J.S. Bach -Toccata & Fugue in D-minor BWV 565 - Stephanuskerk Hasselt

[@GertvanHoeforganist]

How I learned Bach’s Toccata and Fugue when I was 13 years old! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpaolaONoJtombM

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

Mister Gert... ik zie nergens mooie Vivaldi concerten.... hou je er niet van? of kwam het er nog niet van? er zijn zoveel spectaculaire werkjes van Vivaldi die ik graag op dit orgel zou horen! :) ...

[@panayiotiskumuduros8790]

what happen in 1.17/10.00 and 1.18/10.00 ????????????????????????????you play the organ without to touch it ?

[@mariopizzol107]

@@panayiotiskumuduros8790 : Good morning. It's called "jealousy". It is used to tie the keyboard to the pedal to the other keyboards of the manual. When it is inserted, it ties the registers of the pedal board and makes the registers inserted in the manual 1 and manual 2 play at the same time. In particular with regard to 1:17 1:18, is playing with the pedal. When "jealousy" is inserted, it is also clearly seen in many other points. Greetings.

[@Mike8981]

@@panayiotiskumuduros8790 Witchcraft mate! Think feet. lol

[@manolitog.6661]

Maravilloso

[@p52457]

I'm a 74 yr .old Texas farmer looking for better welding tips and I end up here. My, I am so glad I did. Truly goes to the core of my soul.

[@timauger]

p52457 That’s what happens with KZbin - although it can be a terrible time-waster ... Greetings from Singapore and London

[@scintill8or]

Say, I could use some welding tips!

[@p52457]

@@scintill8or Lol, my first tip is to learn to watch your puddle very carefully.

[@tangledwebs860]

Lol, so happy that you got to hear this beauty. Fellow Texan.

[@Andrey_Beloborodov_NVRSK]

@@timauger , время, потраченное на музыку никогда не бывает напрасным! Time spent on music is never in vain!

[@rephill54]

There are three geniuses at work here. The composer, the young performer and the builder of that instrument. What a combination they make.

[@olivierandre8658]

From paris : Don't mess with Texas !!!

[@snowm6472]

rephill54 and the architect

[@donlibes]

Organ builders are not individuals. A large team of artisans would have created it. Even the person in charge wouldn't have all the skills

[@convinth]

@Richie Summers There's always one who knows better!

[@klausstock8020]

@Richie Summers The piece might be easy. Adapting the play style to a specific organ and the specific acoustics of one place is what makes the difference. There are interpretations of this piece which are played "perfectly" - like a robot was sitting at the organ. This interpretation fills the piece with *life*.

[@lezivanerrol3697]

What we are watching here is a man who is part of the music. He's not just playing the organ he's at one. Wonderful rendition.

[@markokravar669]

I am a dentist from a small town in Croatia. This is perfect. I am going to watch and listen to this more then thousand times

[@mary.cs.51mary73]

Pensa che il primo dente che tolsi come sfondo mi misero questo pezzo di musica classica!!per calmare la mia paura avevo 19 anni ed erano gli anni 70.era un dentista particolare!!

[@alfern1770]

Welcome to the Gert's Music Obssessive club... Ha ha ha

[@bartdereu9267]

I'm already halfway i think 😀

[@staszekkubiak3358]

Marko, macie w Chorwacji wiele wspaniałych organów i wielu uzdolnionych organistów. Możesz słuchać takiej muzyki w oryginale na żywo. 😊Pozdrawiam serdecznie i życzę miłego wszystkiego

[@Leeuiwcarto2010]

Speak dutch 🇳🇱

[@WilliamHorwood]

This young wonderful organist and his performance reminded me of something... I first heard this piece aged 14 played by my troubled older brother. When forty years later he died aged 57 I asked the organist at the funeral place to play it. He said that really it was beyond him to play it in a way that could honour the music; and anyway, he aded, the little electronic organ wasn't up to it. I asked him to play it as best he could to honour my beloved brother. As he started he looked terrified; as he continued he fluffed a few notes; then maybe because he could feel the love and support of all of us there, something took over and magic took place. My brother would have loved that performance as he would have loved this one. Thank you!

[@lizzybelle6576]

Your Brother Did! Thank You for Sharing

[@stephenburnage7687]

Great story

[@susanharrisdemorales3446]

Can you imaging sitting in the middle of a huge cathedral just listening. Magic! pure Magic!

[@janbrewer7511]

What is the story line of les miserable les

[@ДмитрийС-х7б]

Обалденно

[@mdwilliams79]

I thank God for young men like this that have a passion for the Organ and will keep the tradition going. Bless him.

[@Spookieham]

A 300 year old piece of music and still incredible to hear played.

[@andrzejpolak9068]

This is one of these pieces that will never get old. Divine music.

[@johnkaylor3929]

@@andrzejpolak9068 Correct Andrzej. And I believe that This particular, singular performance may stand as the pinnacle performance of it. By which all others will be judged.

[@Marcus_C51]

Bach-the Master! This piece is the definition of legendary genius!

[@maggs131]

Why is it that the more "advanced" we become as a species, the less likely we are to create anything worth remembering?

[@andreabuzzolan9807]

@@maggs131 this level of genius is difficult to replicate, every historical period has its achievements. I like to think that they do a turnover and will come back. But think about boogie woogie and its ability to bring people together to listen entertain and dance, isn't that something magical? Sometimes we have things under our own eyes and we don't even see😁😅

[@vesakoskelainen]

I can't count how many times I've watched and listened to this and I still get goosebumps every time

[@vsemprivet]

So I'm not the only one. I watch it once a month min, I don't really know why. It just makes something to me, like a breath of air. I don't know.

