanctuary during the music to see what was going on in the mass at the time.

[@skyeyez101]

Fantastic, magnificent, unique. Beautifully done!

[@addisairving9333]

I like to sing this in church on Christmas eve and day

[@james.flores]

I came back to watch this video for inspiration in 2020. Like if you agree.

[@cnsedgwick]

Beautiful. The tradition of powerful hymn improvisation continues. All the best to you.

[@NihilNominis]

Everyone is vested except you? It would sound better if you were wearing a surplice, trust me! ;-) (as if it could).

[@rebekah6920]

Angels we have heard on high 1, Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains, Gloria, In excelsis deo , Gloria, In excelsis deo , 2, Shepherd's why this jubilee Why your joyous strains prolong What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song Gloria, In excelsis deo , Gloria, In excelsis deo , 3, Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth The angels sing: Come, adore on bended Christ the Lord, The newborn king Gloria, In excelsis deo , Gloria, In excelsis deo , 4, See within a manger laid Jesus, Lord of heaven and Earth Gloria, In excelsis deo , Gloria, In excelsis deo , 5, Mary, Joseph, lend your aid With us sing our Savior's birth Gloria, In excelsis deo , Gloria, In excelsis deo ,

[@dreadnaught90]

Incredible playing! Bravo sir.

[@hudsonbailey674]

Indeed, Christmas is twice celebrated. Magnificent!

[@jameskennerley]

@dorianmodify. Thanks for your comments. The choir is being conducted by someone out of the picture, hence my lack of direction. I understand your confusion - it would seem that I get a little carried away with the improvisation. What's missing, of course, is what's happening down in the church itself, which is what the music is of course accompanying. Saint Mary's is a church in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, and so incense is used to bless the congregation at this point in the service (cont...)

[@njn3]

i love that you got "carried away" with the improvisation... my favorite part of the video... I've recorded some videos at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine... and the organist there does similar improvs when the thurifer is sensing the congregation.. I love it!

[@Dansorganmusic]

James, what recording equipment was used to record this? (microphones, cameras, etc.). It sounds great through my speakers and headphones. Great playing!

[@joseanquiles]

Wonderful improvisation!

[@alantharvey8237]

Would be nice if you had named the city in which this beautiful Christmas music is played, in the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Not everybody knows where James Kennerley is Organist and Music Director.

[@MVR326]

Mr. Kennerley,, I'm overwhelmed at your playing !! As a former pianist, there is no doubt that your heart and soul is being poured into this.. I would love to hear you perform some Bach, in particular some of the Toccata and Fugues .. Please keep me informed.

[@alfasonn]

Brilliant playing! I have subscribed.

[@speedstick77]

Hmmmm....... not much doubt as to why Mr. Kennerley is Director of Music, Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

[@michaelwolf7280]

Wow, this is fantastic!

[@ouiluv]

How's Camille Jim Bob

[@alexbreitler9048]

I wanna be like this guy

[@georgefelty6357]

I can remember the many times I have played this great hymn in the Catholic Church as well as protestant!

[@j8u2]

I would love to know just how you did this! Not that I could ever...

[@mrstevebournias]

first organ all french chrous reeds aeolian-skinner 1932

[@briguymeister]

I thought that was a Skinner Organ. We have a Skinner organ in the Cathedral in my hometown and it sounds a lot like this one

[@johnshea6455]

Absolutely, beautiful!

[@hudsonbailey674]

I have visited St. Mary the Virgin in New York. It worships in a true spirit of High Church.

[@thomasredman3777]

Nice improv...the French style...Yes, he is quite marvelous.

[@Salmagundiii]

Everything about it is superb...singing, improvisation, etc. That person was being a troll.

[@rosannawiltshire6100]

Played with such passion!! Maaaaaaaaarvellous

[@timothyguntrip]

Many thanks for these wonderful recordings you share with us, James. @dorianmodify - Perhaps you would like to post YOUR performance (assuming you play the organ). Your comments seem to pervade an undercurrent of envy.

