J.S. Bach - Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major, BWV 552

[@glj1377]

15:24 when that gravest note on pedal enter is like an orgasm for my ears. Sublime. I adore JSB

[@aloisbreu6063]

Absolutely agree!

[@JLevant1]

I love this guy's playing. He's an organist after Bach's own heart. His playing is so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes. He is a true master of the organ; without any no pretense or eccentricity, just sublime and deeply spiritual music making. Many Thanks.

[@zyrtec3]

100% agree. And (excuse my tears) - he looks so much like my Father who was an excellent organ virtuoso and an orchestra conductor. He played in Shrine Of The Little Flower in Royal Oak, MI back in the 60's.

[@mudgebauer]

Yes, he is not pretentious and pompous like Virgil Fox was. I agree.

[@harryberger1134]

3

[@Berta6742]

Bach was not one of compromise and here is what talent and reverence is all about - to excel with rank of genius is what this masterful organist has achieved thank you for this piece 😢🎉

[@salsamozart]

Absolutely one of the most amazing compositions for the Organ ever.

[@JMcdon1627]

It flows with rolling waves without a break.

[@zyrtec3]

PURE AND BEAUTIFUL ENERGY!

[@IsraelSanchezPiano]

Totally agree

[@Chesterbarnes1]

I could listen and watch this man perform on the ORGAN 24 hours a day 7 days a week and enjoy every moment. The ease in which he attacks the notes and difficult parts of the music, is incredible. Amazing to say the least.... I wish I had his gift and skills. God Bless you Douglas Marshall.

[@michaelhoerig5920]

I agree. His playing seems almost effortless--and this is a very difficult piece! Cudos!

[@charlottewhyte9804]

yes He has a wonderful style of playing,very nice registrations too

[@mrboffo28]

I have listened to Helmut Walcha and E. Power Biggs Play this, but this is the first time I've actually seen anyone play this. It is wonderful beyond what words can express. I am so glad that this music exists.

[@charlottewhyte9804]

with you yeah

[@charlottewhyte9804]

Doug has the dege on Walcha and Biggs

[@ZL54JK8]

@@charlottewhyte9804 I'm guessing you mean 'edge'. It's strange, but no matter what major Bach work you listen to you will always find at least one comment saying that the person playing it is the best organist ever and certainly better than all other highly acclaimed organists!

[@earthlightsmusic2743]

As I observed, a bright registration, free of the 16-foot reed's snarl.

[@edwardwilliamson1863]

I am blown away. Maestro Marshall is a brilliant organist and marvelous interpreter. The colors, the textures, coupled with superb and creative articulation and phrasing is astounding. His technique on the manuals is so smooth and effortless, and he has a marvelously supple pedal technique. So very accurate, tasteful, and majestic.

[@wapolo1974]

I didnt' even realize at first that this was a digital organ. What an amazing assortment of sounds it produces!

[@cliftondean4333]

Five days ago I celebrated my 35th wedding anniversary.. I was honored to have Doug the organist for us during the ceremony. He was organist for our church at the time. I was ignorant of his extraordinary skill at the organ at that time. In response to a comment in this group, Doug and his team have spent many hours in cathedrals across Europe digitally recording every note of every stop. His electronic organs can reproduce the sound of every organ he has recorded, to make one think he is actually in the cathedral. And to another commentator, yes, often one can tell the difference between the electronic and the real thing, because the real pipe organ makes certain mechanical sounds which the electronic system does not reproduce.

[@jdcrash7]

The power of Bach's music and the power of the organ become fully evident in Doug's stunning performance. I actually got goosebumps listening to this piece. Such a refreshing change from those musicians who play all of the notes correctly on one registration. The M&O organ is positively the best of all the rest, i.e. Rodgers, Allen, etc.

[@beataalden8334]

Play well, rest well, improve your touch, have a good & happy life, all will be well !

[@beataalden8334]

Good!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Watching a MASTER ORGANIST play this piece again. It's like wind blowing through my ears again. I could listen for eternity to this man playing ORGAN. God Bless him.

[@hexiangwang8299]

BWV552 Prelude is always my favourite music. No way!! It is extremely GLORIOUS from 7:25 to 8:10!!!

[@ernst-dietmarhorstmann4949]

Very well played. Quiet but exact. And for all of you, that dont know this masterpiece exactly: La Fuga consists of three parts, who are merged perfectly together at the end. There are three themes "God Father, the holy son and the holy ghost". May the Lord be with You ! Greetings from the free and hanseatic city of Hamburg/Germany. And Bravo, Maestro !

