J S Bach Toccata in F major Cameron Carpenter Sydney Opera House

[@charlesdavis7087]

Dear Cameron: Evidently, no one told you: "You can't play that like the devil himself." It is obvious to a ever-growing number of us, you can. God bless you. You are bringing life back to organ music and organ playing. And with it, joy, wonder, and the technical expertise the likes of which we haven't seen since Virgil Fox... and quite frankly... now you are IT. You are setting an example for students round the world of what it means to really be an organist. Go for it baby. Hope you set up your organs... your choirs... your synthesizers, you orchestras... and your composition around the world... and play them all at the same time. Playing around the entire world... is now possible and you're the man to do it. First time... for all time! Don't stop for anything less than your highest imagination can realize. Blessings all over those you love. Thank you for being on Earth. CVD

[@WoodymC]

I'd like to chime in and echo Charles. Several years have passed now since I attended Cameron's live concert at Ingolstadt, Germany (what a lucky person I was that he gave a recital almost right next to my front door), and I'm sad a bit that the world has become somewhat silent to mention his name. If I could (and he'd agree), I'd easily spend a day jamming with him while getting some excellent training lessons. For everyone who watched this video and did _not_ attend the live performance, I can say that the CD recording provides the audio quality that the piece deserves -- it's a perfect roomshaker for your subwoofers. However, if there'd be another gig around, I'd instantly join it. Bless you all!

[@PeterH-be1xe]

We were in the audience that night, and I can tell you that the craftsmen who designed and built that magnificent organ would have been very, very proud.

[@rafaelcortes8971]

What performer! I am a classical pianist. Classic music is my life. This man is just an incredible performer. I used to play the organ and love the repertoire. I love Cameron's playing. He knows what he wants and more importantly, he makes the music come alive. He brings Bach's music to our own time, and does not treat the material as a relic of the past belonging to a museum or an empty church. This guy' Bach is very much alive and well. Whether people like it or not, he carries the torch. His level of skill is just fenomenal, and he probably knows it. Good for him...

[@dalerider3124]

But, it's not a matter really of what Cameron wants unless he composed the music. Modern scholarship deems it very important to learn what the COMPOSER had in mind including registration, tempo, phrasing and clarity - among other things.

[@1philip]

Bach is from the Baroque period

[@unknowntimelord9557]

@@dalerider3124 it doesn't matter what the composer had in mind, we dont know it anayway and why shoudn't you play it the way you want? It's called interpretation

[@valarcon9132]

@@dalerider3124 There is a place for "historicist performances", but there is also a place to reinterpretation of the text, especially in periods so open for improvisation such as the Baroque. Music is alive when it's played and listened, and if you don't allow new ideas to go through music, it dies.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

He is certainly an amazing talent, regardless of whether you appreciate his different interpretation of this piece. Quite phenomenal. Thanks for the upload.

[@1philip]

This is my favorite Bach piece. Cameron plays it very well. I like the registration he uses throughout the piece.

[@ForTheLoveOfAudio]

Just a friendly reminder to the haters: traditional church music is being tossed out in favor of contemporary worship, and many venues are reaching their due date on whether or not to restore or scrap their expensive instruments. It is perfectly fine to dislike an interpretation, but remember that he is becoming the face of the concert organ to the general public in this generation. He might very well be what keeps this wonderful instrument in people's minds and instruments in your churches and halls.

[@samrodian919]

Maikind K. How is that an extreme statement?? Anyone who expresses an interest in learning to play the "King of instruments" ( W A Mozart) must have heard it either in a church or come across it on KZbin. And I expect that 75% of those are of the former. So the church whatever denomination is the driving force of producing new players of the most mighty instrument ever devised. Yes I AM BIASED i caught the organ bug at the age of 13, but never had the opportunity to learn to play a keyboard instrument. So I went the other way, I was apprenticed to as it turned out my nearest organ builder NP Mander Ltd and learnt the craft of Organ building. A decision that I will never regret. Even though I did not stay in the industry all my working life it gave me a great understanding of many skills, for which I will be ever grateful, but as for organists they will be a dying breed unless the churches of all denominations support worship that includes music from the organ. Simple hymns, not happy clappy rubbish with guitars at least for part of the services if your instrument is still capable of being played. And if it is not, then please get it at least in a state to be played and somewhat in tune. Or in 20 years or less we will have no organs or organists left to play these historical instruments that I and many people love to hear in all their glory.