[@yeety1208]

same!!@@vsemprivet

[@sandyy6054]

Same. The music is incredible and so is Gert.

[@marie-pascaleleonetti1555]

Moi aussi.

[@dpol123]

The organist's knowledge of the space in which he plays is simply perfect. No note collided with others; he waited for the split second that the previous tone was almost gone, and i have never heard such perfect timing. Great recording and kudos to the recording technicians here!

[@alfern1770]

And that is what makes Gert to be so *EXCEPTIONALLY* and *CRAZY* GOOD playing this Bach's masterpiece! Tempo here is insanely accurate and magnificent to my ears. No one beats this guy playing this one, even when there are some gems out there who play the organ like real incredible masters. Again, *TEMPO* is what makes Gert playing this piece so exceptionally beautiful and magnificent.

[@IngramCars]

It's the best I've heard. But there may be a little note collide at @2:21

[@shanejoyce1666]

One of the most magnificent pieces of music ever written. And performed beautifully by this man.

[@kathycuriousxxx2024]

Totally agree!! The music 🎶 says it all, there are no words to describe the magnificence of this piece and how it is played, let alone exhibiting the true genius of Bach 😝🤪👏

[@tomschrader8809]

Second only to the Dorian, of course.lol

[@rujakjozef]

@@tomschrader8809 You've lost your hearing or you're a fan

[@bartdrennon1764]

What a feeling of power it must be to sit at a huge organ and play this piece.

[@matthijscornelissen3939]

It's a feeling of humility to serve God :)

[@cymbalom]

Kind of a tiny organ

[@johnkaylor8670]

@@cymbalom Not as small as your troll's brain.

[@georgegoldsmith8261]

When you think of all the different trades it took to build these fantastic instuments then the composers to write the music to show the wonder of the instrument and the intelligence and hard work it took for people like this guy to Master it all. Truly amazing.

[@MarcelloACG]

As someone who has played the pipe organ before, I can confirm this is true. The glory you feel...

[@gregorydiercks8958]

I have watched and listened to this at least 100 times - and I weep every single time.

[@timhyatt9185]

the mark of a musician who truly understands the soul of the pipe organ is one who understands how to work with the resonance of his space....too many organists keep playing at a pace unmatched to the resonance of the hall... The fading echo and silence are every bit a part of the performance as the bright fanfare...Without the silence, the fanfare becomes just noise. Bravo young maestro! Bravo! I hope we hear more from you!

[@BrendenJohnFilms]

Tim Hyatt Nicely said...

[@markb61]

I mirror your words to the tee! The soul of the piece comes out in Gert's playing. A real artist.

[@ssnoc]

Tim Hyatt - Wow, that was superbly said and spot on 💥

[@mikehattan]

Yes, I noticed that also. Magnificent interpretation by one so young . There is hope yet for us mere mortals.

[@MadBiker-vj5qj]

Yes I agree with everyone, he's playing the resonance of the building just as much as he's playing the organ. A true maestro.

[@randolphalldridge9275]

-My grandfather was an organist, studied under E. Power Biggs and wrote books on Bach. He would have LOVED this! I can't believe someone so young has this kind of apptitude on that huge Pipe organ. It's remarkable and gorgeous. The beginning of the actual fugue is my ring tone, and I get a LOT of stares when it goes off in public. I'll never change it, either. His talent is expansive, engaging, and so FUN to watch. Wish I could fly to Europe and watch him perform. What a JOY!

[@kramsniggah4333]

E Power Biggs, the first organist that got me actually hooked on organ recitals!!!!

[@wayneshum]

He is super good on organ

[@1m2rich]

My cousin was an organ expert.

[@wholeNwon]

GREAT suggestion for a ring tone! Thanks.

[@francovaderno3532]

@@1m2rich Wow what a great thing: Your cousin was an expert. We have to admire you, that you told us! Once I have been in a German town. They said, that there lives also an organ expert. Or he lived?

[@martinaneugebauer7158]

Ich liebe die Werke von Bach, und ich liebe die altehrwürdigen Instrumente. Diese geniale Umsetzung durch einen begnadeten jungen Künstler lässt mich wieder an die jüngere Generation glauben. Einfach sensationell !

[@marcelwitteck1364]

Ein kleiner Gott der Musik! Schon 1000 mal angesehen und immer noch perfekt! Der kann Orgel spielen.

[@MortenMalvik_Composer]

The feeling in this version could be the best I've ever heard! And I've heard MANY versions of this piece. Super registrations, I really like the little hesitation before the final and cadence and pulling out all the stops. It just hits you like an avalanche of sound. I really like how this breathes, and how Gert really understand the mechanics of the instrument and the acoustics. Bravo!

[@ricowilko]

Completely agree with all of this!

[@Krissws]

totally agree

[@КонстантинФеренс-Сороцкий]

I also agry.

[@charlesdcw1990]

Karl Richter's is the definitive version. He played the organ through his soul. He played as Bach intended the piece to be played, and did so without sheet music. This is good though.

[@richthenative]

Absolutely Morten.

[@kimbatteau1]

Every time again: Gert's brilliant performance of 2013 brings tears to my eyes! Bravo, Bach! Bravo, Gert!

[@dougcargill6730]

Gert was 19yo when this was recorded and had only been studying organ for 6 years. AMAZING!