[@Chesterbarnes1]

No one has played this piece like Doug Marshall, and the organ pedal board, and the tonal quality of the organ, and the mastery of the key board....oh so sweet.

[@naTure-vs2ef]

Check Hans Andre Stamm playing it dude!

[@thomasrapoza7693]

I haven't heard anyone this expressive since E. Power Biggs.

[@charlottewhyte9804]

think it beats Walcha ,who still is very good

[@Chesterbarnes1]

@@charlottewhyte9804 yes

[@Chesterbarnes1]

@@charlottewhyte9804 Beginning at 8:58 is probably to sweetest music on earth...that when the music reaches it height and brings tears. Start listening at 8:58, absolutely wonderful.

[@jardozouille1677]

I regularly come back to this video, which is so nice!

[@ClauCep]

This is the part of Clavier-Übung I love most; the one dedicated to organ music. And this Prelude and Fuge is like a welcome door which leads us to majestic Bach's creations, when it comes to organ. Breathtaking!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

How wonderful to listen to Bach play by this master at the ORGAN. The organ sound is tremendous. I visited a audio store and order new speakers for my computer with woofers. Now the MUSIC comes through like I've never heard before. It brings tears to your eyes just listening. Bach was no doubt a Christian man, and God used him to his glory. Amen

[@luisalfonsomartinez1074]

I’ve play this triple fuga , it’s very difficult piece, never tired to listen…. Bravo!!!!!

[@davidgriffiths7215]

Wow! How can such a wonderful performance look so effortless?

[@georgeparkins777]

My guess: four-five hours of practice every single day. It's why I'll never be a great musician...

[@mikematthews5872]

I am stuck in a wheel chair for the rest of my life, this is my escape into heaven, Oh God our help in ages past the lovely Hymn is buried in this music, due to the genius of Bach I listen to Bach most days now. Gives me the will to live

[@lenanona-p1x]

Technique, discipline and practice.

[@ZL54JK8]

@@mikematthews5872 I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm glad you find uplift in Bach.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Fleming, at the end of this piece notice how he builds.....the crecendo, and shades...and climaxes, and then all of a sudden the PEDAL notes becomes the dominate power with GREATNESS and BOLDNESS!!!!!! More powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall building...he no longer playing notes but MAKING MUSIC!!!!!!...above and beyond!!! go Doug go!!!!!

[@geiryvindeskeland7208]

theholomorphicfunction, free quotes: "childish, stupid, dreadful, midlife crisis..." theholo - we will never get any HIP-supporters from the laymen as long as we use words like this. Why couldn't you give the readers some useful information, some facts? Instead you leave it all to me with my inadequate English. "Thank you!" :-) There are two mainstreams when we are talking about old music. 1. People who don't care for the historical context, and 2. People like me who think it is important to make attempts to bring this old music closer to the original style. Sorry guys, but Doug Marshall, like many others are far from the original style, and Bach proove it! Unlike many of the organ compositions by Bach, BWV 552 was printed already in Bach's own lifetime. So we know that the information is from the composer himself. The Fugue: 9:03, where is the "organo pleno?" The registration is too thin, and we can hardly catch the pedal. The same at 10:55, I can't hear the pedal! The pedal is the base o f every chord, every harmony, but how to enjoy the harmonies without the base!? 11:19, as almost everyone else, he jump to an another manual, and start playing the second Fugue subject in a piano pianissimo? In this Preludium, BWV 552, Bach wrote forte and piano, forte and piano. There is not a single tiny hint from the composer of any manual changes at all in the Fugue. It's wrong jumping to an another manual at 11:19, because it is impossible to go back again to the major manual. By going to an another manual it is impossible to finish the second Fugue in a proper way. 15:13, oh no!! My genious Bach! You composed a brilliant way to make a crescendo without write any mark, but the organist didn't understood! Instead he added more stops at exactly the same spot! Oh no! Ok, theholo......finally I feel I need to follow your kind of expressions a little bit - the final bars is a terrible mess, it's absolutely awful, and totally out of historical context.

[@johnshite4656]

@@geiryvindeskeland7208 what?

[@johnshite4656]

@@geiryvindeskeland7208 Pretentious and petty as crap.

[@johnshite4656]

I love the Prelude, and I believe this is the best performance of it I've ever heard. Doug gets this piece, he makes all the notes matter.

[@leskistler7431]

This is one piece of music that is unforgettable for every musician who loves Bach. I plan on having this piece of music played at my funeral.

[@MsSinyria]

Both the organ (digital!!) and the interpretation are simply marvellous! I bow to you, Mr. Marshall.

