On the Mighty Flentrop Organ | Saint Mark's, Seattle

Canon for Cathedral Music Michael Kleinschmidt offers a short introduction to the five divisions of the landmark pipe organ of Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, originally manufactured by the Dutch firm Flentrop in 1965. This video is rather longer than all the others in the "On Saint Mark's Cathedral" series, but if you stick with it, there is a surprise cameo at the end!
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington strives to be: a house of prayer for all people, where we worship God and proclaim the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ; a loving, welcoming, inclusive community that nurtures faith, encourages service, and integrates social and environmental justice into our lives; a sacred gathering place for the Diocese of Olympia and the broader community in times of crisis, sorrow, and celebration.
Saint Mark's Cathedral is part of the Episcopal Church, and as a cathedral, serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia.

[@hankkingsley2976]

I always appreciate somebody who knows exactly what they're doing

[@rifelaw]

That 32' actually makes my desk vibrate with just a laptop.

[@bjohnmasters]

"A very sturdy hymn." I loved that. The organist at my home church when I grew up would refer to those as "pipe cleaners."

[@hopelessnerd6677]

Awesome instrument! Imagine going to church 400 years ago and hearing something like that for the first time.

[@joyfulyes]

Yes, they are so awe inspiring. I came to this channel via the channel of a little 12 year old boy who's a budding organist and he says he "adores" the music. It just gets hold of some of us and never lets go.

[@gbosey1449]

I remember back in the late 60s - We had an apartment down the street in the old Loveless Building and would walk down to the church for their concerts. You could wander in casually, sit on the steps leading up to the alter, lie back and gaze at the ceiling during the concerts. One of the highlights was that each visiting artist was given a theme during the intermission and as a closing piece was required to play an impromptu set of variations on that theme. It was exciting and gave the entire concert an air of a sporting event. Wonderful memories.

[@n6mz]

Two highlights of my life: pulling stops on this gorgeous instrument for my friend Roger Sherman and then years later getting a personal tour of the Flentrop shop in Zaandam by their outstanding technical director. And what did I pass in one of the hallways? A photo of this beauty (they're very proud of her, one of the largest they ever built). She seems to sound better and better every time I hear her.

[@TomWojtowick]

...was present at the E P Biggs inaugural..actually sat by him with my organ teacher Wm Pulliam...still playing given such experiences...

[@saintmarksseattle]

Wow, Mr Wojtowick, that's great! Canon Kleinschmidt partially recreated those Biggs recitals for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the instrument, in 2015. Please reach out to the him directly if you have any historical materials or memories from that time which you would be willing to share -- you can find his contact info on the cathedral webpage, saintmarks.org

[@JCF072344]

With a group of organ students I visited the Flentrop shortly after it was installed over 50 years ago. This organ has certainly stood the test of time and resounds in its marvelous acoustic. Thanks for triggering a memory.

[@thegatheringroomatwepc6221]

Oh Bunnykins! That was just ausgeseichnet! Bestimmt!!!

[@MrRexquando]

The astronauts at NASA have button envy. So amazing! Thank you for sharing this work of art.

[@no1Liikeglenn]

4:11 ''right now the gallery is shaking a bit'' Just then my shelves where wandering around my flat. never before have a Church organ on youtube made my shelves vibrate around.

[@no1Liikeglenn]

I have @ Dual ''beast'' subwoofer system @ 1000rms watt. It' goes down to 35 hz. but when C−1 or C−2 is played I can still clearly feel it :) Thx for the best organ video on you tube. It has all the hallmarks of a great video!

[@andrewhicks8340]

Michael, this is terrific! What a fine demonstration of this instrument. You communicate some of the joy that is part of being an Organist and which is so hard to explain to people. Greetings and all good wishes from Iowa: some of our choristers who sang with you at RSCM courses still ask about you. I will tell them "Watch this video."