[@MrJdsenior]

Insane, actually. Makes me want to throw my pipe organ in the trash. Just kidding, I don't even have one to throw, but I sucked at piano, a much easier instrument.

[@jasonstarr6419]

Truly remarkable. An awesome rendition as well as a magnificent instrument. I'm 70 years old, and have heard the phrase "pull out all the stops" many times over the years, but until watching (and listening to) this video tonight, I never had any idea what it really meant. Excellent teamwork by the masterful musician and his assistants. No one has enough hands to play and control all the stops as well. Bravo!

[@PicekZdenek]

❤

[@user-rw9tv9dj6r]

I was waiting to see if they would all get pulled out, and they almost were at the end.

[@alanrobinson2197]

The best rendition I have heard - amazing performance, interpretation, timing.

[@llucarmengol9481]

Some musicians play compositions by J.S. Bach, but this guy is reviving him and his genius, absolutely thrilling interpretation, congratulations!

[@iworkout6912]

The internet can be a truly great place if used right. Most of this would never be seen 40 years ago, except on a CD. Now we can see the passion behind the music like never before.

[@Daniele-Manno]

👏

[@graeme011]

We see the passion behind the music, but unfortunately, we also see the violence behind the passion!

[@sunekaas]

👏

[@jeffreyjeziorski341]

My record collection says...Hold my beer.

[@WhitMcMo]

40 years ago I saw things like this on PBS in podunk WV.

[@omhmar]

I'm so proud of beautiful young men executing perfect old world instruments to perform old world composition, that keeps this planet recognizing the earlier patrons figured it all out before evolutionary advancments made it easier for less intellegent peopple to join in on the coversation. Thank you so much young man for blessing us with your exceptional talent!

[@JohnLeslie68]

Watched this dozens of times. Just wiped tears away and it happens every time. Wish I could sit in the church while he plays. He’s even playing to the building taking full advantage of the acoustics. I just started piano lessons. Makes me fully appreciate Gerts talent.

[@hoedenbesteller]

Because of this recording I looked him up and attended his performance in Alkmaar. Not a huge venue but the performance was still superb.

[@peterlewis3540]

This was composed by JS Bach, over 300 yrs ago, and it is still being enjoyed by countless admirers around the World. That is testimony to a great composer, dare i say it, a genius.

[@magicmulder]

I’m not a huge Bach fan as most of his works don’t connect on an emotional level for me (they’re cold and technical and feel like form over function), but I’ve always considered this piece one of the best ever written. Hits all the right spots.

[@raumsogg]

@@magicmulder I understand, but if you haven't done it already you should listen to the Chaconne, Partita n°2, this piece of violin moves me to tears every time I listen to it.

[@raumsogg]

@@magicmulder I understand what you mean, but if you haven't done it already you should listen to the Chaconne, Partita n°2. This piece of violin moves me to tears every time I listen to it

[@paulgoudfrooij6561]

raumsogg understood, but there are a couple clear exceptions, meaning amazing pieces like this one, the Cello Suites, and some of the Inventions

[@Holliethedog]

@Dr DeuteronThey better than Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift?

[@franknevo]

Just Unbelievable! Born in 1994, 19 years old at the time of this excellent performance. People like you Gert are the gatekeepers of our civilization.

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

after some years it's an act of resistance

[@pedroferreira2871]

? Most people aren't lucky to have parents who teach them to love music and have resourses to have them learning instruments. We should be gratefull we know how to appreaciate classical music

[@MegaLadafan]

he had a good beginning, he.s inspired by his grandfather

[@michaelqm7506]

WOW !!!!

[@vincentmaher11]

Wow!!!!!!

[@MHLivestreams]

Bach is so heavy, great on a fantastic organ. Definitely one of the best musical minds ever. Thanks, Gert. Excellent.

[@LucindaLamour]

I have listened to this work by Bach countless times, and by many masterful organists. I have NEVER enjoyed a performance more than this one. Absolutely brilliant. Watching your helpers changing the stops was fascinating. Your voicing and choice of stops was brilliant. I am beside myself with pleasure, and with admiration for your talent. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you!

[@cybershadow58]

Agreed! Loved it!

[@cliveturner8793]

Me too...its superb!

[@johnkaylor3929]

I must agree also. This is the pinnacle organ work to me (possibly the pinnacle work period) and I take it's performance very very seriously. As I heard different performances over the years I would 'discard' the previous lesser ones and only listen to the best one I had encountered so far. Now, All of the prior ones are discarded. This is the best.

[@aravk2407]

Heaven

[@chriscitron6025]

So impressed, I have to keep watching unbelievable talent

[@michaelsataiwan]

Amazing! I have never seen talent like this in my life. How he manages to talk and issue instructions to his helpers while he is playing with both hands and feet , and yet he makes it looks like easiest thing under the sun. Love how he pace his tempo to allow the note decay in the natural reverb to dissolve before he continues with the next part. Brilliant. It could easily turn into a nightmare distorted sound if you don’t allow for the natural sound decay and the super long reverb in this cathedral space. I’ve heard this piece so many times in my life but never have I been so captivated by his ability to take his time and let the natural majestic tones of the music be the hero and the centerpiece. Bravo. Definitely adding this performance to my favorites. This is what I call talent 👍👍👍

[@sturejohansson1792]

It's easy when you can.

[@johnkaylor3929]

Totally agree on your point of his astonishing physical talent. He simply does too much, too perfectly and effortlessly for you to say he acquired it by just 'practice'. He is literally controlling the fine nuances of play - perfectly. This young man was gifted, pure and simple.