[@Fritzike]

WOW! What have I just listened to??!!! Amazing!

[@Fireball1787]

Outstanding performance! We had the Prelude as my wife's (Anne) Entrance Music at our wedding. Every time I hear this marvellous piece I am reminded of Bach's utter genius and that of the organists who are capable of playing this masterpiece so well. Thank you so much, Mr Marshall!

[@zsebi66]

I think its the best E flat major Pr F I have heard in the last 30 years. Amazingly from an American :) Perfect registration, articulation, speed.

[@jlakes100]

I used to listen to this work when I was a teenager and it always fascinated me. Great rendition!

[@carmoe17]

The ease with which Mr. Marshall is playing even the most demanding pieces is mind-boggling. Absolutely fantastic - bravo!!!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Mr. Marshall plays with such superb fingering. To watch his technique, and mastery of the organ is absolutely awesome! Wow! Precision, accuracy and balance, just wonderful, he is making music. Bach would be pleased!

[@jameshobson1064]

Simply excellent. Perfect articulation- perfect registration- a pleasure to listen to. Who would have thought a digital organ could produce such beautiful tones. Well done!

[@therainforest4314]

So incredibly powerfully moving, since early childhood. Thank you, organpower. :)

[@michaelslater3131]

I like this organist's style very much. The sound played through the extension speakers on my computer - and turned way up with max Bass response on the sub-woofers is extremely satisfying. Sorry, neighbours.

[@MerlynAStern]

I do the same, and when the windows rattle my wife walks out...to go shopping or something. Great music. Thanks Doug.

[@a1chemist1]

No need apologizing!

[@philipdarragh4568]

I love the easy open, flowing style here. Doug's articulation is so clean and it opens up many magnificent sequences in ways I've not heard before. There's a lifetime of much musical thought and hence "architectonic" overview in his playing that I admire. Inspirational Doug.

[@JoseMonzon-nv7zj]

Makes me want to cry, it goes deep in your soul

[@Chesterbarnes1]

The last time I heard this piece was the the funeral of Queen's Mother. How wonderfully played by Mr. Marshall...thank you sir, I just love it! Bless you!

[@Engineer9736]

Those bass notes at 14:30 really twist my stomach because of the emotion it causes. Love Bach’s music.

[@filomenarocca2794]

This my absolute favourite piece of music ever, And the way this guy plays it makes it sound so epic!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

I love this piece by Bach more than any. Makes you want to say Hallelujah. Hampton Va.

[@emlokbr01]

Bach excellent played by Maestro Marshall, congratulation !

[@artje123]

This recording was my first encounter with the piece, and I can't stop playing it over and over again. As someone mentioned above, it looks so effortless. Mr Marshall really masters the music. I'm so impressed!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Wonderful just wonderful, can't help but get drunk on Doug Marshall playing this piece over and over again. Virgil would be proud Doug

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Bravo! Everytime I listen to this piece it moves me. I can't listen enough. Thank you Marshall for your excellent performance.

[@felipegonzalezgarcia4704]

This man is praying to God while playing Bach. What a wonderful interpretation. Is there anything beyond after hearing this? God bless you, Mr. Doug Marshall.

[@rasalas2x]

Another great performance. Thank You for sharing.

[@bachfan1364]

Doug, you have done a fabulous job here, both with the interpretation of this piece, and your beautiful instrument. I have not heard anything this good since my childhood.

[@zyrtec3]

In the era of anti-culture, cheap obscenity crawling into our lives it's so good to listen to something so purely human and majestic!

[@HalbertCCasey]

Majestic and divine

[@davidmathers3565]

In addition to the previous posters point, I'd also note that I love Bach, but I also love all sorts of modern popular culture that people who write things like this consider 'obscene' or 'trash', i.e. swear-y rap music etc. In fact, my experience is that, at least in my generation (I'm 33), this is the norm for the (minority) of people interested in old style "high culture". Once I had a long conversation with other grad students in the Oxford philosophy department about 'why do so many philosophers love Kanye West'. (Kanye isn't close to being on Bach's level obviously, but I'd probably rather listen to him than Mahler.)

[@epichdsheep]

David Mathers GOOD point, I feel the same way.

[@VVeltanschauung187]

@@davidmathers3565 what's so good abt kanye

[@johnshite4656]

@@davidmathers3565 I approve of the dig at Mahler. Not so sure about the Kanye praise though. While rap can be good, I consider it in a very different category than most western music such as this. You can find some really good symphonic type music in the electronic genre though. If you like Bach then I recommend Infected Mushroom, they have some very cool stuff.

