Widor Toccata at Cathedral Basilica in Newark

[@easyTaff]

My Dad (a church organist) had to learn this after Princess Margaret's wedding because all the local brides wanted it. He could only dream of playing it this well but I loved to sit with him at the organ while he played. It made me so proud of him.

[@josh1991adamson]

this song makes me cry everytime i hear it and as an 18year old boy thats not normally a good think but my grandparents loved it and it was played at thier funerals and it gets me everytime, beautiful

[@bushmistress]

This is abolutely wonderful! Memories of my wedding day in a small English church, a fantastic pipe organist playing this piece as I walked out with my new husband. Thing was, I remember wanting to stay to sit and listen!

[@tallandhandsome29]

I am sitting here marvelling at the skill of the composer, the brilliance of the playing and the craftmanship of the organ builder. What an absolute treat this is.

[@wmier2]

I was at the Cathedral where this was played on Easter Sunday and the organist played this song right after the mass...it was just magnanimous!

[@joelucas6195]

It is nice to know that one organist can give so much pleasure to so many people.I enjoy listening to this piece very often

[@hawaiidispenser]

Something about this piece makes me cry. It's haunting, but awe-inspiring too. One of my very favorite organ pieces of all time.

[@normandowne3446]

I never ceased to be amazed at this work - how it captures the imagination in the immensity and intensity of its power.

[@MarkAnthonyNicholson]

Truly a masterpiece of technical prowess, musicality and artistry. It is a rare pleasure to hear this so well played on such a great instrument. A huge compliment to the organist, the composer and the organ builder. The 32 foot pipes are very demanding on the organ's wind reserves, so big up to the organ builder -- this beautiful instrument kept up flawlessly. The 32 foot pipes also take time to sound given the amount of air required. The timing and clarity of the notes and in particular the pedals are testament to the organist’s and the organ builder’s skills. This is the first time I've heard this piece played at the correct tempo. Diane Bish plays it way too fast! This rendition brought a tear to my eye -- sheer majesty. The pedals need time for their sheer majesty.

[@SarahMDGal]

This performance is so amazing!!! I heard a recording of it played by the late Jeanne Demessieux 30 years ago, and it truly reminded me of her. His lithe, airy, and fluid playing of it would make Widor very proud!!! Well Done!!!

[@lilypondlane]

My favorite rendition of this spectacular piece. Thank you, Frederick Hohman.

[@michaeldenton5769]

This is truly an amazing performance. Wonderfully played...and all from memory! Bravo good sir! I first heard this piece when I was about 11 yrs old played by Simon Preston for the Royal wedding of one of the Princesses way back in 1960. It has been my favourite piece since then and I'm now 66! All I can play of this is a few of the opening chords....lol

[@tazio2]

You're talking pure genius here ...would love to hear this man play it live .. to die for

[@brihath]

I love the Widor 5th! And this organist is playing it from memory! Cool!

[@wljmrbill]

by far one of the best performances of this piece I believe I have heard in some time.articulate and smooth with that little touch of needed staccato.

[@Organsk8er]

One of the most musical performances of this piece I think I've ever heard! Simply spectacular!

[@emeryja23]

so beautiful and so amazing. the talent that organists have is so uplifting. i have nothing but respect for those who play the organ so effortlessly. bravo!

[@albertpeckham9515]

Wow! This fine musician has the control and the passion for this composition. I admire his reserve in not rushing the notes but keeps his tempi intact. Congratulations for a wonderful performance.

[@GarethWonfor]

Had this to go out to at our wedding 12 years ago, such an epic version. Super talented playing - thanks for posting!

[@Phoebe13ism]

I`m no expert .Just love this piece. It makes the hairs at the back of my neck stand up and a shiver down the spine every time.

[@johnferguson8993]

A brilliant performance of the Master work at just the right tempo.

[@TwistedSisterMister]

So beautiful, and so beautifully done! Hats off to Mr. Hohman for making my heart leap with his uncanny performance.