[@catkin3]

Agreed

[@PicekZdenek]

I agree with your words. I have heard this piece many times in my life, but I have never been so moved.

[@steveuphill3795]

I am an old man and that has to be the best rendition I have ever heard in a long life, a true genius.

[@colincochrane4108]

I am an 73 year old man and I agree.

[@stevecarry6016]

I love watching this young man. His confidence radiates. He is in total control and knows this piece backwards and forwards. Beautiful.

[@LouiseKernow2024]

As a classically trained musician (flute, piccolo, recorder, clarinet and saxophone) the thing about this piece is, how did Bach even IMAGINE this to compose it, let alone play it for the first time. But, that is why we love Bach, right?

[@jacktorrance1237]

Gotta be a gift from the lord!

[@claudiaellison5687]

@@jacktorrance1237 Bach gave God all the Glory! @Jewell Heart

[@GlobalDisclosure]

In higher celestial spheres, majestic divine music is produced at will of sentiments & thoughts. Part of Bach's soul incarnated from a higher celestial realm and he, as well as other prodigies, were tasked to inculcate mankind with a benchmark of excellent, sublime music.

[@jacktorrance1237]

@@GlobalDisclosure all our souls the lord knew from eternity, and he created us all with beautiful gifts, bach's must've been this gift of creating such wonderful music. What a joy that he used it to give the lord Jesus all the Glory! All the glory he deserves for saving us from our sin by giving his own life, giving us the chance of receiving his grace and forgiveness if we believe in him, as the word says: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [Romans 10:9-13] Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures [1. Corinthians 15:1-4] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8]

[@DevilDogDen1775]

JEWEL HEART: I began studying the Harpsichord under the expert tutelage of Davit Moroney when I was 11 years old. He is an incredible musicologist, organist, and Harpsichordist as well. He inspired my love of Bach, Mozart, etc.

[@jimiblackbeard6691]

O M G ! Was für eine Darbietung. Absolut episch, der Organist hat es wirklich drauf und lebt dieses Stück in jeder Phaser seines Körpers und genau so hat es mich berührt. Es ist so unglaublich schön. Bei mir fließen Tränen vor Freude und Begeisterung. Jede Note hat mich in meinem Innersten berührt. Danke, danke, danke. Was für ein begnadeter Organist. 🙏

[@kalebind]

❤❤

[@dutchdekkers4071]

What a fantastic performance! I am 59 and was raised with this music, as my Dad loved the Organ. Your performance is absolutely moving, Gert. Thank you so much!! Keep on being such a blessing.

[@QarlKittyOrgan]

I'm just curious and taking my chances, if you happen to come across The Organist books by Lorenz Publication. Cos I am looking for certain titles from the old subscriptions. Would love to hear from you. Thanks

[@kosatka-hk3up]

Какое счастье, что это сложнейшее искусство игры на органе не утрачено в наши дни!!!!!!!! Значит, еще не все потеряно!! Огромные удовольствие смотреть и слушать потрясающую и вечную вещь в исполнении такого молодого органиста!!! Запредельный уровень мастерства!!!

[@Brjansk_32_Slava]

Ага, особенно потрясает своим звучанием финал ФУГИ - тутти... Звучит реально целый оркестр!!! Нету двух одинаковых органов - каждый звучит по-своему: тот, на котором тут играют - просто СУПЕРСКИЙ по регистровым звукорядам (+ акустика самого зала)... Видео записано аж девять лет назад, так што сёння органист-виртуоз сей уже не столь молод(!), но весьма популярен - куча видео с ним имеется в ЮТ, с разными органами... А тут-то они - да, как школьники почти што выглядят.

[@peteverhelst2088]

Gert is a lot older now. This is a older recording. He is something special.

[@t5grrr]

About twenty years ago, I was in Breisach, Germany. There is a small stone cathedral on top of the hill overlooking the town and in this cathedral is a pipe organ and I walking in at the start of this very piece. The building resonated, I resonated, the feeling was truly like a religious awakening, a rejuvenation of life force. I have never experienced it since.

[@juttaweise]

I had a similar experience at the Strasbourg Cathedral, as I walked by I heard the first ton and I just run to get it all! This piece must be heard in a church!

[@berndheiden7630]

The Toccata is one of my favorite organ pieces and consequently I always listen in when I stumble across it in the vast universe of YT. This one surpasses all other renditions I have heard so far (and I‘m 74 y/o). And it was a bonus to see how much fun the three guys had presenting this masterpiece! Thank you for keeping the music alive!

[@NewZealandWild]

Beautiful. When I was at boarding school in London is the late 60's & early 70's, we had chapel each morning and on Sunday night. It always began and ended with an organist playing a huge church organ, and he played this, and a lot of other of Bachs works. It really gave me an appreciation of good organ music.

[@jean-baptistehocepied276]

je ne m'en lasse pas ! Ce jeune homme est véritablement extrêmement doué ! si jeune et si talentueux ! Touché par la grâce divine...

[@cristianalupoli1195]

CONDIVIDO PIENAMENTE, È UN GENIO, COM ERA BACH.... 🙏🙏🙏👋👋👋👋🙌🙌🙌❤️MAURO

[@michelealba744]

Oui, très doué effectivement ! Mais combien de jours, de mois , d'années d'un travail acharné derrière tout cela ...? Et une immense passion pour la GRANDE musique ! Bach ne tombera jamais dans l'oubli ,contrairement à énormément de" compositeurs" contemporains, " créateurs de bruits cacophoniques "( sic ! ) ...à mon humble avis du moins ! Mais ne dit-on pas qu'il en faut pour tous les goûts ?? Les miens sont assurément tournés vers Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms , entre autres ... Créer de la musique, c'est créer une extraordinaire harmonie des sons ,véritable baume pour le coeur et l'esprit, me semble-t-il . Du reste , peut-on parler de " bruits harmonieux " ? Donc " cacophonique " est superflu ...