[@frankschmits143]

Ever since a very dedicated friend of mine introduced me to the wonderful world of the pipe organ and the great music by famous composers, played by great musicians, my life went up another step in admiration and shear pleasure with music. In a couple of years now, so many Dutch and German churches and monasteries we visited to pay tribute to impressive architecture, famous pipe organs and finest compositions. The more proud as well I was seeing and hearing a great and very understandable explanation by Mr. Kleinschmidt, clearly showing his delight and admiration with this Seattle Flentrop pipe organ, built by my highly skilled and famous fellow Dutchmen.

[@railgap]

I've seen a few organ demos, but Michael's near-giggling enthusiasm for this instrument and organs in general is wonderfully infectious. What a delight to watch, and this instrument is a beauty.

[@railgap]

Also, having watched one or two recitals and listened to a few organists, Michael has a refreshingly compleat comprehension and mastery of the instrument.

[@saintmarksseattle]

@@railgap Thank you so much for your kind words! Please pay the organ a visit whenever you are in Seattle.

[@liamphillips4406]

What an amazing instrument, a stunning building and a superbly talented musician. All three have to go hand-in-hand adding beauty to one another. As an Anglican priest and choreographer of worshipful liturgy, it must be mind blowing and spiritually uplifting to have such music, played by such a musician, during a religious feast.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you for your kind words, Rev. Phillips.

[@dmrowell1]

What an absolutely marvelous video, and brilliantly presented by Michael Kleinschmidt. His overflowing enthusiasm made it all the more compelling. And the whimsical counter-piece at the end was a lovely ending. Thank you.

[@keesschuurman5653]

A clear and enthousiastic demonstration. And the acoustic is overwhelming. Thank you for demonstrating this Dutch topografie,

[@bhigdaddymark]

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Michael Kleinschmidt, I’m well aware of him being from NYC. From the first time at age sixteen that Dr. Gerre Hancock allowed me to play the now gone but wonderful organ at St. Thomas 5th Avenue until the last time I played it thanks to the late John Scott in 2015, I missed meeting Michael Kleinschmidt who’s not only a brilliant organist, but also a nice guy and he was the associate organist at the famed St. Thomas 5th Avenue church. This organ is on my ‘bucket list’ of organs to hear live, but also to play. I’m thrilled to know that Mr. Kleinschmidt is at St. Mark’s, it’ll be terrific to hear him, that organ and that room live.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Canon Kleinschmidt returned to St. Thomas Fifth Avenue to play a recital on their new chancel organ just a few months ago, in May of 2019. But please come visit us in Seattle any time!

[@stuartylad]

Absolutely loved your enthusiasm for this instrument; it's clear that you love it!

[@georgecrosscross8253]

A phantastic and very powerful instrument! And the most completely explanation from you Master, my devotion to the Mighty Flentrop... thanks a lot.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you for your kind words, George.

[@EElgar1857]

One of the world's greatest organs. I'll never forget hearing it during the OHS Convention.

[@BATTIS94]

It's a joy to hear an explanation from a person who clearly loves the instrument.

[@georgemurphy2579]

And, is well intormed! Michael had a tremendous reputation when in New York at At. Thomas' Church.

[@califdad4]

this is what a pipe organ is suppose to sound like, love it!

[@gammafoxlore2981]

Some day, I will play a similar instrument.

[@Sebastian-tf5vr]

That was absolutely AMAZING

[@negumanezer]

I loved your passion for explaining how the organ works and you played at the same time.

[@DavidBrowningBYD]

I studied church music as a pianist and chorister for many, many years, and have been associated with many organists. This is the first time I have understood some of the concepts you explain here.

[@davidwilliams4865]

Awesome, and greetings from St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Circleville, Ohio founded in 1817 and still blessed by God.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you, David!

[@totogabi]

he really loves that organ

[@BernardProfitendieu]

this was a helluva lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be!

