Organist Cameron Carpenter takes Bach on the road: Classical concert for corona lockdown

American organist Cameron Carpenter plays Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations as well as the Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major as part of his tour through the German capital, bringing Bach to elderly people isolated by the coronavirus pandemic. For world-famous musician Cameron Carpenter, it's a chance to take to the stage, despite the coronavirus restrictions. It's his way of trying to make the corona lockdown more bearable, with 32 concerts in four days - a performance schedule made possible by sponsors, local authorities and the police. "All you need is Bach" was the motto of Cameron Carpenter's performances for senior citizens in Berlin.
Cameron Carpenter became the first organist to ever be nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo album, "Revolutionary" (2009). Cameron Carpenter takes a secular view of organ music: he not only serves the classical organ repertoire, but also plays arrangements of piano and orchestral music. According to his own statement, he arranged the complete fifth symphony by Gustav Mahler for the organ, but so far he has only performed the last movement (Rondo finale). His organ versions of Chopin's Études challenge the limits of traditional playing techniques. For example, he plays the runs in the "Revolutionary Étude" (op. 10 no. 12) and the "Étude on the Black Keys" (op. 10 no. 5) simultaneously on the keyboard and foot pedals. He says his classical dance training helps him with that.
Cameron Carpenter can't perform at his usual venues because of the lockdown. So he is delighting Berlin's retirement home residents with shows especially for them.
How do you like Cameron Carpenter’s window concert tour for Berlin? Let us know in the comments!
(01:46) Johann Sebastian Bach: Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major, BWV 552
(16:11) Johann Sebastian Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
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#houseconcert #coronavirus #stayhome #lockdown

[@lohphat]

I'm so proud of Cameron. He built the digital organ to do just this. Bring the grandeur of the organ to those who could not travel to a venue to hear it. He brought the organ to them. I was there at Lincoln Center when the first digital organ debuted. You're doing Bach's work.

[@brownmullins]

This is exactly why Master Carpenter is the best...selfless and giving at such a time as this. God bless him richly.

[@mbart]

Very much respect, again. I watched this in the corona days, and I loved him for doing this! I am sure it will be unforgettably for many!

[@Campuscoll]

What an inspiration to all. A fantastic musician giving his time and talent to brighten so many lives. Bless you, Cameron!

[@bootman26]

I loved his comment his comment (I'm paraphrasing) that the reason he wanted to play Bach in these mobile concerts was, since with only 20-30 minutes or so to perform in each location, he could cram a lot of quality into such a short time. My emotional takeaway is that I can barely hold back tears because of the beauty of the music coupled with such a difficult time for the world.

[@charlesrae3793]

I know that Cameron is a divisive figure for some organ enthusiasts, a bit like Nigel Kennedy, but I am struck by not only his talent, but his thoughtfulness and compassion. I hope, after coronavirus is only a memory, that he may continue to shine a light in people's lives.

[@marshallartz395]

Cameron Carpenter Plays J. S. Bach *00:00** Introduction* 01:45 Prelude and 09:31 Fugue in E-Flat Major (“St. Anne”), BWV 552 15:26 *Remarks by Cameron Carpenter* Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 *(excerpts)* 16:10 *Var. 1* 17:13 *Var. 2* 18:01 *Var. 4* 18:36 *Var. 5* 19:20 *Var. 6* 20:01 *Var. 7 al Tempo di Giga* 20:57 *Var. 8* 21:47 *Var. 30* 22:57 *Closing Remarks*

[@anthonypetroneiii2260]

Thank you for doing this-- what a novel and great idea! Thank you promoting and sharing the Organ- it's SO NEEDED TODAY, lastly thank you for your sharing your talent and musicianship, to so many diverse audience's. God bless you!

[@tassilokonig15]

Was für eine wunderbare Idee! Wir bräuchten viel mehr solche engagierten Menschen in dieser verrückten Zeit! Danke Cameron!

[@jalle9424]

Ja klopt goeie vent

[@WINCHANDLE]

das ist reichtich. sorry for the bad German.

[@berniecom728]

I always like Cameron's playing, this is a man that was born talented into this music, always a great job and love your playing. Thanks

[@christinebrauer6751]

Tank yuo so match !- Etwas Freude für die die jetzt am meisten leiden... Und nat.für alle die es hören dürfen!

[@Tchristman100]

Cameron is the most kick A-- pipe organist I've ever heard. And add to that the concerts from the truck-magnificent. I heard him at UCLA a few years ago-a most memorable concert. His electronic organ was so accurate-the giant pipe organ in Royce Hall was just about a duplicate sound (albeit a bit sweeter sound-you can't beat the real pipe organ). My hat is off saluting Cameron!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

👍

[@mwj5368]

He's got to be right up there among the greatest organists of all times!! Thanks Cameron and to DW Classical to make this happen on YOuTube!