[@tallandhandsome29]

Marvellous. This has always been one of my favourite pieces of music of any genre and the posting is particularly welcome because we get to see this talented player in action, as well as the venue in which it was played and some context too. A small point, but thanks too for not cutting off the video at the end as so many do. the way the final two chords die away into the interior of the Cathedral is just magical and finishes the piece off beautifully.

[@OneEyePI]

I have to agree with organist12345, this is a beautiful recital. The registration of the pedal stops at 03:34 is absolutely perfect for the piece and the instrument. With the greatest respect, sometimes American organists overcook the pedal part and spoil this and other pieces, but this was wonderful from start to finish. 5 stars!

[@iamrepete]

Not only does Frederick Hohman play brilliantly,he produces and engineers recordings that I should think are the envy of many.Favorite moment in this one is at 3:48 when both feet start playing octaves- if you ever get the chance to see Fred live,do it!

[@UncleBrommel]

When I listen to this music, the world stops around me. It is so beautiful!! I think, if God would create music, he would have created this!!!!

[@CNMS501]

THANK YOU, Mr. Hohman! To God be the glory!!!

[@fanniandwads]

The organist at our wedding couldn't manage this but I have now planned this wonderful music for my funeral.

[@pearlblues]

I think Widor himself would be pleased with this version. Bravo!

[@peter41203]

One of my very FAVORITE pieces of organ work. My GrandDad played this quite often for postludes at my church I grew up in. He played this the best, imo. Love it!

[@hitidesin]

WOW... this IS just about the best tempo! It IS, simply put, fantastic playing of the old warhorse we love 'till death!

[@MelosAntropon]

Magnificent. You gotta love an organist who adapts his touch to the acoustic of the room - which he does beautifully here!

[@487409c]

This is the one recital, I keep coming back to. A truly great rendition!

[@hilarylewis7017]

I chose this piece as the one I would have played at my funeral because it is absolutely wonderful. Frederick thank you so much for your rendition. HAL

[@willoooooooob9]

I have to agree with Gregory Awarski..."it blows my mind every time I hear it". Such an awesome piece. so dynamic...!!

[@philbertherndon5909]

This is the best I have ever heard of this popular organ work. The pedal is very clear and you can actually distinguish the notes on the swell organ. It also is not rushed which allows for the greater enjoyment of the music.

[@philbertherndon5909]

Merci

[@marelicainavokado]

This is the best version I've found here on KZbin. It's just the right speed and you can actually hear the music. Other versions are either too fast or the tones get drowned in one loud mess.

[@mauriceallheilig7117]

Toute la magnificence, la puissance, et le respect pour cette œuvre magistrale.

[@mickwable]

Solid. This chap makes it alive. Without taking it too fast.

[@KGAMDJ]

Excellent, this could not have been played any better. Perfect timing, skill and registration. Thank You for a truly emotional and enjoyable experience!

[@Bettiem44]

Power, passion and precision. Now I have to go somewhere to have a good cry.

[@timcushing4566]

This piece is amazingly well done - one of my favorites organ pieces. I agree - it's not rushed and the distinction with the notes is awesome.

[@chriswhitelaw3126]

Oh Thank GOD! FInally someone who doesn't treat this piece as a Formula 1 race! The full majesty of that pedal line needs time. There are some serious demands made on the wind reserves of an organ for this piece, and those 32ft reeds need time to speak sometimes. Bravo!

[@mattd5147]

amazing talent this gentleman has. wonderful music too.

[@rickmiller462]

Hats off to Schantz and the young man. The 32 foot stops had time to speak clearly. This is the very best performance of the Widor.

[@flyurway]

I met this guy a couple years back when he did a recital in nearby Lyons NY...small upstate NY village, ironically, about 5 miles from NEWARK, NY, lol! Just a great organist and really nice guy. Of course, I had to buy the CD they mention in this vid and he was happy to autograph it!

[@jonesorg]

For the first time heard the Toccata at a good pace! And to play this exquisitely from memory - wow! Simply wow! This made my day today! :-)

[@Nephlyria]

a tear was swelling to my eye.

[@ehought]

Silver and gold turned to music. Magnificent.