[@joelstein4657]

Between this work and the Brandenburg concertos one can only stand in awe at the genius of this man, and the incredible skill with which he created his works. Also, let's not forget to mention the amazing skill of this young man in recreating it.

[@gambe96]

And people estimate he wrote this piece when he was 19 years old ! And the passacaglia at 22, after returning from Lübeck ! This man is a legend, and will always be.

[@jadiraparecidopinto1370]

Aqui Brasil parabéns lindo de mais

[@lendaly294]

I love the POWER of those old Organs,They go to the Inner being in your Soul.

[@liezl-marivanrensburg891]

Len Daly 🙌💫❣️💨💛💦❣️❣️💫❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾💭👑 🐣🕊️🦅Truth

[@davidm3493]

Truth!

[@TheKometEA]

Len Daly essaies celui la ;) : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ_YomyGjcesraM

[@adamvitek5109]

It's late the train is drive over you❤❤❤❤💪💪💪💪💪

[@cherryblossom9110]

Yes, after listening to the organ music, I can not eat because I am filled with emotion. Even knowing that the power of organ was also instrument of ecclesiastical domination, it is magnificent and universal.

[@adriennebeecker5000]

Perfectly executed! Gert Van Hoef is a genius ! An organist who is famous throughout the world now!

[@paulhyland7456]

Good to see so many people assisting. They really did pull out all the stops on this one.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

When Gert pulls them all out, the neighbors call the cops!

[@janesmith9024]

Well done. We are a family of organists in the UK back to at least 1920 and this is very good.

[@Sepirek1]

This is by far the best version/performance I have ever heard of this piece. It's been on my playlists for 8 years and I often listen to it.

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

I have commented before; yet I must again. I come back to this piece again and again and yet again; it is perhaps my favorite KZbin video. I never tire of its resonant strains. Gert van Hoef is perhaps the living reincarnation of Bach himself, with his command of this work, the organ and the church itself as a whole, infusing his performance with Bach's own presence, energy and emotion. Van Hoef is nonpareil in his presentation of this classic.

[@carlorachel]

Like you, I return to this well occasionally to "get inside" of Bach's wondrous world. Gert opens the door as a brother. As a composer, I sense the work, itself, is meant to be transcendent. Yet, too few artists generate the vibratory "invite" that sweeps one up and takes one along. Yet Gert, while immersed in this masterpiece, is Bach, himself. And he is extending a welcoming hand aboard. It is a voyage to heaven.

[@stephaniewilley727]

Absolutely the best and my favorite performance of Toccata y fugue.

[@calisondaix]

Wow wow wow !!! This is the most awesome rendition I've ever heard. The pace first, all through the opus, is regular and soft, the stops are sharply placed, the expression is simple, humble as it should remain in sacred art, brilliant enough to elevate the soul. These three young dudes kicked their butt out without showing off. Stunning !

[@africanriftvalleyfish8287]

To me and according to my years as a concert musician, this is the most accurate interpretation of this timeless piece by J.S. Bach. And to be performed by someone 30 years my junior gives me great hope that classical music will not be lost.

[@mariopizzol107]

African Rift Valley Fish: OK 1000/1000!

[@331SVTCobra]

Dude, kids these days are so talented that every form of art and music will not only survive, but will be a starting point upon which they will improve. I don't just have hope in them, I totally trust them.

[@mariopizzol107]

@@331SVTCobra : You say the truth! It would be very nice if you could extend it even at the level of composition ..... Greetings from Italy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZOYqKZpm9Z0aZI

[@TorBruheim]

I totally agree

[@octaviobalkanboy4571]

Pa, da da

[@zickzack8697]

Just love how people from all around the world are touched by Bach's music and this particular performance. Guess we aren't so different in the end.

[@johnkaylor3929]

Well I would say that it's hard to differ from others in the reaction to a truly, blatantly obvious, masterpiece. But of course, there are those who would condemn Christ if he appeared in person, as we all know. But that should not affect (let alone diminish) your view, or appreciation of, real beauty one iota. Rather, it strengthens it for me.

[@simonhawkins8913]

This great piece by Bach is for me the greatest ever written...the quality of the playing was truly inspiring...with the combination of the magnificent playing and the guys helping next to the young gentleman was a work of art..the teamwork and sheer enjoyment was plane to see! I loved it...gave me goose bumps with power of the piece and the passion in the work!!

[@jacktorrance1237]

What great of a gift the lord gave us with Bachs music!

[@jeanlucbiollay4334]

Oui. Un cadeau du ciel

[@РыбинаОльга-ю4ш]

Лучшее исполнение, которое я когда-либо слышала. Сам исполнитель в космосе от своей работы. Браво!

[@Aleksandr5444]

Поразительно точно берет все ноты во времени и в эмоциональной тональности!!! Спасибо юный Гений за предоставленное удовольствие своим мастерством, как исполнитель!!!

[@галиясмагулова-с9ъ]

Прекрасная музыка и прекрасное исполнение !Завидую по хорошему этому парню))

[@Alexander_Goosev]

Что это ещё за "эмоциональная тональность"? Как насчёт способности определить музыкальную? Попса добралась до Баха!😀

[@Alexander_Goosev]

@@Моритариус Имеють полное право- большинство...😀

[@NuckyThompson]

@@Моритариус И чем его шутка закончилась ?