[@robertmcelwain5179]

Every artist who plays the works of another composer is "interpreting" that composer. Carpenter happens to interpret with a little more flair than most. Good for him. He's exciting.

[@noaheinstein2369]

J. K., nice hope, but nothing can save great church instruments without money in the pews. You can thank your Pentecostal and lowlife churches with their unfortunate live bands, but American Christianity has sold out to a political party when Jerry Falwell and Karl Rove married their kingdoms. If grand instruments and music are to be saved, look to Europe and it’s concert halls. American churches have left the building, with the exception of a few Mainline Protestant churches that tried, too late, to make a place for LGBTQ members.

[@trumpdesantis243]

Cameron Carpenter has destroyed the sound and technique of hundreds of years worth of immeasurable musical history, he is not and will not be the future of organ playing. He is an abomination to organists everywhere, I being one of them, 32 years experience currently on an amazing Moller instrument

[@anb7408]

"that tried, too late, to make a place for LGBTQ members" Ummmm, yeah, that's the reason why the mainline denominations have suffered the loss MILLIONS of members and congregations......they tried to rewrite the bible and let the Alphabet community take them over. They're all bleeding membership; the UMC just lost 1.2 million members in a single day over it!

[@kraftpr]

Virgil Fox would certainly have approved this awesome performance == playing, costume and light show!

[@Bailey2006a]

I'm an old wanker who happens to adore Cameron... he's exciting and innovative. Bravo!

[@BudFieldsPPTS]

Carpenter's execution was nearly flawless, and his performance brought the music of J S Bach, yet once again, to an entire generation of future lovers in a style, and in a way THIS AUDIENCE could both understand and appreciate. If your legitimate concern is dealing with the appreciation or "reverence" for Bach's music, how do you possibly miss the reality that these truths would have BACH cheering in the aisles? A marvelous musical moment, in an evening of musical wonder and technological advancement.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Hi Bud; I couldn't agree with you more. I've met Cameron and he truly is a breath of fresh air and light in a rather stuffy old room. He's young, beautiful and extraordinarily talented. God only knows were he may go and what he has yet to give us. When I heard him play "The Afternoon of a Faun" at the Congregational Church in LA, I knew (in my soul) I had not only seen the future, I had heard the future. Sincerely, CVD

[@vaucherjean-francois6891]

Parler de génie dans ce cas est soit de la méconnaissance totale soit de la malhonnêteté. J'ai passé une soirée avec lui : il est incontestablement "technique" mais réécoutez s'il vous plaît une des dernières interview de Vladimir Horovitch : la musique c'est tout autre chose! Bon l'époque est à la vulgarité dans tous les domaines : faire n'importe quoi plaît à la "masse" mais DE GRÂCE laissez le génies aux Maîtres!!!!!

[@WeeGrahamsaccount]

Wow. He is on the money with this one. It is so much fun and thrilling. I have played this piece for years and its such a joy to play. I love the light display. I know its not authentic but its a very enjoyable performance. Many thanks for letting us see this. Cheers

[@jamesavdelis6610]

I like the special effects, the laser lights; however, I'm old school. Great organist. Thank you for posting.

[@nwdixieboy]

I discovered this marvelous piece because of Cameron's CD. I could play it over and over. Such a gorgeous piece of music. It sounds great on this marvelous instrument and, boy howdy, I wish my church had those laser light shows!!!!!!!!! Stupendous. I am so grateful for Cameron making me love organ music. I never paid it much attentions since childhood church.

[@Mark_Dyer1]

What phenomenal playing: and what a way to show off this glorious instrument.

[@PeterH-be1xe]

A magnificent instrument played by a true master. Sheer perfection.

[@petejungen1636]

I can remember seeing him play in person years ago at the cathedral in Biltmore Asheville when he was about 15--kid was incredible.

[@jhonwask]

Wonderful performance. Breathed new life into a Bach classic.

[@NikkkitoNippongo]

I think that a true artist has to please himself before pleases anybody,and if nobody likes his style he has to continue being himself, no matter what.....

[@timstoffel4799]

Attacka! Bravo! A fast and refreshing performance of my favorite Bach piece!!