[@ronwalker4849]

TO ME I FINALLY CAME TO THE REALIZATION THAT THIS WHOLE ORGAN CONCERT SERIES, IS A WONDERFUL CONCERT FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE OF BERLIN. ONE MUST LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC AS "THE GLASS IS HALF EMPTY, OR THE GLASS IS HALF FULL" TAKE WHAT YOU WILL.

[@justinleemiller]

This is absolutely beautiful! Imagine peeking from your window and finding this in the courtyard 😊

[@thomash681]

Thank you Cameron for taking time and huge effort to brighten the life of so many... I always marvel at your talents and definitely enjoy listening!! Blessings to you. 🙏

[@GZ9090]

What an amazing digital organ! Fantastic performances!

[@charlesdavis7087]

Thank you Cameron... for such a generous heart and kindness. Take care and stay well. Please.

[@JamesDMoyer-pj5ej]

BRAVO Cameron!!! Glad to call you a friend of Pennsbury Choral Music!!

[@davef.2811]

That was very kind of you to do that, Mr. Carpenter. Thank you and stay well, as we're waiting for more!

[@IIImobiusIII]

Bach would most assuredly approve. You can feel the humanity in his music.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

👍

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Thank you. Keep playing. No other single instrument can do this!

[@DrChaad]

Thanks so much, Cameron ! Would love to hear you send up Sinfonia [to Cantata] 29.

[@detlefwonig857]

great, greater, greatest!❤

[@gerardhawkins17]

Virgil Fox would say the youth are inheriting the earth thank goodness for Cameron Carpenter he sees the seniors still inherit the earth thank you.

[@Geoplanetjane]

Thank you, Cameron. It so good to hear and see you again. Have you played the “Hazel” organ at the Catholic Cathedral in garden Grove, CA? I would love to hear you on that organ and I am eager to hear the organ in Notre Dame de Paris once its rehabilitation is complete.

[@Mirdig]

Bravo M. Cameron. C'est fantastique d'écouter la musique de Bach à l'orgue avec vous. Une admiratrice de la Suisse

[@lutzgooglenutzer596]

Mein Favorit an der Orgel schon seit langem. Ein wunderbarer Künstler und Mensch. Danke für die immer wieder schönen und Außergewöhnlichen Hörerlebnisse. Vielleicht schaffe ich es einmal bei einem Livekonzert dabei zu sein.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

👍

[@MyTimeOutt]

Learning about him & getting to meet him in San Francisco was certainly a wonderful privilege !

[@stephanwiese1513]

Großartig, ich liebe diesen Mann und seine Musik.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

👍

[@Geoplanetjane]

Ich auch

[@thesceptic1018]

Gripped, despite myself - I can hear every voice perfectly articulated

[@TheFransVenter]

A man of his word!

[@musica2jp]

bravo! c'est vraiment bien d'apporter pour tous la musique dans la rue, la modernité de votre jeu tout en transmettant cet héritage musical tellement riche des siècles passés. Bravo pour votre talent, votre virtuosité, votre créativité dans vos adaptations d'orchestre à orgue, le choix des jeux...

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Merci pour votre commentaire. Nous sommes heureux que cette vidéo vous plaise autant. Continuez à visiter DW Classical Music !

[@DrMurdercock]

hes a good dude. he outgrew his pretentious mad genius phase

[@Geoplanetjane]

Fantastich

[@patvalcac6157]

Felicidades, que se replique en el planeta!

[@martinbiewen3454]

After watching the whole video: this comes close to Karl Richter videos - footage for mankind thank you so much

[@organistpeter]

Ganz ausgezeichnet ❤❤❤ Ich durfte CC in Bayreuth live kennen lernen nach seinem Konzert 🎵

[@celiacalasans]

Muita generosidade! Alegrando a vida das pessoas nesta quarentenara.

[@MrSUPERDUCON]

happy to hear you again, boss! :D

[@XAdamX]

Amazing!

[@celiacalasans]

Gratidão! Amo música clássica. 👏👏👏

[@alexdiver2008]

Nice Performance. Thanx brÔ

[@XAdamX]

I love you, because you play Bach proper. He’d love you ♥️

[@gerritkrul2127]

GREAT!!

[@nK80]

❤

[@DanielFerreira-ep6dq]

Lindo!

[@WINCHANDLE]

Yes, as you suspected, I have a crush on Cameron...for years. Retired now and can say how I feel. There, I said it. But we're in this horrible Covid situation, and Cameron has resources, and he steps up to the g-damn plate, and takes the creative initiative to direct his talents to provide solace and comfort to the people most stricken by this horrible pandemic. He got those people OUTSIDE. Now that is a REAL MAN! Helping people who are the cast-off's and burdens of society. Uh...a Good Samaritan tending to the "least of my brethren." Damn Cameron, you knocked my socks off again. Ima send you a bill! {American English translations. Stepping up to the plate. baseball, step up to the bat.. bravely confronting a difficult situation. Knocked my socks off ...totally surprised and amazed me. "Ima" truncation for "I am going to."}

[@KMHill]

Should the upload have featured stereo sound or is the source only mono? :(

[@MultiPetercool]

I would love to see Cameron and Jordan Rudess collaborate on an album. The problem is Cameron is too arrogant to work with anyone. I consider these two to be the greatest keyboardists on the planet right now.

