Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Blackburn Cathedral Organ

Recorded on the magnificent Walker organ from my recent visit to Blackburn Cathedral. With out the great suboctave and some of the pedal foundations, you really get a feel of how large the Serpent is in the last verse!

[@clivesawers8270]

Good to hear a consistent properly timed interval between verses, vital for congregations to be guided into each verse; even the top Organists are forgetting this vital point. Well done!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you! My organ teacher was very picky about hymn playing (the interval between verses especially) when I first played a hymn at Ripon Cathedral for a service, but I’m glad he was!

[@lustful2]

And this is how it should be played so we hear the accent. Well done Archie !

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much! To me it sounds dance like when you add the accents so it sticks in your head more and the flow makes it very easy to hum/sing along to! Also it gives a much more rousing feel, especially towards the end!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

FANTASTIC ! It's lovely to see these young Organists at work - so talanted. A real joy to see and hear. Thanks - lets hear more ! Take care 🙂

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much it means a lot!!! Some more videos should be coming soon I just need to wait for the church to approve them!

[@meandersandmusings]

I heartily agree. Back in the very early 80s when I started pumping, page turning and stop pull me/push you-ing, I was hooked from the very first my D of M let me sit alongside. When I felt the vibrato and the power in our 3 manual Father Willis of the 64' contra bassoon (the first ''key' the 12 yr old me was permitted to play causing my slender {no, really 😂} frame to nearly get shaken off the stool by the sheer raw power of the rumbling old behemoth. Over the intervening 40+ years since, from being a fanatical traditionalist, being the youngest ARCO and the youngest British Fellow, from university, ordination/consecration through supra consecration and Patriarchal crowning, organs have given me an almost venal feeling of connection with not only the composers but, (by extension through thousands of piece I have accompanied, played and performed ever since) God Him/Herself So, like you, I am encouraged to see such fabulpus young raw talent and passion shine through the next generation of Anna Lapwoods, Carlo Curley's and maybe even a new Barry Rathbone being coerced into our old organist's second skin shoes ❤❤❤❤❤

[@archiedavies7538]

@@meandersandmusings the organ is such an incredible instrument, it does that to us. It makes us hooked instantly with its thrilling sounds and it’s complicated mechanisms, and it sticks with us - once you’ve heard or played an organ you NEVER forget it! Some (like you and I) stick with it and despite getting a bit of criticism when you are younger from your piers, you still go at it because you know that it’s what you truly want to do. And some those people who do that are the people like Anna Lapwood, Johnathan Scott, Richard McVeigh who are incredibly talented and bring joy to everyone who hears their music. I too would like to be like them one day, and delight people with music and to play practically every piece in the organ repitoire but I still have a long way to go! Just curious actually, what organ did you play the 64’ contra bassoon which is three manual as the only organs I know who have a 64’ are Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Hull City Hall and Royal Albert Hall, but all of them are flues not reeds?

[@normul5984]

In the US….organists are fast fading away, being replaced in worship services by bands. But nothing, nothing on earth can replace that majestic sound. Archie, you do an amazing job. I could listen all day!

[@ElPresidente2024]

@@keenorganenthusiast As someone who has been deeply moved by the transcendent performances of Archie Davies, I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Archie's mastery of the organ is nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to his innate talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. To dismiss his artistry as clumsy or lacking in talent is to overlook the profound emotional impact his music has on countless souls. Archie possesses a rare gift for evoking raw emotion through his performances, a quality that sets him apart as one of the finest young organists in the world. His reverence for tradition coupled with his innovative interpretations breathe new life into the hallowed halls of organ music. Rather than denigrating his contributions, we should celebrate Archie Davies as a beacon of excellence in a world hungry for true musical genius.

[@kentst8956]

What a wonderful sound....got goosebumps on that last verse....what a FINE pedal division!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much! Yes, Blackburn is absolutely incredible, when I played a few notes for the first time my jaw dropped to the ground it was so good. The pedal division is so big too - what more could you need!

[@curtisrother4161]

Love Blaenwern. Really liked your registrations and alternate accompaniment. Well done!!!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much! I like to add a bit of spice and fun to hymns now and then 😉

[@fredgarber9333]

Archie, I've been a classical organ fan since before you were born. I love the way you smile after your performance as if expressing the joy of your gift that your listeners experience. You are a fresh blessing to organ performance! May God continue to richly bless you with extraordinary gifts in Christ Jesus.

[@normul5984]

Amen!!

[@britanniafirst1254]

Blaenwern, my favourite Welsh hymn. Diolch yn fawr!

[@archiedavies7538]

It is certainly up there with one of the best hymns of all time if you ask me! I must say though, Coe Fen is absolutely gorgeous but it’s not as lively as this hymn!

[@alanhenshaw8948]

Absolutely superb. Thankyou so much one of my favourites. Well done and thankyou.