[@NikkkitoNippongo]

For you all "purists" this composition is originally if F Major, but in JS Bach times, all pipe organs were tuned as we hear today in F# , Mr. Carpenter is playing his version in F# only for ease in fingering, anyway, I like it, the music of JS Bach was composed to be eternal and for any kind of performers and styles, but if anybody wants to hear an original version, there's an organ concert performed in the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Bach was choir director from 1723 until his death in 1750 in the church, the original organ was removed long time ago, and in his place there's a new one that was constructed and tuned like the original, the organist, Mr. Ulrich Böhme plays this toccata the way supposed to be, here's the link : kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4i7ZoOGh9SnicU

[@kevinbennett5968]

Thanks John for posting this!! Thank you Cameron...well...for being you!! Bravo!!

[@christophermirocco6387]

Phenominal

[@BachFlip]

I heard him play this live some years ago at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Phenomenal interpretation!One of the great things about Bach is the variety of ways this music can be played - people need to just chill out and enjoy the rich diversity that this music inspires.

[@Mirdig]

Please come in Switzerland. I hope to see you. You are the best !

[@ahh613]

Bach is like the Constitution. He gives you the principles--the bare bones--but it has to be interpreted by every generation in accordance with what is favored by the culture and allowed by the technology of that generation. And in every generation, as with the Constitution, there are conservatives and there are liberals who favor different interpretations.

[@anb7408]

If memory serves, Cameron sat down on that organ, and complained that it didn't have all the resources he needed. A 200-rank organ, and he's complaining about it. Every organist I know would almost kill to play an organ that size!

[@WoodymC]

Yeah, almost, but I wouldn't go _that_ far. 😁

[@Parker6432]

I think everyone on this forum should realise that this was "NOT" a recital by Cameron Carpenter... he was purely a 'GUEST' performer at the KZbin Orchestra's concert venue in Sydney Australia. He had the opportunity to perform 'one' item on the world's largest mechanical action organ at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Orchestra's concert. The "dramatics" are probably due to his performance being "shown live" outside via cameras on the shells of the Opera House building on a warm and hot Sydney evening as part of this festive weekend! I am sure a little 'artist's' license can be allowed under the circumstances? I would imagine Virgil Fox would have relished the moment!

[@rubolf2153]

+Burghardt Zitzmann Mich interessiert ernsthaft was denn eigentlich der Kritikpunkt aller, ich sage mal "konservativen Organisten", an Cameron Carpenters Spielweise ist. Bezieht sich das hauptsächlich auf seine Registrierung die immer recht pompös ist? In dieser Frage kenne ich mich nämlich gar nicht aus und könnte nachvollziehen dass er hier unkonventionell ist. Oder seine Showeffekte, wie allein mit den Füßen zu spielen, obwohl das sicherlich als Solostelle mit dem Manual gedacht ist? Oder seine Körpersprache, seine Kleidung und sein Auftreten? All das wären Dinge die ich nachvollziehen könnte, obwohl ich kein Organist bin. Aber ich bin trotzdem Musiker und habe selbst schon Bach gespielt, seine Phrasierung und Artikulation mag frei sein aber durchaus durchdacht und bestimmt begründet. Wäre die gleiche Version von einem stillsitzenden Kirchenmusiker, der die "richtige" Registrierung verwendet annehmbarer? Wie gehört sich den ein Bach gespielt? Bitte nicht falsch verstehen, ich bin ernsthaft interessiert.

[@rubolf2153]

+Burghardt Zitzmann Habe mir gerade Bachs berühmte Toccata in d-moll von Carpenter angeschaut. Da ich das Stück kenne, wird mir schon klarer was der Kritikpunkt ist. Mir persönlich sind Traditionen dabei völlig egal, aber seine Registrierungseffekte sind zum Teil so extrem, dass die Musik leider ein bisschen an Fluss verliert und ein bisschen aneinandergeklebt kingt. Dennoch finde ich die Ideen sehr gut, nur bei diesem Stück (Toccata d-moll) ein bisschen zu übertrieben und die Phrasierung zu abgehackt.