[@RogerBranch]

Bookmarked and Subscribed.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

You're okay Kennerley...keep performing! Great!

[@urmumsscissoringmaster3904]

Great singing I encourage you to check out Bible Flock Boxes videos on KZbin

[@chen0466]

One more thing, thanks for sharing, please share more.

[@michaelmiller1215]

Bravo! Amazing improvisation!

[@njn3]

3:19... when Heaven Starts!

[@GaryTBuffalo24]

Wow! Simply...wow!

[@HookandHastings]

Awesome. Great Improv.

[@spoofer47]

I think it's marvelous. You don't know what you're missing!

[@edwardhart5466]

Yes truly brilliant in every aspect, keep up the terrific dedication. Thank you

[@corporatepilot2927]

Wonderful playing. Why is the choir half a beat late coming in? Not your fault.

[@deweywsu]

The most impressive organist I have ever seen or heard.

[@marcussfebruary9104]

Try ton kopman

[@marcussfebruary9104]

Or Diane bish

[@emmanuelappiah6560]

Me too

[@richardforce5620]

Ahh HUH AHH HUH AHH HUH

[@edolch]

James responded to you much more kindly than most people would. You sit behind a computer screen and try to sound like you know what you're talking about as you complain about nothing...yet you just like a fool. Having an improvisation before the final verse is a very common practice in many churches. A well trained and singing congregation will know exactly what is going on. The fact is that improvisations are often needed to make parts of the Liturgy flow and this is a perfect example.

[@aslscott78]

Eric Dolch you are a nelly gay bottom I bet - lol

[@NewYorkRawVideos]

3:20 i was hoping this was going to be a transition to inna gadda da vida

[@TheKingJacob1]

That was the longest yet interesting interlude i have EVER heard lol.

[@charlesdavis5802]

You probably already know this, but when playing with a choir or for a congregation when you have this much reverb in the hall, try not playing the pedal so legato. Just tap the pedal. Quarter notes become eighth notes (not staccato of course). This will help keep everyone at the same tempo. Love your little improv/fantasy. Beautiful work. CVD

[@JB-hh3tk]

🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@dougjensen]

This is such a fantastic rendition, I love the improv in the middle.

[@edolch]

(cont.) You really need to learn what you are talking about before you go on youtube and start insulting fantastic musicians. People like you are just downright annoying. If you have an opinion, do us all a few favors; know what you're talking about, say what you have to say in a polite and respectful manner, and you should really learn how to type as well. James, you did a fantastic job and I'm sure the Mass was greatly enhanced by what you did!

[@arthurjdale8684]

Superb...

[@dxiques]

Wow!

[@adderleym2139]

EXCELLENT!!

[@rosannawiltshire6100]

Spectacular!!!thank you

[@littlebuddha2012]

excellent, rock it!

[@mrstevebournias]

Superb playing young Sir!

[@josephbrandtner7713]

Your command of that instrument as well as harmony equals that of any of your own body parts! I am in awe!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Outstanding performance Mr. Kennerly

[@ivankip8893]

The choir and congregation are so pretty!!! Especially the altos and then tenors!

[@JohnBoyDeere]

looks like a Moller console but probably a Skinner instrument? Great playing all the way around, wow!

[@TheAmpico]

JohnBoyDeere Yup, it’s an Aeolian-Skinner. As for the console, I’m not sure

[@petrosmith5419]

You are truely gifted. I love the way you play. Soul food

[@Vladimirorlov1989]

Bravo!

[@musket-hc1fc]

Magnificent musicianship!

[@sophiakillian8774]

at are church the music director plays Only the intro

[@davidwilliams4865]

Magnificent organist!

[@jonathanboksan6365]

amazing. just amazing.

[@TomPauls007]

far out. very zippy. great jam session at 4m.

[@richjeffries6481]

brilliance