[@archiedavies7538]

You're very welcome and thank you for your kind words!

[@arashmansoori6063]

It was the best version of this hymn I have ever heard! 👏

[@1951GL]

Archie - they need to let you loose on the Liverpool Cathedral organ. Your technique is perfect for the modified Grand Willis.

[@archiedavies7538]

Funnily enough I do have a contact that could get me on it but I’m yet to email them - maybe in March I could get get on the organ there but I’m not sure….

[@revjonathan3166]

Well played. For some reason or other, my nice comment that I left before, got deleted. It's nice to see another young person like myself, doing the same as I do. The added pedal stops made it sound fantastic!

[@archiedavies7538]

Oh that is a bit strange, but thank you very much either way! Yes, Blackburn has a huge pedal division which allows for so much texture, especially with the large 32ft's!

[@NeedtoSpeak]

Dude………flawless interpretation and execution.

[@monopod1]

Thanks Archie. I had this tune at my first wedding, ( the organist called it a horrible Methodist Hymn) I also played it many times during a long brass-band career. Blaenwern ? I was singing the bass part anyway. Great playing, you have a great future. Enjoy every minute if you can. These moments are precious.

[@archiedavies7538]

You’re very welcome and thank you very much! This tune (Blaenwern) was apparently at my parents wedding too, but in no way I think it is a horrible Methodist hymn - it’s beautiful!

[@nathanielaiko8756]

I remember when I was a choir boy at my parish. You can always feel the sound of the organs blast through your chest as you sing the words of this hymn on the last stanza. ❤

[@archiedavies7538]

Yes! It’s an amazing feeling!

[@chrismnutone8421]

I had to show some friends your video I watched yesterday. We all agreed when God passed out talent, you were first in line. Enjoy your youth. You will be very successful.

[@archiedavies7538]

Oh wow thank you so much that’s very kind of you, and I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!!

[@c-historia]

always deserved applause for you who are fantastic at playing the organ, magnificent video!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!!

[@patrickrwhite8354]

Dear Archie that was so beautifully played. I loved every minute thank you so much for sharing your amazing skills. I had a very long walk to get to hear this. I am from Canada!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so so much, and I hope you enjoyed your walk!!

[@patrickrwhite8354]

hahaha I thought you would like the humor and Yes I did. Tired feet. Take care my friend. @@archiedavies7538

[@archiedavies7538]

@@patrickrwhite8354 thank you, and you take care too!

[@svause]

@Archie, you made the hairs stand up on my forearms with that last verse - bravo!!!!

[@Ben-uj6qk]

I can only imagine what that must be like to play and to hear in the flesh!! One of my favourite hymns to play as an organist, especially when you get the reeds going with a huge crescendo! Very well done!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much! Yes, it is an incredible hymn, especially in that huge acoustic and with the crystal clear sound of the organ - it honestly took my breath away when I heard it for the first time!!

[@paulakitwine5257]

Very nicely played. Well done Sir.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much Paul!

[@christiankeller_music]

Beautiful! Always glad to see another young organist

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Nice, clean, rendition. Thanks!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@davidrobins4025]

Beautiful. What a wonderful job making that pipe organ sound its best. Thank you, young man.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!!

[@tambrosia]

BRAVO Well done So happy to see wonderful young organist using their talents from GOD ABOVE for the souls on earth. Know all who play and sing the hymns of faith your music touches HIS ears and HE blesses you 100x100 for your music restores peoples love and belief in HIM. Pax+

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much, such kind words!

[@billmoss7677]

Fabulous. You were brilliant.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much!

[@maptrking]

DUDE!!!! Love it! Very much!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!!!!

[@normul5984]

Beautiful! Thank you!!

[@chrismnutone8421]

Awesome! Nice job.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@fireflyrobert]

Pure gold played by such talent.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much, it means a lot!

[@RobCharles1981]

That was awesome Archie - heard this organ with Richard McVeigh too :-)

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much Rob, it means a lot - when I first started the organ about 2 years ago, you were my go to person to get tips on playing! It is such a thrilling sound isn’t it?!

[@RobCharles1981]

@@archiedavies7538 That's awesome - yep an awesome sound too! :-)

[@harbourwoodlandvisitor2445]

sweet kind heart warming smile at the end. praise to the gifted.

[@welshwizard55]

well played. sounds great.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!!

[@federicoprice2687]

Marvellous, thank you Archie!

[@RYNT1157]

Beautiful hymn , well done 👏👏👍 the pipe organ is the king of instruments.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much! I agree, the best instrument in my opinion!!

[@nativetexanful]

That was awesome! Especially the last verse which was louder.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@susanrachael2066]

Praise praise praise God Almighty God given talent to this young lad amen

[@orfeo117]

Resulta conmovedor ver a todo un JOVEN interpretar un bello órgano!!!APLAUSOS!!!!!