[@alantorrance6153]

I could see you were enjoying the session. I, too, enjoyed it incredibly. That organ is brilliant! Thank you!

[@mallorga1965]

This is perhaps the best organ demo I have ever watched. Wonderful instrument, of course!

[@donotcare330]

In case you are wondering. ON Bill Nye The Science Guy. This Organ was featured on the episode Season 3 - Episode 11 (waves). I also had the privilege and honor to play this organ just a few days AFTER this organ had shifted from the Earthquake, in the early 2000s. which knocked OUT the swell division until it was re-serviced. It is a GREAT ORGAN and out of the 50+ i've played on. VERY memorable instrument. The reeds have a "fiery" thunder which sends a brisk down the chill of one's spine. Being at the controls of this great Instrument is beyond exhilarating.

[@FreedomsNurse]

Now Bill Nye is the fake-science guy. How sad.

[@mattaustin2128]

I love this video, and watch it again and again! Thank you.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you so much! We've been thinking about a follow-up for a very long time now, so please stay tuned...

[@mattaustin2128]

@@saintmarksseattleThank you, that will be wonderful! I discovered this video not long after covid lockdowns started here in Australia. Amidst the uncertainty of everyday living, and as an ‘essential worker’ out in the community to carry out a rather difficult role, I returned to this video time after time. There’s so much to enjoy; the technical account, the demonstrations, and the gentle humour sprinkled throughout. It’s been a wonderful antidote to the negativity of 2020-21 and remains so today. I feel that your faith community must have a really positive and warm vibe, I certainly feel that spirit through this and your other videos. Cheers!

[@peteacher52]

Truly, a magnificent organ in the best tradition of the Netherlands, explained with bubbling enthusiasm. Piet Kee and his contemporaries would have loved this one!

[@MrRichulan]

What a surprise: a Dutch Flentrop Organ in the USA. I visited several churches here in the Netherlands with my late father, who was an organist for 45 years.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Rene, you are welcome to come visit us in Seattle anytime! Although the instrument is today rather different than the one Flentrop designed in 1965, it remains one of the grandest instruments the firm ever built.

[@kansasthunderman1]

E. Power Biggs performed many recordings on the Flentrop organ of Busch Reisenger Museum at Harvard University. It's a small tracker organ that serves as an introduction to the Baroque Era organ building and classic voicing.

[@TheHappyCooker68]

@@kansasthunderman1 The Flentrop there was built in 1958. The Busch Reisinger Museum (now Adolphus Busch Hall) has similar acoustics to the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where Bach served many years as cantor.

[@adamdonovan5633]

OOOO EMMMM GEEE.....my brain has new grooves in it thanks to the Mighty Flentrop!! Big thanks.

[@jimfowler5930]

Stunning! Brings tears to my eyes, both because of the SOUNDS!, and the realization that I went strings/Cello! Why of why?! My favorite voice(s) are those of the Horizontal Reeds....they shake my soul and cannot wait to hear what music the Lord has in store for those of us who have made Jesus Lord. Ausgezeichnet, ich hab' alles genoßen!! Augen voller Tränen! Vielen Dank.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

oh, boo hoo hoo!

[@JP_Systems]

Pipe organs are simply amazing instrument! Nothing can compare to this. Thanks for the Organ 101 !!!

[@bremick]

WOW... Fantastisch!!!!! Bravo

[@georgefelty6357]

Years ago when I was young, I had the honor of attending a student workshop with Flentrop!

[@onetimeonthegoodfoot]

My father was an organist, and he’d let us go up into the chest. Even with just a 32’ stop, you wouldn’t hear it, really, but you would feel it beating against your stomach.

[@wallybrown5836]

Thank you for this demonstration. It was very helpful and entertaining. Scintilating playing.

[@RedPop4]

The audio of this video is quite well-done so as to really be able to discern the different divisions originating in their own different points in time and space.

[@kansasthunderman1]

The building has good acoustics which complements the sound of the organ.