[@jcadow]

Sublime. Thank you, Doug Marshall and organpower.

[@SEGS83]

My organ teacher used to play this...wonderful music, very very very well played, great performance, Thank you so much!

[@MrUseur]

Bach was such an incredible composer. So if a piece like this is played so well I am always reminded of that.

[@chen0466]

I've been very impressed whenever I hear / view recordings of Doug Marshall on KZbin, especially here. I'm impressed with how easy he makes it look to perform this piece; I know it's quite the opposite. This is easily one of my favorite Bach Prelude and Fugue compositions. I've not heard the beginning of the Fugue registered in this manner but it worked well.

[@bhigdaddymark]

Doug, your playing and the SOUND of the fine instrument your firm has built is incredible! Thank you for sharing!

[@zyrtec3]

Thank you for letting me sit right behind you and enjoy the magnificent Bach's Music plus the great Performer! It reminds me the times when I was 3-4 and my Father was a Music Director and organist to The Shrine Of The Little Flower (Royal Oak MI) back in the 60's. Unfortunately he passed away in '78. Best regards! God Bless from Poland! (BTW in 1990 I was working for Austin Organs in Hartford!) :)

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Mr. Marshall's playing this piece is so lovely especially the beginnng of the second section...heavely...legato is so wonderful. Thank you sir!

[@IsraelSanchezPiano]

Wait just a nanosecond... Did I missread or this is truly a Digital Organ? Wow, quite a hit in electronics, simple magnificent. I want one for christmas LOL

[@organ66]

Wow, this is the best performance of this i've ever heard. WOW!

[@philipsudron]

Superb! I recently acquired a very old book of Bach Organ Works. Reading and following the manuscript while listening to this performance is a marvellous thrill.

[@robertgift]

Wonderful, effortless performance! Great views! Love Doug Marshall's articulation and phrasing. Never thought of doing what he does at 8:15, nor the double trill at the end. No 32' reed in Bach. 32' labial and 16' reed is wonderful. Love the chiff. The first four eighth notes at 13:16 I slightly separate. Slurring the first two together makes it lopsided. Nice sound. Everything so clear!

[@原田伸-g1b]

魂に響く素晴らしい演奏ありがとうございます。

[@cateclism316]

The mixture stops really add sparkle to this remarkable performance!

[@Tsiniastje]

One of the many reasons why Bach's music is eternal.

[@wurlitzer895]

'Poetry in Motion'! Organ playing as it truly ought to be. This gentleman's finger action alone is a treat to watch, and the music is, of course, superb. If I could turn green, I would be vivid!!

[@zyrtec3]

Sparkling, Pure, Divine Energy of a Genius is pouring out of this piece! A little window into Heavens! The majestic, strong, stable tones of the pedal line crowned with the twinkling, light and bright mixtures. Another proof that Multitude must meet Order to fight Chaos and to produce Beauty! - what a feast for senses and soul! Again: Divinity made comprehensible for Humanity!

[@arthurthroovest558]

you all seem to have missed it? this is perfection. It's a most beautiful rendition. Try it sometime. "Incredible" is a good comment. Thanks, mate. Speaks to me

[@alexmantua]

Fantastic playing Doug, that wonderful composition by J.S.Bach is one of my favorites.

[@Hyramess]

I was looking for André Marchal's splendid recording of this that inspired me so during my college years half a century ago. I've never heard organ playing as spirited and individualistic as that before or since. He was to the organ what Landowska was to the harpsichord. Individualistic playing full of wit, character and the grandeur of high drama. This performance by Mr. Marshall, however, is masterful. The smooth flowing pace is virtually seamless, the registration exciting. Very fine indeed.

[@FelixGrimm]

Sie sind der nach Karl Richter der beste Organist den ich je gehört habe .... Perfekte Geschwindigkeit, perfekte Registrierung,...

[@yvanazastrasz9013]

Probier mal Christian Barthen, besonders die BWV564. Niemand spielt 564 wie Christian. Niemand.

[@daydreamermoustache]

Er ist gut aber zu gut nicht, dein Christian. Laß in älter werden und wir werden hören (wenn ich dann noch hier bin).

[@avinashgrubb4552]

Reminds me so much of my Professor - absolutely beautiful ❤️ Soli Deo Gloria 😇

[@Chesterbarnes1]

God only knows I never get tired of listening to Doug Marshall play this piece. He plays this piece of Bach's music the best I ever HEARD!!! I've listened to the best but no oneNO one has ever done this piece justice like Doug Marshall. The ORGAN sound is brilliant!!!!! He just masters the ORGAN and BACH! Thanks Doug again!!! Listen to PEDAL sound AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@praestant8]

Chesterbarnes1 You must be paid to post these comments every couple of years.