[@welshwizard55]

Came back for another listen, blows my mind, reminds me of being in grammar school back in the 60's at the morning gathering . They had a great wind organ. Such delight. I some times change the tone on my Roland to have this sound. Absolutely brilliant when I play the Welsh national Anthem. Bravo

[@peejaygeee]

Brought up in forties with country parents and church since five, choir till fifteen. Most of village school boys and girls attended church then. This superb rendering brought the tears welling up not only the hymn but for many now passed on from our tiny village a number of them serving their country. Well done sir I have subscribed.

[@archiedavies7538]

Oh wow, well I’m very glad you enjoyed it but I’m so sorry to hear about the people you knew who died in the war, I imagine it’s not easy to think about so I’m also sorry this made you think of them. This is one of the reasons I like hymns so much because they often have so many memories attached to them which can be both comforting and emotional. Thank you for subscribing and if there is anything I can record for you please let me know!

[@Railfan6675]

Well done. Thank you for sharing!

[@archiedavies7538]

You’re very welcome and thank you for listening!

[@Mr05241948]

Beautifully performed on a very gorgeous pipe organ

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much! Balckburn organ is one of the best in my opinion!

[@johndean958]

Beautiful. Very moving, Great expression. Cheers, John (Australia)

[@chickenfarm09]

so beautiful

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!!

[@xXAnni3LuvsYhuXx]

Praise the Lord!❤

[@DavidRicketts-vb4dw]

It won't be tracker. It's a detached moveable console. Lovely organ and lovely cathedral to sing in as well.

[@archiedavies7538]

Yes you're right, it is electric action and its so silky smooth to play its amazing! I agree, for a relatively modern cathedral it is absolutely beautiful, and the organ is my favorite at the moment its so good!

[@jtrevm]

Archie. Tempo fine. Good with the build up on the registrations. Love Divine demands a sort of 'ongoing' cresc.. You have the pedal / bass as it should be. The reeds on the last verse might just need a 'hint of reed' in the verse before perhaps an 8' or so - to avoid a total initial shock as the last verse presents the climax. What did you have on the mixtures and the like? Blaenwern always seems to unite a congregation - they own it. Good organists have to lead well with this one! Very good. Enjoy what's ahead - I'm sure you will.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!! On the verse before the last I had full swell and both of the great mixtures, but no great or pedal reeds. On the last verse I added the great 8’ reed and possibly the sub-octave for the great too to give it some more body. Yes, when I was playing it and added the great reed, I was very shocked at how ‘harsh’ it sounded - at first I was wondering if I should record the whole thing again but then as it went on I thought it worked quite well with the pedal 32’ reed which would have completely overthrown everything without the great reed.

[@iankendrick728]

Well played

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@billmoss7677]

That smile at the end says it all : don't lose it.

[@peterlowe6064]

Thank you ,young Sir!

[@louisglen1653]

Nice registrations!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@gustaverebillon4254]

Wonderfull the young organist

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@nigelandrews5617]

Bloody amazing!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@archiedavies7538]

Haha thank you so much Nigel!!!

[@mawi5512]

It sounds fantastic, very well played. Congratulation from Switzerland.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@Goodchappy]

Well done. I never get tired of this hymn and it is easy to play and good for experimenting with alternative harmonies. 👍🏻

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!! It is one of the best hymns in my opinion, just below Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending.

[@Aussiemarco]

You’re amazing, Archie! So much talent and it’s so obvious that you’re loving every moment of playing this glorious instrument!!! As others have said here, it’s beautiful to see a video of a young lad playing an old hymn in a church with so much ability 👏👏👏👏👏

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much! Yes when I was at Blackburn there wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t bursting with happiness about how good it sounded to me!! Old hymns are sometimes the best because they’ve been around for so long and that’s for a reason; everybody loves them!

[@ElPresidente2024]

Love this!

[@user-qr7dn8pu1w]

Me too ❤❤

[@RvanderWall]

Very beautiful!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much!

[@gcatk]

Very nice job young man! We don’t use this hymn tune over here in the States, but have grown to love it after many years listening to Richard McVeigh and his channel. Keep up the excellent work!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much! Yes Richard is wonderful, and I love how he plays hymns on his channel and not just organ pieces - there’s something about hymns which for me makes me feel very happy inside because I have such good memories singing my heart out at hymns!

[@gcatk]

@@archiedavies7538... just to satisfy my curiosity, how old are you?

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

Fantastic performance. Thank you

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@TomPauls007]

just stumbled on this posting. WOW! Love the BCO. You did it proud. I bet you had fun playing this. Really enjoy good hymn playing - esp. on organs like THIS. Good job. ❤❤

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much!! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

[@marioribeirodeazevedoneto311]

Hino belíssimo tocado por excelente organista com ótima performance. Órgão magnífico com acústica perfeita. Parabéns, congratulation Archie Davies! BRASIL

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@paolob8383]

Bravissimo Archie .... ragazzo eccezionale...che musica suadente!!1

[@rogernichols1124]

From one organist to another: great playing. Thank you and good luck!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@dianarolph1770]

I enjoyed that- thanks very much!