[@rjdmmusik7523]

+Rubolf Guitar Man kann CC`s Spiel überhaupt nicht mit den Maßstäben eines "richtigen" oder einer "historisch informierten" Aufführungspraxis messen. CC tut das genaue Gegenteil. Bach hat so genial komponiert, das er fast nicht kaputt zu spielen ist. Nicht einmal CC schafft das. Die Kunst der Fuge klingt auch mit Xylophonen noch gut und manche Fugen klingen sogar noch mit digital gesampleten Geräuschen eines Hubschraubermotors apart. Bach war den modernen Instrumenten seiner Zeit sehr aufgeschlossen gegenüber. Wir wissen weder, was er noch komponiert hätte, wenn er den modernen Konzertflügel gekannt hätte. Aber wir haben über alles nur Traktate, es gibt keine Tonaufnahmen von Bach's Spiel. Er soll die Leute sehr überrascht haben.....! Bach ist von nahe zu allen immer nur "Interpretiert" worden, das heißt, jede Epoche hat ihm ihren Stempel in Phrasierung, Tempo und auch Registrierungsart aufgedrückt. Das gilt für die Ära der Straube-Generationen bis in die Jetztzeit hinein. Wer viel Cembalo gespielt hat (wie Bach selbst) und die Informationen aus z.b. dem "Versuch über die wahre Art" von C.Ph.E. Bach konsequent umsetzt (wie Koopman), kommt vielleicht dem historischen Bachspiel am Nächsten. VIELLEICHT! Wenn man CC bei aller technischen Brillianz und Schnelligkeit etwas vorwerfen könnte dann alleine das, das er aus einer wirklich geistlichen Musik eine wirkliche Show macht und damit Bach völlig wesensfremd musiziert. Er benutzt (u.A.) Bach zur Selbstdarstellung. (Mein Kommentar darf gerne auf Englisch übersetzt werden)

[@rubolf2153]

+Randolf Jorge Do Marco da hast du recht.

[@gaiusflaminius4861]

Man, this was terrific, I barely could sit in my chair!

[@ssongssori]

I am a fan of Cameron♡

[@georgieleejrs8299]

I have heard him play in Nashville years ago; it's how you play it with feeling; and articulation. it works for me as well...

[@dianecandoflamtaps3688]

To all the people criticizing and bashing his performance here, and many other videos, why don’t you give us your itinerary of your world tour so we are able to watch a few of your performances!! Carnegie Hall perhaps?? Maybe you can show Cameron and the rest of the world how to play with passion and technique!!

[@WoodymC]

Playing with passion? Well, I'm in for an impro! Although I'd neither bash Cameron nor dare to compare myself to _any_ other organist -- studied or self-taught -- I'd like to share my passion for pipe organ playing if you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIvcdmuMqNmSobs As a side note: I'm rooted in IT, all of my skills and organ playing/building knowledge are "just" self-taught, so don't expect too much. Like I said, this is about _passion._ Since you've asked for it -- Hope you'll enjoy it anyway, ! 🙂

[@noeisdas8055]

Beautiful interpretation. Incredibly tasteful ornamentation and nice tempo. Bach how it should be played.

[@Bljatifull]

Thats your opinion. I think otherwise how it should be played.

[@CJCappella]

Anyone notice he's playing in F#?

[@juneysummers5342]

Absolutely..

[@resultant64]

Yes i wonder y

[@karlrovey]

Probably to show off or to demonstrate the concept that there are no hard keys, only unfamiliar keys).

[@roufailsgames7239]

So edgy

[@arthurserino2254]

That's how he plays it on the album, there was a technical reason.

[@royb498]

FANTASTIC!! Lost for words. A musical genius.

[@bradfordcox8415]

Very cool. Reminiscent of the Virgil Fox Heavy Organ series. He just never had the ceiling or walls illuminated at the concerts I went to. Thank you very much for having phrasing in the pedals. So many people separate each note with a rest. Sheesh! Nice registration changes. How many people play this on one registration on one keyboard. Thanks again.

[@lucianogattellini4104]

L'organo è vita per quanti amano la musica.

[@DefconMaster]

What an amazing performance, if only the quality of the audio recording matched it...

[@MrTransalpin]

Wunderbar, wonderful !