[@СергейКунцевич-о3ц]

@@Alexander_Goosev , покажи как надо правильно играть. Имеешь право.

[@simoncardie9371]

This is the best playing of it I've heard yet. Most players seem to rush the pauses, losing its dramatic effect. This is nigh on perfect of my idea of how it should be played. Brilliant!

[@montyzumazoom1337]

One can’t be good at everything, but what a wonderful thing to be good at.

[@AxeMoose]

Knowing how intensely difficult this is to play, I'm deeply impressed. The pipe orgen itself is difficult, but this particular song is epicly hard to play. Well done.

[@suespencer3865]

Especially on a tracking organ!!👍

[@TheJojoaruba52]

He attacks it with great confidence. And does not rush the fugue. Well done.

[@MrValentin62]

Absolutely mind-blowing! This was the real Johan Sebastian Bach. I'm ecstasied!

[@MottiShneor]

Beautiful. I watched this funny boy playing, remembering myself playing the same piece as a boy on one of the churches organs, but about 5 times I found myself no longer looking, but just listening. from about 2/3 of the toccata, he just.... sings it. makes the organ erupt with music. pure, moving and complete. Not the whole piece, but way too many times to ignore. This guy is... an... "orgelmeister" ??? he really is a musician now. In end I wiped tears from my eyes. I can't put my finger on it, and I heard hundreds of renditions to this piece. This one is special. Wonderful.

[@rbrucebicknell5038]

I keep coming back to this rendition for it's sheer joy and energy. Organ playing as a team sport. Having fun, and at the end, a demonstration of where the idiom, "pulling out all the stops" comes from.

[@1548viktor]

Как легко и непринужденно этот юноша исполняет сложнейшее произведение И.С. Баха - это и есть гениальность и талант! Брависсимо!!!

[@karasunkar7997]

Советую послушать в другом исполнении. Наберите просто "toccata and fugue in d minor Guitar. Получите удовольствие . Уверяю.

[@SafinNail]

Секрет прост - оно не сложнейшее)

[@paulvanobberghen]

It never gets old. Great team work, btw. I’m biased about Toccata and fugue, as this was played at my dad’s funeral at his demand, 45 years ago (I was 16). Masterfully executed masterpiece on a sublime instrument. I thank you again for this exquisite moment and involuntary homage to my father. As a Belgian myself, I would have loved to say this in Flemish, but my English is better.

[@chieveley]

It will be mine too one day. For me it heralded significant events in my life, so why not also at its end!

[@НатальяСкипидарова-н1ж]

Для меня это произведение тоже связано с отцом. Он играл его на баяне. Папа был самоучкой..

[@yuliakrivolapova6505]

Нет слов чтобы описать то чувство при прослушивании этого произведения. Вселенская музыка, которую написал человек И. С. Бах. Исполнитель молодец, как пучок плетет паутинку и ножками и ручками, не лёгкий труд. Спасибо.

[@MEGACOLOBOK]

Механическая Трактура, от того и немалые усилия...👍👍

[@mafarmerga]

Bravo! Greatest piece of music ever written, masterfully performed. This was our wedding march in 1981. Still married in 2020!

[@rafaelisidrovasquezmorales874]

Felicidades from Caracas Venezuela vivace el amore

[@mafarmerga]

@@rafaelisidrovasquezmorales874 Gracias Rafael!

[@juancarlosnunez795]

I know this piece from the age of 5 , actually 73, and was very sorpresive to me, to cry in many points of this version, maybe watching all my life, to watch a version of "Infinitum" credible to me, and Bach like a present by God for us. Thanks Mr. Hasselt

[@John_Thompson864]

Hasselt is the name of the town where the church is situated.. Gert van Hoef is the organ player.

[@mascotbenches5146]

Most of the performances of this piece seem to rush through it. This guy pauses and allows the notes to sink in to the soul. Haunting and poignant.

[@mihaelabonteanu2620]

Good observation ! That's absolute true and takes his performance from very good to magnificent !

[@TheBlizzardcat]

So true

[@catkin3]

Agreed

[@rojostu1]

He is playing the resonance of the church, the echo if you like, that is why it is so good :)

[@xenon53827]

This music, played on this organ by this guy, in this style. I think it highly unlikely that I will ever hear any other version that could come close to being this pure, true and perfect. Any further words would be meaningless.

[@stevenmossner9667]

My favorite classical piece. Most others sound like they're rushing through it. Gert puts such feeling into it that I'm sure it's exactly how the composer heard it in his head so many years ago

[@johnkaylor8670]

Well, this piece was inspired by God. Bach himself declared that was the source of his inspiration. Also this was definitively written for CATHEDRAL organ. God simply did not end his inspiration - or creation of majesty - with the writing of this work. To wit : the entry of Gert into the world.

[@henryrooyakkers8510]

@@johnkaylor8670 There's is no god ,sorry. God don't make people. People make's god. Have a nice day / weekend. 🎶

[@justinmorgan2126]

Go to any theatre and listen to it... it will be better

[@simontaylor4253]

@@justinmorgan2126 even with the best sound system, it’s still been transposed and I would imagine that the quality will be less.