[@archiedavies7538]

You’re very welcome I’m glad you liked it!

[@andrewmatheson5888]

great to see more young people taking up the organ god bless you mate

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@gregbushman319]

Welcome young man! Another budging organist I see! Well played!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much Greg!

[@VolkerundWallyMusic]

Very good Played. a great Sound

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much!!

[@jismo7]

Superb playing 👏

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!!

[@wgroentje1]

Beautiful

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much!

[@gharwood1356]

Nice. First recorded that instrument in 1971! Very difficult to mic up for good definition! Cracked it in the end.

[@archiedavies7538]

Yes i was slightly worried when recording that it would start to buzz and crackle because it’s so big and loud but I think it turned out okay in the end, thank you!

[@contrappunto_]

beautiful piece!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@giannihallett4951]

Just awesome

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@bobbyhendley3084]

Very nice! And such a gorgeous hymn!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much! One of the best hymns in my opinion😊

[@oludotunjohnshowemimo434]

Written by Charles Wesley

[@billraty14]

Spritely and joyful tempo. Enjoyed the "fills" at the end of many phrases, and also the rumble of the 32' pedal in the second verse.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you! 🙏 I sometimes feel like that hymn is often played at a slower more andante tempo, but I think it needs more joy into it. Also Blackburn organ is very clear and Chiffy, so it’s fun to make it ‘spritely’ and hear the acoustic carry the sound!

[@yankee1219]

I love the organ at Blackburn cathedral! Great hymn to play there.

[@archiedavies7538]

Same, it’s my favourite so far!

[@nevillerichards676]

Wonderful!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!!

[@karenhiller9189]

Beautiful, a different version than I grew up with in ti Presbyterian church in the US. Both are great.

[@silviosaditesche1556]

Gratulationen, junger Organist!

[@yole8547]

very nice! happy new year !

[@archiedavies7538]

Happy new year to you too and thank you!

[@magnifyoparah2402]

This is the first time I am coming across your channel, and it will not be the last. You play beautifully and majestically ❤. Much love from Nigeria 🇳🇬 ❤️

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much, it means a lot!! I’m very glad you enjoyed it and hopefully I can continue to post things which you equally enjoy!

[@magnifyoparah2402]

@archiedavies7538 Thank you bro for this channel. Guess whose notifications that I've turned on!😁🤭🥰

[@MattGerhard]

Nicely done!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you!

[@rchris56]

I love your playing. Really. Chris in Vietnam.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Urnieburns70]

LOVE THE 32!!!!!

[@james.flores]

Well done, Archie.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much James!

[@user-tc9ro4ne7w]

Hello from Indiana! I have not heard Blaenwern before your performance. I went out and promptly shared it with my sister, and we both intend to use it in our small United Methodist churches. Blessings to you!

[@archiedavies7538]

It is such a good tune, one of the best in my opinion! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I hope it brings happiness to the congregations! Thank you and you too!

[@stephenhoneyman9743]

I’d absolutely love to hear you play the Welsh Hymns “Pantyfedwen” and “Prysgol.”

[@immarchenwald5131]

Sehr schön. Daumen hoch. Abonniert !

[@user-qr7dn8pu1w]

Love you

[@user-dg9iy5td8h]

Very good playing, i love the end, sry my english is not so well, greetings timo

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you so much, and no worries - I’m glad you enjoyed the music!

[@stephenhayden2586]

Excellent

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@benjaminmakem9553]

Wow!

[@SamDavis-b4u]

Nice, Post many more hymns!

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you! I am going to, I just need to get to a good organ to record at which I will hopefully have got to by the end of January!

[@ray-piano9326]

Great job dude!!! More stops please!!!

[@ntraha]

bravo bravo bravo

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much!

[@melodiesofmylife5805]

❤❤❤❤

[@clarencecanty7609]

Oh what a gift you have young man. May you be invited to play the 1st genuine pipe organ at Carnegie Hall.

[@archiedavies7538]

Thank you very much! I would love to come play at Carnegie Hall but sadly it would be quite difficult due to it being in America and me living in the UK.

[@stephenhoneyman9743]

Excellent tempo, faultless notation. You will go far!!! My personal preference would be to have less staccato and more legato effect in the first two chords, and a smaller rallentando at the very end, but I am in no position to judge you! Just my personal preferences. An outstanding and excellent performance! Well done!!

[@lesliebrennan3351]

Cute. ❤

[@grayson1946]

👏

[@prins_af_danmark]

SMUKT!