[@charlesbrown1934]

I love this magnificent instrument! The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a wonderfully complimentary acoustical environment for the organ. Listen to those awesome pedal pipes speaking from their towers at the back of the nave. WOW! It reminds me quite a bit of some of those churches in Paris.

[@thomasskuzinski3522]

Best version of this I ever heard on youtube. Perfect tempo and wonderful clarity.

[@zappapeppe]

still can't get over this guy, leaves me in awe

[@jmdeheredia]

je découvre cette oeuvre magistrale et sans égal !!! c'est un déferlement sonore d'une rare intensité avec ce thème obsédant !!! sans fuite possible, on est appréhendé par cette émotion que seul l'orgue peut donner !!! c'était un grand compositeur , ayant connu St Saens et bien d'autres grands de la musique !!! merci pour cet espoir que procure cet univers sonore complet !!! et infini !!! il y a de la conception de l'univers !!! ce pourrait ètre un sublime support sonore pour un chef d'oeuvre cinématographique !!!

[@roberttv]

Absolutely stunning! I agree with Thomas (below)... best version of this I've ever heard, not just on KZbin, but anywhere. Your playing is brilliant. To finally hear this piece played at a tempo that makes sense considering the acoustics and articulation (and honoring the composer's wish) is SO musical and SO refreshing. I would love to hear you play a full recital someday, Mr. Hohman. You are a magnificent musician. Thank you.

[@soprano2k]

Bravo! Flawless work. Thank you for doing such a superb job with my all-time favorite organ piece ... and for sharing it with the rest of us. This is so very inspirational. What a fabulous instrument and stunning surroundings! I can imagine the great music that is being made there.

[@midnightpipes]

The pedalboard is 32 notes, spanning two and one-half octaves. Low C to High G. This range appears to be a modern standard compass, at least in America. Many pedalboards, especially those in Europe and UK have 30 notes... low C to high F. The lens on the pedal camera does make it look big, I will admit! Thanks for writing. - FH

[@thomasdeserranno]

Les Allemands ont la "Toccata in d-minor" et les Français ont leur "Toccata in F-Major"! Oui, sans doute l'une des plus belles versions de cette toccata, toujours avec votre immense talent Mr. Hohman, talent dont je suis grand admirateur. Je joue régulièrement vos transcriptions du Nutkracker en concert (en Belgique et en France) et croyez bien qu'elles rencontrent un très très grand succès. Si vous me lisez, soyez-en remercié, et pour tout ce que vous apportez de beau dans le monde de l'orgue!

[@Boneyardbound]

I love the sound of every note being played...

[@NYC10025UWS]

Wow! Just amazing. Thank you for this superb performance,

[@bethfeisel3711]

Splendid performance of this piece. Right tempo, crisp technique--heavenly! Used this for my wedding recessional 28 years ago; it was perfect although my mom hated it!

[@HoeeSayy]

I wonder what it was like to be Hohman when he played this... Being able to masterfully play a piece as hard as the widor toccata. Gives me goosebumps just listening to it, so I can only imagine how one feels actually playing this.

[@flyurway]

Saw him many years back when he performed on a decent organ we have nearby in a little podunk town. Really nice guy I remember. I bought that CD that they plug in this video (French 5ths) and had him sign it for me.

[@patriciagunnell8374]

Stunning. No other words for it.

[@Palestrina50]

At last, a performance of the Toccata that isn't a race to the end!

[@fmsrolltide]

I agree. This is one of the best I've heard. Some people play this so fast just to be flashy. Widor could never have played it as fast as some do today. Bravo!

[@Mrphilharmonic]

Glorious!! I can't choose between this or the Simon Preston version. Both just wonderful!

[@Mr05241948]

Very beautifully played on this magnificent instrument.

[@mrspenn1611]

excellent playing and the end cadence was spot on.....

[@NSA66]

One of the most imaginatively registered recordings of the Widor I've come across. Nice to hear the slightly more strident swell reeds raising their heads above the chorus. I liked this a lot. Thanks.

[@logica10]

Outstanding!!! Excellent bass, tempo, any note in the right moment. Kudos for the organist!!