[@beverlyvanfosson997]

Excellent rendition of the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, which has been one of my favorite Organ pieces for years. This young man "nailed " this. I am certain that , had the Maestro Johann Sebastian Bach been watching and listening to this, he would have approved.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Absolutely wonderful I have heard many recordings of this great piece. At last we have someone, who understands the music, the instrument, the resonances of the building, and who plays not just with great skill, but with passion. Many can cope with the pure mechanicals of playing, but without this level of understanding and feeling they will always fall flat. I am not a musician by any means, but I love great music played by those who are masters of their craft, and artists in their interpretation.

[@johndean958]

Absolutely correct. The interpretation possible. I too love this and Gert knows it exactly.

[@calumwilson8531]

Jealous people with no personal talent , are very sad with their own existence . Really just ignore the boy is a master of his trade .

[@hindsanaamoufakkir4083]

Right

[@evanofelipe]

That joyous smile of admiration shared by the right assistant to his colleague captures the moment. It says it all 6:35, as Bach’s ‘Baroque express thunders down the tracks’, Rudolf Knol, the engine driver is giving it all he’s got. What a fantastic performance by them all. And due credit to the Stephahuskerk’s organ and player alike, it’s truly a collaborative effort to the obvious flamboyant enjoyment of Rudolf 8:20, resulting in all the stops being pulled, bar one. I loved the journey that incidentally was performed on my Birthday too.

[@doriskhoury8749]

Bravo Gert , the most beautiful music I have ever heard played by the most talented young man . Bravo

[@JohnSmith-wd9rc]

Always thought this was a complex piece, never knew it took three guys to make it work. Excellent, EXCELLENT!! The best piece in the history of the planet, written for the pipe organ. Bach knocked it way out of the park with this one. Fantastic organist.

[@Rationalist101]

Yep. Couldn't agree with it more

[@christopherwilson4866]

Man, what a performance! You can see the music pages being turned occasionally by his fellow organists, but he's got the piece memorized. Any idea how many times he had to play this over and over again, practicing, refining, improving, and finally the end result being to have it imbedded in his head?! A lot. He also has a God-given natural talent. A perfect ear. Musicians with a perfect ear can listen to someone play a piece and just from that experience have the ability to re-play it. Of course, just due to the length and complexity of this piece by Bach, he had to 'listen' to it quite a bit before getting to this point. And he's added his own personal interpretations into the piece, emphasizing certain parts over others, picking up the tempo where he feels it needed to be done. And he's NAILED IT! Superb accomplishment. By far THE best performance of Bach's Toccata & Fuge in D Minor I've heard. I also come back to it at least once a week for additional performances!!! Many thanks.

[@michaelmoore5227]

I ended up here by pure accident, and I was totally gripped by this fella’s stunning performance.

[@jandrews6254]

And he had TWO assistants!

[@tonito2009ful]

Nada es por accidente, seguramente el universo te gio a esta pieza musical maravillosa

[@David_Walker16-3-51]

I listened to this with headphones on, I clapped and whooped loudly after the final crescendo. My wife and dogs were startled to say the least. Brilliant performance!

[@peterexner728]

So young and playing so perfectly in the organ. My greatest respect for this expert!

[@-xirx-]

That ending was intensely sublime. What a wonderful instrument, space & player.

[@СергейЕфименков-т1ъ]

Браво! Гениальное исполнение! Только в этом ролике видно, что и под ногами расположена клавиатура! В таком юном возрасте, так исполнять великого Баха? Это великий дар! Изумительно!!!

[@szymongorczynski7621]

A true musician who feels the instrument. The expression in this music is absolutely stunning; the low amount of views is a shame.

[@johnny_pilot]

IMHO, just not enough people appreciate the quality of this kind of music, and the sheer skill, passion and feeling of the performer.

[@szymongorczynski7621]

Johnny P Indeed, most big musicians don't even use any instruments in making music.

[@richthenative]

Over 400K views is pretty good, especially for this genre. Very very few of my friends share my taste, and that is fine. Even though I think this is on par with a fine orchestra, it is not to everyones liking. Just the way it is. While Bach was the rock star of his time, there are different rock stars today, but I am sooooo grateful there are musicians like Gert who give us (me) such wonderful music and musicianship. THANKS Gert

[@johnny_pilot]

Perfectly said Rich!

[@richthenative]

Thanks Johnny, glad you enjoy this awesome music too

[@susannekruger2722]

Ich frage mich grade, wie ein junger Mann auf die Idee kommt, ein solch wunderbares Instrument wie eine Orgel und dann auch noch die Toccata & Fuge von Bach zu spielen. Einfach nur noch großartig, vielen Dank für das Einstellen dieses Videos, ich unterdrücke grade meine Gänsehaut und meine Tränen - es ist sooo schön.

[@szabolcskozma2754]

ich stimme zu..

[@wolliberlin1]

Sehr schön beschrieben, aber bitte niemals die Gänsehaut unterdrücken. Diese Entspannung brauchen wir dringend in diesen Tagen. Großartig was wir hören dürfen. Genießen Sie es immer wieder🎉😢😅

[@susannekruger2722]

@@wolliberlin1 Vielen Dank, Wolli. Ich werde mir immer wieder die Toccata anhören und dabei meine Gänsehaut und meine Tränen genießen. Vielen Dank für den Mut, den Sie mir mit Ihrem Kommentar geschenkt haben, ich bin schon ewig nicht mehr gesiezt worden...

[@wolliberlin1]

@@susannekruger2722 Schön wenn ich helfen konnte und Sie auch mal Gefühle zulassen können. 🙋‍♂️👋😉💤

[@susannekruger2722]

@@wolliberlin1 Danke. 🤗

[@skymarshallmarz5573]

This guy def understands this piece better than about anyone. It is a musical adventure, a landscape, a story. This is what many performers completely miss!