[@ArtScottMusicStudios]

Audience appeal is EVERYTHING. I believe in Mr. Carpenter. I think he is fabulous talented. I wish his visual persona were more tame - it would increase his appeal to the public. Unfortunately people DO judge a COVER, meaning his hair etc. Best wishes as he find himself. Anyone who critizes his playing is just simply jealous. He IS keeping the love Classical Music and the Organ Literature alive. The question is, what are you doing to keep Classical Music alive? Organ Music alive? All the best, Art Scott Google: Art Scott Music Piano over 70 sites.

[@karlrovey]

People seek out extremes. Cameron Carpenter wouldn't be nearly as popular if he dialed down these extremes. I lean toward the historical performance practices but would take some liberties for performance depending on the circumstances.

[@atsushiueda4755]

Is he transposing from F to F sharp in realtime?

[@Parker6432]

Yes... Cameron was on the day!

[@massimilianomaggi9376]

Spettacolare e stravagante ....innovativo e unico !!

[@jacksonbriggs8626]

This guy is just pure talent. Hes constantly showing how great he is. I saw his chopin revolutionary etude video and now here he is playing my FAVORITE bach piece. Not only is he killing it....he is actually playing it in F# and not F. I just thought the organ was very sharp but im watching his pedals and he is playing the whole song a half step up. As a musician, the difference between F major and F# major is night and day. He is truly amazing.

[@dennisferrara6940]

Stunning performance!

[@LorinTone]

Cool down, John. The non--players and snobs will always degrade work that they themselves cannot perform. As a player, I can easily say this guy kicks my ass. He's serious sheer talent. He's Virgil Fox, but more refined....there, that should cause some controversy.

[@timshideler1951]

+Lorin Tone No, no. No controversy. In my reply to John, I compared Cameron to Virgil Fox. Fox was not quite the athlete Cameron is. But Fox would be elated to hear this music.

[@organman52]

And so will the PLAYERS and NON-snobs degrade this - a perverse spectacle that has nothing whatsoever to do with the Bach F major [not F sharp major] Toccata and Fugue. It has everything to do with this individual's passion for distortion and his craving for vile sounding 'organs.' Otherwise, I love 'em.

[@Parker6432]

I've left it up.... and after all this time its had almost 300,000 hits.... Nothing wrong with a bit of contravention :)

[@brownmullins]

I am such a fan of this master; he has the passion and heart to freely give as the best musicians have. I very much appreciate his work. I very much prefer 'straight, proper JSB' but in CC case, he is very radiant and pure. I pray for his success and peace.

[@MarkHusey]

Imaginative orchestration of the piece, and in F# major, to boot! Kudos for his creativity: sorry, purists, this Bach isn't for meant for you.

[@davidecymba]

this is like violinist playing paganini caprice at double speed. 99% show off, 1% music. I'm not a "purist": the last latry cd of bach is very questionable but i like it. i think that a musician must pose himself at service to the Music, not the opposite. cameron is a showman, surely this paid of in terms of fame and money, but is he really an artist, a musician? or just a circus phenomenon?

[@class87srule]

I too have been used to the "traditional" approach to Bach by but hey, JSB was a rebel in his time as guys like Reincken and Buxtehude recognised. I think the old man will be "up there" tapung his buckled shoes and twiing the ends of his wig. J SB "was a performer and the greatest improviser of of his day...not a mere" "fugue machine" or RCO test-piece writer.

[@waynespeers]

BRAVO!

[@ML-fg1no]

beautiful!! cameron carpenter is a big musician

[@peteacher52]

Great stuff! It reminds me of how the purists stroked their beards and tut-tutted at Disney's film "Fantasia" many moons ago.

[@marshallartz395]

I’m not in love with the interpretation; but to relearn, memorize, and perform this very difficult work in F-Sharp Major, instead of the original key of F Major, is certainly a tour-de-force, albeit an unusual one.

[@davidecymba]

an USELESS tour the force, even becouse i bet 70% of the audience didn't even notice.

[@lucamarchiori2566]

@@davidecymba 99%...

[@lucamarchiori2566]

"quinta del lupo" (wanted or not)

[@HelenaWilliams8696]

A BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE by Cameron Carpenter! Astounding craftsmanship!

[@Bailey2006a]

Cool!

[@TheOricko]

Cameron is an amazing person. He is unafraid to modify the realization of the music, or even to add significantly to it. I do not always like his style, but I do think his performances represent the current leading edge in the organ world today. Having met him several times after concerts, I can say he is also very approachable and human. His International Touring Organ is also a spectacular instrument.