[@octavegeigen4]

Wonderful performance Mr. Hohman! Your rendition of this magnificent Toccata has taught me the tempo at which I will play this piece for my cousin's wedding recessional in September. Bravo!

[@franknebula]

this is how it is written to be played brilliant

[@mudgebauer]

This is still the best recording of this piece on KZbin, even though Gert Van Hoef does a nice one too, this is still the best.

[@May1south]

This is my favorite performance of the Toccata.

[@jcanderson74]

this is the MOST beautiful ever! love so much, thank you all!!

[@GibbonJabber]

One of the best performances I have heard. Right tempo, right dynamics, right phrasing, right touch. I have actually played this piece on a pipe organ but not as well. Playing on a pipe organ can be confusing because of the delayed action, delayed hearing of pipes at a distance, and dealing with echoes.

[@Ginandor]

My wife and I had this music for walking down the aisle after our marriage in 1980. It was played by Tommy Mahon, who, as well as being a great organist, was a great lecturer at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies

[@maryheyes]

Brilliant performance, magnificent cathedral.

[@marionlovett7167]

Perfect speed. A masterpiece of French organ music. Thanks for posting this.

[@VallaMusic]

have to chime in and agree - a most satisfying aural experience in every aspect of a great work that often gets rushed or muddled up

[@mudgebauer]

This is the very best rendition of this piece on youtube. I wish I was blessed with this gift.

[@gleitma1]

Best recording on KZbin!

[@ZaCelebrit]

A wonderful version of this amazing piece of music. Very well performed 😇

[@theodorebiele5201]

fantastic, bright organ and excellent playing!

[@bradleypianoman]

I wish I could explain the way this song makes me feel.

[@donreillyxu]

very brilliant!! Love it. I listen to it 20+ times!!!!!!!! WONDERFUL FANTASTIC MARVELOUS ETC.

[@bazwookie]

Frederick hohman is just so natural brilliant piece of music played on the organ at new jersey cathedral basilica

[@midnightpipes]

Thanks for writing. The funny answer is that you need 4 in case the other 3 break! By tradition, each division of a pipe organ has had its own keyboard. You play all divisions at once (as on this video) by coupling the divisions together. On a mechanical action organ, often the keys of all keyboards move when coupled together. Here, the action is electro-pneumatic, hence no phantom key movement. By placing various sounds on each keyboard (division) one can easily make tonal contrasts. -FH

[@midnightpipes]

Thanks for writing. I've often aspired to play at the Royal Albert Hall, but I've toured very little in the UK, and have not yet tried to get a booking there. With your encouragement, I realize perhaps I should see what I can arrange. Feel free to forward my contact info, website, etc to anyone you know who might be interested in helping make the arrangements. With thanks and best wishes, Fred H.

[@claviergoren]

This is a very musical rendition of such a famous work. It is nice to actually hear the notes. Well done!!

[@Towndrunk26er]

Such a treat to hear this played so well.

[@bernardcromarty485]

Brilliant! The correct speed for the acoustics of the building!!

[@music4ron774]

This is fantastic! Registration, tempo and clarity are all excellent. Another big difference compared to other recordings is his smooth transition from one major section to another and when changing stops. In some recordings the organist either slows down or takes a momentary break between sections.

[@IloveCochereau]

Brilliant interpretation ! One of the best i've heard.

[@BruceXuHasADream]

BEST VERSION IVE EVER HEARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MillerMeteor74]

This makes me want to visit Newark even more! I've always wanted to see this cathedral, but now I want to go hear its organ too. Watching this is the next best thing. Thanks for posting it.

[@AltairEgoX]

This is one of my fave Songs for organ! Its takes me back...I mean i was that kid at 12 listening to this in an inner City enivron

[@soludsnak]

This is more ballsy than a LOT of electronic music out there right now, wonderful video and performance.

[@jmdeheredia]

grandiose quel univers sonore fantastique ce repetitendo obsédant !!!

[@trenoespresso]

Of course the best Widor toccata on you tube!Thank you!