[@johnshite4656]

@@praestant8 This video is 13 years old. People just keep coming back!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

The Organ PEDAL board is the best ever!!!

[@alexejnemov]

Years of training and talent. One on the best i have heard. Makes my eye wet.

[@masistia]

Wonderful performance, excellent organist! Bach would be proud of this music full of heart and passion! Thank you very much!

[@martinmoller5591]

Well done, great player, one of the best organ pieces by Bach. Remember heard it the first time in Nicolai church Leipzig in 1975.

[@elrioviolino3549]

Superb in every possible way. Bravo, bravo.

[@oboewizard]

Bravo! Wonderful performance of this brilliant piece!

[@AgSilverPenguin]

Brilliant , majestic ... so great. Great!

[@TOTAL457]

Beautiful... I never heard this speech before and i have almost all Bach's organ music. well played and incredible music.

[@mudgebauer]

Its a marvelous instrument and the playing was fantastic. It must have very large speakers to be able to handle all those base notes without blowing out. I wonder how this organ can be maintained 20 years from now when all the technology changes. Computers are only good for a few years before they become obsolete. Wish I could afford one.

[@AL-ns1jm]

This is the way how to play and control such a big digital organ. Beautiful sounds !

[@organpower]

@Chesterbarnes1 Thanks so much for your kind comments. The couplers are the black tabs located among the stops. You'll see that there are quite a few.

[@danielhowe1040]

Absolute bravos - a magnificent performance!!

[@howardwainwright198]

We had this as entry music for our wedding some 30 odd years ago. Elgar Organ Sonata in G to leave. Great day, great music !

[@bakuami-g-coda]

This the best performance of BWV552 which I have ever known.

[@stephenhetzel8437]

Beautiful playing!!!!!

[@aaroncameron6866]

Simply the best performance of this song ever.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

I wish I had the opportunity when a younger man to study under Fox and Marshall what a wonderful priviledge. Thank Doug

[@GiacomoFiaschi]

Esecuzione magistrale!

[@Contractor815]

I would NEVER in a million years have dreamed that such sounds could come out of a digital organ...wow.

[@organistspectacular]

Absolutely marvelous Doug! One of the most lively and engaging performances of this piece I've heard. This is definitely your best organ to date. Very nice instrument!

[@zzzut]

This is a truly inspired performance. That great musician makes it look so easy. I tried to play this prelude and fugue and it extremely hard.

[@MrKottigra]

Beatiful performance!!!

[@alexachan8555]

Amazing! Wrote about your interpretation for a paper on this piece

[@karlakor]

This is the only organist I have ever heard who speeds up the tempo at 1:30, and I am so glad to hear it! Everyone else soldiers on in the same tempo established at the beginning, but I have always felt that this section should be faster in order to better express the bouncing, exuberant nature of the motive. This change of tempo is very much in keeping with the spirit of the different texture!

[@praestant8]

karlakor There is nothing to suggest it needs an increase in tempo. Usually the thicker the texture the less of a tempo with Bach.

[@Berta6742]

Well noted and a valuable expression. Thank you Mr Marshall well done - great interpretation.

[@SuperOldandSlow]

@Chesterbarnes1 He is one of the two founders of the organ builder Marshall & Ogletree. The instrument on which he is playing is one that his company built. See the above information.

[@mr.booker9263]

What superb playing! And the organ sounds great, too. Thanks.

[@AphazelMorket]

My same exact thought. Stunning performance and the organ sounds really great.

[@nipar101]

Wonderful piece and performance. Thank you.

[@kubeyk]

The listener cannot get lost in the performance. Every musical line is brought out. Albert Schweitzer said that this was the way to play Bach. Let each tone and line come through CLEARLY.

[@taylorharvey9669]

BRAVO....loved it....AND, organ sounds fantastic (too)...

[@ambrogiocesana750]

Veramente un grandissimo organista. Senza parole!

[@stephenckoshy5354]

Wonderful..sir!

[@organpower]

@Chesterbarnes1 We've certainly tried to make this a comfortable fully-AGO console. The order of the controls is pretty standard, the same as you'd find in a typical stop tab console. The terraced design simply moves the tabs to the sides, but the same logical order is applied. If you're researching and would like more info, why not drop us a note through our web site (address in the description above)? Just go to the contact page. We'd love to hear from you.

[@guapo86100]

je me lasse jamais de l'entendre jouer : il joue merveilleusement bien !!