[@theseus27]

Wow!!! What amazing talent this young man has. I can play the piano a bit, but listening to him play this masterpiece by J.S.B. is truly awesome. He really uses the keyboard with incredible passion. J.S.B. is one of my favourite composers too. I could listen to Gert van Hoef play this piece of music every day!! I'm going Bach to play this video again....just for a Fugue moments longer 😄

[@alfern1770]

The first time I saw/heard him play this piece from Bach, left me chocked in awe!!! So young, and already such incredibly talented organ player...

[@ЛюбовьДемина-ь5я]

У меня мороз по коже от этой музыки!!!! Гениально!!! Такой молодой, а так точно сыграл все ноты, паузы, словом, талантище!!!!

[@collincourtois8587]

There are no words to describe this level of mastery!

[@johnkaylor3929]

It was said 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. In this case, a million words would fail to describe the performance. It can't be described in writing - only experienced.

[@gerry0543]

GENIUS on the keyboard. Bach must just reveling upon hearing his music again. Gert and Bach are one of the same. G-D bless them both.

[@h.-j.muller350]

So jung und schon ein Meister an dem schönsten aller Instrumente, eine Freude, ihm zuzuhören 👍👏🙏

[@ErikWolowitz]

I've heard a lot of versions of this piece. This is one of the best. Really captures the nuance where others simply go through the notes.

[@fundecorstickers]

Yes..he is young master. He understands the timing of this harmony.

[@charlesleyes870]

@Alex Croton I was thinking the same. But that's we are thought of, I guess.

[@ThePapasmurf1946]

Playing with both hands, both feet, and his whole soul!!! Imagine

[@gentsw13]

The ORGAN needs some praise! A piano player even more so!!

[@fidulario]

And his whole team...

[@RWBHere]

The whole organ console needs some TLC. Those manuals are in a sorry state. The instrument, as a whole, sounds superb, even when heard recorded from that position, and then having been mangled by KZbin's lossy and compressive audio processing.

[@MerlynAStern]

@@RWBHere This console may be an old tracker, but Gert makes it sound like a brand new high tec marvel.

[@pekko68b]

I was thinking he is not playing it, he is living it. He´s become a part of that organ, making it possible to us to hear what was inside Bach´s head.

[@balazsittzes2409]

I love this organ player fellah’. He’s humble and honoured Bach and this piece of artwork with a huge respect, he lived with the music he played. Love every note of it.

[@c.slucas7818]

At the end, he looked like “GOD, what have i just done?” Truly a masterpiece and what a great performance, honestly i think the best on youtube that i have found!

[@51diogenes]

The real reason I went to 11:00 am high mass as a kid: I could stay after and listen to the organist play her heart out. Sixty years later the organ still plays me.

[@colincochrane4108]

Me too

[@hs7921]

I need to leave the house more. This is the first time in my life I have actually watched somebody play this piece in all its complexity and power. Absolutely amazing. A learned and skilled performance.

[@sandbaai]

Wow Wow Wow!!! What a fantastic performance!! This is really a wonderfull young musician who shows his emotions in the music and who connects with the wonderful music of JS Bach! Bravo Gert!

[@enquiriesgraphology755]

Oh this is very superior playing... masterly interpretation, majestic. He knows how to incorporate the resonance of the Church. Bach would have been delighted. Outstanding, magisterial.

[@TonusFabri2024]

At first I thought, oh no, not _another_ Toccata & Fugue in D-minor - but I kept listening & I'm glad I did. This is almost _the_ definitive performance - every detail is exactly right IMO. The Toccata, which in the style of the time is supposed to be _quasi una fantasia_, i.e. as though the organist were improvising, has exactly the right freedom of tempo, unlike some recent performances which use romantic rubato and sound as if the organist is drunk! The fugue, almost miraculously, has that same feeling of freedom without distorting the tempo. The closing bars made the hair on my neck stand up on end! And it's fun watching the tracker action - REAL couplers, just as Bach would have had.

[@sauropod5393]

You seem to know what you are talking about. I noticed that when he depresses the lower keys certain upper keys depress on their own. Why?

[@xXGLASSGECKOXx]

sauropod they are called couplers. Depending on the organ you may have just one coupling the top set of keys to the bottom. Most will also have a coupler from the pedals to the keys. Some organs will have couplers for an octave above and an octave below. Whenever you see a key moving on it’s own that note is being played somewhere else

[@sauropod5393]

@@xXGLASSGECKOXx thanks. As a Catholic I grew up hearing church organ music played in cathedrals and basilicas and this is so beautifully played and surreal. Thanks for answering

[@tedphillips8241]

Tony Patriarche sag

[@epincion]

Perceptive insightful comments thanks. I too liked 'the tracker action - REAL couplers, just as Bach would have had' and the old fashioned shove coupling of the keyboards seen at 7:08 - typical on old organs.

[@TheParachaz]

If it wasn’t for the fact all my neighbours would have thought I’ve gone mad, I nearly lept up and cheered at the end, I’ve listened to a lot of different renditions of this classic, this...was the best!

[@magicmulder]

Charles Jarman // My late father had a recording by Virgil Fox that was “direct to disc”. I liked that version a bit better than this one but Gert is definitely in the top three.

[@twist7799]

Hello Charles, Check out Xaver Varnus playing the same here on youtube.

[@LucindaLamour]

Charles, that was my reaction, too.

[@colincochrane4108]

I cheered as I do nightly.