[@jrzzrj]

👍...wow....knocks my socks off......

[@joshuamiller-le753]

Had the great pleasure of hearing this instrument in person last July for the AGO convention. Just wow. Spectacular instrument, recordings definitely don't do it justice.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you, Joshua! Please pay a visit again any time.

[@DLCaster]

What a great organ in a wonderfully reverberant space. Very well presented Michael.

[@georgemurphy2579]

Very well explained. I learned a few things myself today. Organ is stupendous and the acoustics are divine!!! Thanks, Micheal!!

[@32582657]

Have watched quite a few videos explaining and displaying the operation of various organs. IMHO this one one offers one of the best demonstrations of organ tone colors and how they can be combined.

[@daniela.hammond6041]

Excellent organ and demonstration.

[@daryleharris1021]

This was really fun! Flentrop organs are awesome. The organist is really personable and enjoyable. Nice guy!

[@kansasthunderman1]

Flentrop is one of several builders of the "modern baroque" organs which appeared in the 1940s.

[@josephgraif2588]

Unfortunately, this is not a modern, evolved instrument, but one built to 18th century specifications.

[@kansasthunderman1]

@@josephgraif2588 That's Flentrop's idea to build organs to old fashioned specifications.

[@omniryx1]

In what way would that be unfortunate, sir? Flentrop, one of the very most respected organ builders on earth, designed and built it to sound precisely as it does. There is nothing whatsoever unfortunate about it.

[@josephgraif2588]

why is the organ the only instrument that continues to be built to "old fashioned" specifications? every other instrument has evolved and never "looked back". flentrop took their "lead" from charles fisk, an engineer and amateur organist who proclaimed the organ to be a "dead" instrument in the 1950's that could only be revived by returning to baroque building techniques. who was he to do so and why did we follow him? do we build baroque violins today? enough said...

[@davedennis6042]

Wow! When you lift your hands at the end it sounds like that sound goes clear into outer space. Love that sound.

[@testdriver3146]

The wonder of y-tube. One start to watch a video of tank battles and end up with an orgasmic organist. Dude is skilled with the info and knows how to tickle those ivory knobs.

[@revjonathan3166]

Awesome!!!! Come over to Australia! Play a Pipe Organ here please.

[@dscottsw1]

Really enjoyed this. Spent many a Sunday evening at Compline, and then staying afterward if someone was going to play the organ. I took a few lessons from Pete Hallock back in the day. Love that organ and the beautiful acoustics of the Cathedral.

[@hansbeestman7460]

Ik heb genoten van de mooie klanken groeten van Hans uit Zwolle Nederland

[@thd5678]

When I win the lottery, I’m so getting one of these.

[@dountoothers7052]

Mr. Kleinschmidt, Portland lost a diamond in the crown of Music. I'm not a musician but you drew me in with a sense of wonder as you explained the sonic capabilities of this fine organ. I can now hear what is going on and how an organist chooses the color/mood for the music they play. You appear giddy with excitement doing this expose of sound creation. I get that way talking about cooking and eating. Thanks for the ambrosial tidbits sprinkled with sonic seasonings. Want to hear much more than musical clips. Saen Sans 3rd would be a joy to experience in this space. The dynamic range of the recording made it difficult to comfortably listen since the dynamic range made it either too loud or too soft on my IMac 27". Was it my speakers/hearing aids or was it the recording itself? Many thanks for melding your musical prowess and your technical understanding of this organ. May you be well appreciated in your undertaking.

[@josephgraif2588]

EXCEPT...this is NOT a modern instrument. it is built to 18th century specifications...

[@danw1955]

I also have a 27" iMac, but I run a digital audio cable to a really good home stereo, and the difference is amazing. The stock speakers in the iMac leave A LOT to be desired!😉

[@joannescouchet7038]

@@josephgraif2588 I don't think you would find horizontal trumpets, or combination pistons on a 18th century Schnitger organ :) Romantic music works quite well on this organ, by the way - just like on the Muller organ in Haarlem or the Hinsz in Kampen, both 18th century organs that have been "tweaked" to be more versatile.