[@juneysummers5342]

Such a performance of excellence. Cameron can make a pipe organ shine!

[@dennisa1692]

The first one standing and screaming BRAVO would be J.S. himself. He loved innovation and was famous for it. So knock off the silly derogatory comments. This guy is absolutely wonderful and there will be no yawns going on during his concerts.

[@joekabuba9680]

Couldn't agree with you more!

[@WINCHANDLE]

It's nice to hear new spin on old standard organ repertoire. People mention Virgil Fox who could play really fast, for speed's sake. Was never overwhelmed by VF. Mr. Carpenter is resuscitating a dusty, moldy, old art form (which I've loved since age 6). His Dupre B major P & F is utterly refreshing. He's even invented a new organ.

[@davidecymba]

just a sec. where is this "dusty, moldy" art form? the thing is that normal audience is not ready to understand baroque music as it should be played. surely NOT like this. interpretation isn't just "do whatever you want" and I'm sure that cameron knows that. but he chose fame, money and mainstream audiences. fine, I'm not judging him or people who appreciate his playing without knowing some more on bach and the organ. but that is not bach.

[@PaulFejko]

Sunshine, Sunset......!!!

[@HenkHopman]

Geweldig!!!!!!! Prachtig!!!

[@tomwild2214]

great ...very nice and intense...i like that interpretation alot !!

[@neilhazell5908]

Love the ingenious performance; great music can lend itself to all kinds of interpretation, and we live in a world of unparalleled choice. I think musical talent shines through, whatever.

[@robertgift]

How refreshingly fun and interesting! Funny theatrics. Why playing this a half-step higher? How unfortunate that the complicated pedal parts were not shown. Cameron holds the the pedal "BACH" quarter-notes as half-notes.

[@mountainsong100]

Toooooooooo Fast !.... all for show poor Bach, would have never recognized his work...however his transcripts were lost so I guess it's open season on Bach. His music was used for wrapping paper for local merchants.. sad.

[@robertgift]

Earle Goodwin The merchants did not realize what they had. I like the tempo. Wish he would keep it steady. But dislike the broken (separated) descending pedal notes. Sorry no fugue.

[@mountainsong100]

It's all about the show...not the music. After time it will get to be tired and what will be left. ...The boy is talented, but has missed the point of making music....take a listen to some of Virgil Fox's music...he had the technique and the musicality....this "boy" doesn't...as his teacher at Juilliard said: I can't control him.

[@mountainsong100]

Everyone loves a magic show with costumes and lots of glitter. All of Bach's manuscripts were lost. As one account I read, they were used for wrapping paper by the local butcher. So, it's open season as to interpretations...I guess...hummm !

[@stevezadarnowski8734]

Great stuff :D

[@pastorkeri]

Wow y'all must be amazing organists reading the comments below I wish I could come and listen to y'all you got so much feeling .... Y,all talk some crap!

[@Parker6432]

+Keri Jones - lol I agree!

[@zivkovicable]

JAMES KRAMER Before you criticise others, you could at least end your sentences with a full stop; or "period" if you are that way inclined.

[@femmesec8968]

Hey, I didn't notice, but this is actually transposed up by a half-step. 0wo

[@RassingerWortmacher]

@@Azchk You are right, one can see it clearly. I have heard him playing the Bach Toccata in Germany some years ago. It was F# major, too. More fun to play ;-) Some historic organs are tuned a half-step up ("Chorton") because it sounds more brillant in large rooms. However, it makes no sense for a modern symphonic organ like in Sydney as it has to adapt to the orchestra (standard pitch 440-443 Hz).

[@armandosedeno3908]

Out of this world

[@guyinazo]

This is wonderful! Love it!

[@karlakor]

Why is he playing this in F-sharp major?

[@charleslayton9463]

How cool that they were projecting the performance on the outside of the building! Was the light show responding to the music or was it pre-programmed?

[@georgielee8256]

as an organist. myself I care verry much the music is played. very good musicians. nowadays we practice very hard: he did that and more !! I have heard him in. Nashville; I would even invite him m to play on a 100 year old organ at my Church !!