[@kevindube7096]

😂 Jordan Rudess puts an arrogant one-trick pony to shame. How do you feel about Robert Glasper or Cory Henry? Way different style than Rudess but absolute killers nonetheless

[@organist1982]

@@kevindube7096 How about Barbara Dennerlein?

[@birdwing98]

Drop the two of them on a desserted island with no spoons. Correction, a deserted island and only one months supply of food. Give each of them half of a canoe split down the middle. To escape they must collaborate and find a solution to repair the boat using only resources found on the island.

[@Geoplanetjane]

He doesn’t seem arrogant

[@Doug6412]

How would you compare Gert van Hoef to mr Carpenter.

[@stefanhempel3768]

24 / 5000 Übersetzungsergebnisse can one make respect

[@vinblack85]

There wasn't a decision...it was a conclusion

[@ssmith9745]

Transcendent.

[@martinbiewen3454]

I wish I received Hartz IV and CC played in front of my door - best organ player of our time thank you

[@bonelessx]

15:30 He is like Jean-Claude Van Damme playing and fighting for the music.

[@zackparsons3937]

What happened to the M&O organ?

[@JonnyMusicOrganist]

It was too big to use for a mobile performing tour like this one. So Cameron and his team improvised as such.

[@zackparsons3937]

@@JonnyMusicOrganist Well that makes sense... I guess my initial silly reaction was "must be drama involved". Yeah, I'm an organist. ; )

[@JonnyMusicOrganist]

@@zackparsons3937 So am I. I'm personally impressed with this Viscount-based organ that he played on. Especially the one with their physical modelling tech known as "Physis". It's just incredible how close it sounds compared to a real-life pipe organ due to the nature of the Physis tech. Have you ever heard of physical modelling before by any chance? I know of it, though I'm curious to see if you also know about it or not.

[@zackparsons3937]

@@JonnyMusicOrganist I'm a fan of good digital organs and not at all a pipe snob, so that is the preface for the following: A lot of such descriptions are more 'marketing smoke' than anything else. Good digital sound relies on good samples, a good amount of audio channels for playback, and high quality amplifiers and speakers. Also good voicing. Those are the basics of digital quality - a lot of the terminology beyond that in my opinion is 'fluff'.

[@anniej.p.4438]

thank you merci pour votre engagement j'aurai eu plaisir a etre sur place

[@IU3EVR]

troppo contrasto tra la gioia della musica e la tristezza delle persone intorno 😞

[@glm5353]

Is that a Johannus organ?

[@juergen07091973]

Werden die Kisselbach Gloria Orgeln eigentlich von Johannus für Kisselbach gebaut?

[@reinhardro6954]

@@juergen07091973 Sie werden je nach Modell entweder von Viscount oder Johannus nach Wünschen von Kisselbach gebaut.

[@JonnyMusicOrganist]

Nope. It's a rebranded Viscount Organ. And it sounds really darn good. The sound tech it uses is very impressive.

[@juergen07091973]

@@JonnyMusicOrganist then it uses the physical modeling technology?

[@canticus7068]

Diese Orgel der Firma Kisselbach "Gloria Concerto 350 trend DLX" basiert auf der Viscount-Physis-Klangtechnik, die ein außerordentlich authentisches Orgel-Klangbild reproduziert! Individuelle Intonationen und Dispositionen sind möglich! Ich besitze selbst eine Orgel mit dieser Technik und bin hochzufrieden (s. meinen YT-Kanal)! Von Viscount wird die von Cameron Carpenter grandios gespielte Orgel außerhalb Deutschlands unter der Bezeichnung "Sonus 60" angeboten!

[@kasper7297]

He looks like he's on one. Probably why he hasn't posted in a while. Sad to say

[@wolfgangschaal4848]

Die Orgel klingt ja grausam,wie hält C.C. das nur aus. Kein Vergleich zu seiner Touring Organ, nicht mal im entferntesten!

[@juergen07091973]

Naja, klingt halt sehr orgelbewegt neobarok. Ist bei den Echten ja auch ein Unterschied ob man in der Laurenzkirche oder im Berliner Dom spielt. Und Cameron Carpenter mag am liebsten Akustik, die keine ist. Also gegen Null, damit man jedes noch so kurze Tönchen hört. Klingt so, als wenn man in einer echten Orgel ins Gehäuse klettert. Ob das allerdings der optimale Hörort ist, wage ich zu bezweifeln. Akustik bzw der Raum gehört zur Orgel einfach dazu.

[@reamartin6458]

Horrid

[@franckranaivo666]

Horrible interprétation!!!it's really a shame!!!poor classic music 🎶 🎶 🎶!!!!!!