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Nice good recording, too! Thank you for your effort for us to learn this historical musical king of instruments. If only we know your services schedules with live stream, well who knows some of want to join the Mass. God bless you!

[@mibi1946]

Wonderful sounding organ and very well demonstrated. Thanks for posting.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you for watching!

[@1622steve]

I was listening to organs (including Flentrop) before you were born. This video is a delight!

[@clivetodd8782]

What a fantastic teacher !!. Now I know all about that organ, all I need to do is learn how to read manusripts and how to play the instrument .

[@saintmarksseattle]

It's never too late to start!

[@annies.1997]

I LOVE the horizontal reeds! Sounds like a combo olde-style horn section/harpsichord. Very nice sound!

[@saintmarksseattle]

Those Spanish trumpets are the newest part of the instrument -- they replaced the earlier (and somewhat gentler) chamade in 2011.

[@TonusFabri2024]

Great...I sang at St Mark's years ago with a visiting choir from Victoria, happy memories.

[@darrelljourdan3687]

Brilliant... Perfectly explained and fascinating. Thank you very much for posting this!

[@butcherwoman3753]

Thank you for filling me up!

[@guitarsupport]

Fantastic Instrument and explanations!

[@TomPauls007]

Always loved the DAF organ sounds. The voices are very distinct and clear. I have a vinyl of EPBiggs massaging one. Love it! I'll have to drop in up there when you have an organ concert.

[@saintmarksseattle]

E Power Biggs played the inaugural recitals on this instrument in 1965! Organ concerts are coming up on October 18 and December 22, 2019 -- see saintmarks.org/music-series for details.

[@clivebulmer5225]

Powerful clear sound! Thank you!!

[@gregbushman319]

FAB Michael

[@karenbiscow1208]

Loved your demo...we bought our son at age six a Hammond organ...he played by ear...he at first was playing an octave and 1/2 keyboard he borrowed from school...as a teen he went on to play a B3 and different electronic keyboards in band

[@saintmarksseattle]

Karen, that's wonderful! Canon Kleinschmidt is always extremely generous with any young person who expresses an interest in playing the pipe organ-because that's how he was introduced to the instrument as a kid himself.

[@heinmadsen-leipoldt2341]

I enjoy the beautiful sound, well I've never played on a flentrop before

[@gloriayoder5173]

So incredible!

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you for watching!

[@organfan668]

I want one of those in my house:)

[@NgaiOlaudah]

JUST GORGEOUS. THANK YOU, Michael. I must visit St. Mark's when I'm next in Seattle. You must be an incredible teacher! arthur..

[@Zavendea]

He is!

[@g.k.failla9389]

I often listen to his "All Bach on the Flentrop" video. First heard a Flentrop on radio broadcast of an E.Power Biggs Bach album. Promptly went out and got the recording. Watched a tour of the Flentrop Shop on KZbin. It was all in Dutch without subtitles. What they were doing was clearly shown though. One of the pipemakers later sat down and played Bach on an instrument they were testing. From Chicago, U.S.A.

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you, Mr. Failla! The Flentrop Orgelbouw recently uploaded a new series of short videos on their KZbin about the workshop -- with English subtitles this time! Definitely worth checking out.

[@g.k.failla9389]

Thank you for the information on the Flentrop shop videos. We have a 1991 Flentrop at the Catholic Cathedral here. It's "traditional" looking with a golden oak finish. I know I can't tell you anything about how they sound! From. Chicago, U.S.A.

[@GaleLeach]

What a wonderfully clear description of the basic workings of a large pipe organ. All my life, I've wondered how the stops and pedals worked and what the four keyboards were for. I know this video only scratched the surface, but thank you for enough information to answer those questions and more. Masterful and thoroughly enjoyable presentation (and great musical snatches, too). Wish I lived in Seattle!