[@Titurel]

I can only imagine how much harder the pedal part is in F#. The heel toe transfer is all screwy!

[@Gottenhimfella]

The organs in North Germany were tuned to a higher pitch than A440 in Bach's day, so maybe that's Carpenter's rationale, if any.

[@eameece]

Although he plays the best parts of the piece too softly for me, this is an innovative, passionate and enjoyable version; well-done. Carpenter is a worthy successor to Virgil Fox, born in the year he died. And I love the metaphysical psychedelic light show!

[@brianbernstein3826]

I think its F# major isn't it, not F major?

[@brunaneves5785]

Não me canso de ver ❤

[@Geersification]

a master of the organ

[@rbbonotto]

This is just another way of playing it, folks. I like some parts of it better than others, and it's a romantic version - not as dry as some I've heard. And I'm speaking as a classical composer.

[@stevieyeye]

great performer although i do think it is far too fast . the piece looses something at this speed. it should not be about the performer but the music itself. maybe this genius gets bored too easily and likes to spice it up a bit lol. well done anyway cameron, or the new carlo curley. steve laird

[@LorinTone]

:) Good stuff.

[@timourshapovalov1358]

Show 😄👍

[@jhonwask]

I do believe that if Cameron were J.S. Bach's student, we would have a new type of music today, something unheard of in history.

[@georgieleejrs8299]

ok I myself have heard Cameron play in Nashville Tennessee. about a few years ago... would love him to come and play the Organ at my church!!! I play myself for over 35 yrs...still love to play every Sunday!!

[@PointyTailofSatan]

I don't have a problem with CC or his playing. Bu the recording is quite muted. Like it was recorded from the back of the hall.

[@gsmcfaul72]

👍👍👍

[@mrstevebournias]

hes playing in F# major

[@feliperadicetti]

Yes, I realized that.

[@dalerider3124]

@@feliperadicetti - BUT WHY?

[@Parker6432]

@@dalerider3124 He prefers it

[@PMS1950]

Actually, I was quite pleased nay relieved when the train arrived at the station.

[@andrealocatelli2462]

Per giunta non so se vi siete accorti che la suona in Fa diesis maggiore e non in Fa maggiore come originale,così è molto più difficile.

[@fossosejore]

Bellissima performance! Peccato che la registrazione sia così scadente :-(

[@dkeithtag]

this is outstanding of course, but be advised that this is a different piece than the title suggests, seeing as it's played at a half step higher than originally written. It may be better to call it a transcription or reworking of bwv 540. Impressive in that he apparently transposed the piece on-site i.e. while he was playing it .

[@PointyTailofSatan]

There is no visible mention of the organ anywhere on the Sydney Opera House web site. Do they hate it that much?

[@Parker6432]

I'm very surprized at that?!!

[@PointyTailofSatan]

Is it being rebuilt or something? When an organ is in transition, they will often remove any organ info until the changes are complete.

[@earl211]

2:50 fav part

[@bckm54]

What makes the organ buttons (stops?) go in or out like that without being pushed or pulled? Is it simply the note/key being played? (Showing my organ ignorance here...) Thanks!

[@francescobenedicti354]

It's an electronic device called 'sequencer', that allows you to memorize a lot of combinations of the registers, and with a simple press of a button (as you can see in the video), you can go further and down on the number of the combinations. All the new organs with an electronic transmission have it :)

[@robertnicholson7733]

@@francescobenedicti354 Although most modern instruments use electronics, older instruments were capable of doing the same using complex mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic systems, the pistons still do the same, it just is the electronic versions are more flexible and much easier to "programme". Many older instruments get the systems converted as the cost of overhauling the mechanical/pneumatic systems is very high, they also take up a lot of space. The Opera house organ has a tracker action (mechanical linkages between the key and pallet valves) which makes the performance even more interesting. It also explains why the console is right in front of the instrument. It certainly gives the audience a clear view of the organist, but the organist would not want to suffer acrophobia. The organ has always had a parallel electrical action, installed initially for tuning, it was soon converted to record and playback. Robert

[@francescobenedicti354]

@@robertnicholson7733 thank you for the accurate explanation!

[@DancingSpiderman]

*ROCK ON, CAMERON!* Q: isn't Cameron = Shrimp in several languages?

[@jgraif]

the reason why this punk causes so much controversy is his obsession with defining the pipe organ as the "gay instrument". "he is virgil but more refined". are you kidding? virgil NEVER associated his sexuality with the organ. i know this because I KNEW HIM, albeit briefly. carpenter is possessed of great technical skills, which he perverts by doing things "just because he can" and behaving poorly. this is why our beloved instrument remains devoid of a proper advocate and separated from the mainstream of art music.

[@baconbyte4065]

The organ is dying because people don't think of it as the most expressive instrument with all sorts of character or color they think of it as a boring dying instrument that plays at churches, weddings and funerals which is all essentially sadness. The organ needs to evolve to a new audiance if it will survive.

[@robertgift]

How fun! After, must listen to Helmut Walchas an.tidote.

[@ionvasile3294]

Dont forget commentig the trills on wedge Fugue on every Video in KZbin !!!

[@robertgift]

Would expect Cameron to perform all the trills as I do. In the Gigue Fugue, BWV 577, would also expect him to continue the subject's mordent, grace notes and trill throughout, including in the pedal - as I do. (Did not realize I commented here 3 years ago.)

[@Charles-Reardon]

He is playing it in B major!

[@Blueaspen391]

with Cameron I always have the feeling there is no soul at all in the music, it's just like a player piano/organ. I admit he does very difficult things, but in music, doing difficult things has no value, it's not enough. Probably I can't feel any musicality in his music because his approach, generally, is that of a circus performer who wants to do something difficult in a really hard and really fast way trying to show off. What's the point in playing so fast if the rhythmic feel to the music becomes sloppy.

[@whatsthedifference8184]

+blueaspen you should get yourself a Casio and play this piece the old boring way because that's what people want is to hear these old pieces played identical over and over and over and over till you're vomiting it add a little spice to it and the envious haters all start wetting their pants if you don't like Cameron, just stay the fuck away from his videos i hate country music, you don't see me going to all the country music videos and saying how much they suck. why waste the time/energy and ruin the picnic yes yes yes we know there are plenty of Cameron haters to go around. but his fans far out-weigh his "haters" organists can't stand that Cameron can fill a concert hall or a Cathedrals when they can barely get 20 people to show up at their boring-ass concerts and he's been selling out these large venues for over ten years now (not just a fad) he's got the good and you don't live with it

[@Blueaspen391]

You have no idea how sloppy and mediocre this rendition is. Anyway, enjoy it if that's what keeps you satisfied

[@charlesdavis7087]

Oh for God sake. Stick you finger up you ass... so you can breathe again. Bach is Alive. Get with it. Bach might even live in you, you old stuffed shirt.

[@davidecymba]

@blueaspen finally someone who share my same opinion...

[@eameece]

Although you may have a good point in general, this is a good performance, and I don't hear a sloppy rhythm.

[@arthurserino2254]

Is the organ automatically adding stops after each measure?

[@pordzio]

This organ has a sequencer system. All of those combinations are set beforehand. If You look closely at around 0:35 mark You will see Cameron advance the sequence with a foot pedal.

[@arthurserino2254]

@@pordzio Very nice feature, I wondered what the foot switches were for. Since the right foot doesn't do anything in the first part of this piece, that's a great use of his unoccupied limb. I guess Cameron's not kidding when he says he spends more time programming thumb pistons than rehearsing the actual piece.

[@garycoleman1296]

Yes I’m

[@tyronesills9423]

Not in the Episcopal Church. We value our heritage and traditional church music. We breathe our music in our worship and daily lives.

[@christianivanvon]

Cameron Carpenter is the greatest living organist. Believe me I've known organists all my life and I have yet to find more than a handful who were not BITCHES! Mr carpenter dares to think originally, what is beyond most organists I've ever known. And, please remember U organists, organs BORE most people because they are played by boring organists.

[@peterbrinker173]

Carpenter isn't an organist at all. He is just a well trained organ player. He doesnt't understand his instrument. A piece like this must breath. An organist must communicate with the room. Carpenter presents technical perfectionism without a soul ...

[@resultant64]

Why is he playing in F# major..?

[@Baginets_organ]

Why in F# major?

[@davidecymba]

u know man, im cameron carpenter, and bach is easy as fuck. let's play it half tone higher. let's show 'em all who i am, bro