[@Mark_Dyer1]

Here in the UK I am so pleased that Organists and the King of Instruments are coming out of the closet! Of course stars such as Cameron Carpenter, Olivier Latry, Nathan Laube, and the Scott Brothers have all had a huge influence. I have always felt that the marque of a good sound-system is its ability to handle the music of the pipe-organ!

[@obgraham93]

Well I was sitting in St Mark's this past week at the AGO convention. I noticed how many bulbs were out on the chandeliers. I figured they just were cutting costs! Now I know -- the organ pops 'em!

[@christhesmith]

Now I'm going to look for a recital there! Thanks!

[@saintmarksseattle]

Chris, the Saint Mark's Music Series concert schedule-which always includes at least two recitals on the Flentrop organ-will be announced in the fall of 2022.

[@susanhagan5371]

Thank you, much enjoyed!

[@omars.8073]

What splendid demonstration! Thank you so much for making this.

[@JakePurches-Base2music]

Extremey informative. Thanks very much.

[@CoasterLover218]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, talent, and enthusiasm! I learned a lot. 😊

[@fortheloveofbrum3106]

Please do a series of videos on this beautiful instrument. I came across your video completely by accident I was blown away. Your skill and enthusiasm is phenomenal it’s given me a better appreciation of what an organ of that size and complexity can do “in the right hands”. It is wonderful to see and hear music being created in gods house. Thank you,thank you, thank you. 👍🏽🇬🇧

[@user-zz8ds8or3k]

P.S.: if you wish to hear how an organ known to and played by Bach might have sounded, come to Europe and visit, play and hear: (1) the Arp Schnitger Organ of St. Jacobi in Hamburg; (2) the Zacharias Hildebrandt Organ of the St. Wenceslas Organ in Naumburg (recently restored and recorded with the complete Art of Fugue on Aeolus); (3) the Gottfried Silbermann Organ of the Dome in Freiberg, the most precious example of baroque organ building preserved to the present day (BTW, Bach tested the Hildebrandt Organ in Naumburg together with Silbermann of which testimony is preserved in his own hand-writing)

[@LifesaverM]

I hope is one of my next trips to Seattle I'll have an opportunity to hear this majestic instrument. Wonderful presentation that makes me want to hear more.

[@e.conboy4286]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@WillemvanTwillertOrganist]

Thank you for your demonstration you did it fine

[@mfbfreak]

Made in my home town, and the factory's still building and refurbishing organs :)

[@saintmarksseattle]

Thank you for your comment! Flentrop Orgelbouw have a good KZbin channel themselves as well :-)

[@JohnMurray1977]

What a wonderful video!! You can see the passion for music and the organ he has!! Great teacher!!!!

[@thegarnersmusic1244]

I really enjoyed your video!! I played a Hammond organ for church many years ago and have recently started to become enamored by the organ again. This video made me want to call my church organist and ask for organ lessons. 😄 The church I currently attend has a large pipe organ that I've been curious about and intimidated by. Man, I'd love to hop back on and give it a go sometime. Thanks for the wonderful video. You are fun to watch and learn from. Thanks for the knowledge and the humor!

[@grrwuff4099]

LOOOOVE this- beautiful tunes...

[@johnrobinson1132]

Thanks for a great demonstration. A fine instrument in a great acoustic.

[@plasticraincoat1]

Really excellent demo - would love to have the chance to play that wonderful organ. Keep posting.

[@victorcross5949]

Magnificent! Love it!

[@richardrobbins1422]

Great narration!

[@rlunger1]

Thanks! Love the pipe organ.....great demo and mighty fortress.

[@edithbfcracine4054]

Marvelous!

[@garybanting-lee6670]

That was amazing. Thank you.

[@ddoyle11]

My next trip to Seattle, I will definitely go visit!