Toccata (from Symphony No.5) - Widor - Doherty "Cathedral" Reed Organ

[@m.e.perdue6525]

One master performing the work of another master. Kudos to the young lady pumping. I never could find one to pump the one I played for years in our church in North Carolina. Her value is beyond that of rubies!

[@jaredcroal804]

Great video, and excellent playing! Rare to hear this type of literature on reed organs.

[@scottweeks6379]

All I can say is.......WOWWWW! YOU'LL DID A FANTASTIC JOB! And such a beautiful reed organ! Sounds wonderful! I would never have dreamed of hearing Mr. Widor's Toccata played on a reed organ........Again FANTASTIC! Thanks for posting!

[@brianlopez8855]

Who needs a gym ? This piece is a proper work out and what a fantastic sound too !

[@wurlitzer895]

Good heavens! I never believed a reed organ could sound so good or be so convincing. Clearly this instrument is in perfect condition. All credit to both the organist, Rodney, and the 'pumper', Lori, who had to work extra hard to supply the suction for those final few bars!! Thank you so much for making and uploading this impressive video, Peter A

[@garysmith394]

Sounds amazingly pipe-like. Great performance.

[@gmc0422]

Oh my. This is one of my party pieces, but I've never heard it on a good harmonium (or reed organ as they are usually called). I an a pipe organ technician, and am also a well-trained organist. A church that I have visited frequently to service their pipe organ also has a large Estey harmonium that evidently was in their original turn-of-the-century church building. Thank goodness it's still quite playable, and I usually take a few minutes to play it when I visit there.

[@Sathrandur]

Since you may find it interesting, the difference between a reed organ and a harmonium is that a reed organ pulls/sucks air out through the instrument whereas a harmonium has the air blown/pushed in through it.

[@baritonebynight]

I've never heard this on a reed organ before. Wow......this shows what a skilled reed organist can do. Whenever I watch a new video from you I go down to my little two rank Packard and muddle through a hymn or two....thankful that there are people out there who are truly passionate about these instruments that so many have forgotten.

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks! This piece really surprised me when I first attempted it when I tried it for the first time on this reed organ. I thought it was not going to respond fast enough - it is definitely more sluggish than a pipe organ but it sure was a joy to play :)

[@ianthompson9201]

Wonderful how the pedal part stands out! I think this piece brings out the best of the big Doherty. A fine team performance!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Ian! The best part of this restoration/rebuild was the great to pedal coupler that had to be built again. Without it, the pedals would be rather weak with only a 16ft and 8ft. There is a 4ft rank in the bass/great that is very loud and reedy, which compliments the pedal perfectly in my opinion

[@adriandevilliers2020]

Hi Rodney. Thanks so much; really like the way you play the Widor - and especially nice to hear it played on a 2 manual and pedal reed organ. Not many great organ works are ever played on these instruments, but you do it justice!

[@matthewottaway8521]

What a successful restoration, Rodney, of the Doherty "Cathedral" reed organ! Thank you for your persistent work at bringing this instrument back to its former state of musical expression. Nice playing of Widor's toccata from the 5th symphony.

[@Musique3579]

Wow. No apologies whatsoever needed for this Organ. Fantastic playing in every respect. Yes, I know that the response time between Reeds and Pipes differs, but acoustics have a way of playing their part. In this case, the sound of a Pipe Organ is achieved in a most unique way. (The big Cathedrals echo effect seems to be present.) Bravo Rodney and what a spectacular Organ! Craig

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Craig! I really appreciate it! The start was a little weak, I just cannot get used to the flat pedalboard. I tried to play this piece at first just for fun, then was immediately surprised at how well it really worked with tweaks to the articulation. The key response was difficult for me to keep in check all the time, but I'm happy at how it turned out in the end for a hobby organ player :)

[@ryano.5149]

I feel like reed organs are a technology that has never reached it's full potential. It's a shame no one produces them today. Surely with modern machining tolerances, and the wealth of knowledge available today about organ building, surely someone could build one hell of an instrument!

[@ReedOrgans]

It would be interesting to know what could be done today. The art of voicing reeds is mostly a lost art unfortunately, there were people that worked their entire life testing and learning how to improve reed organs back in the day. Maybe one we will see a resurgence :)

[@ryano.5149]

Well, it's not completely a lost art. I think the accordion builders would be a good place to start if one wanted to learn how to voice reeds. In addition, there are plenty of extant examples of reed organs to learn from as well. That said, a resurgence would be absolutely wonderful! In this instrument's own right, your video proves that you can have your cake and eat it too. You have a full pedal board, AND the ability to foot or hand pump for expression. Surely, you could even design one that can be both manually and electrically pumped, depending on the whim of the organist. Also, as a practice instrument for organists, small churches, recital halls, etc. - If one wants an organ in their space today, disregarding financial limitations, they either need to devote a significant amount of square footage to the instrument, or settle for a digital thing. However, a nice reed organ with a complete specification, or even a particularly large reed organ wouldn't take up NEARLY the amount of space of a pipe instrument, and would be orders of magnitude more satisfying to play than any digital iteration. There is definitely a whole untapped mess of potential there!

[@ZL54JK8]

This video has been the high point of my day! Apart from the organ itself, the playing is splendid. Absolutely wonderful!

[@ravijoshua2048]

Kudos to the lady working on the lever enabling the air supply. Quite incredible!

[@edwardstephens8555]

This is beautiful as always Rodney! Thank you for emailing me the link. And God bless the dear lady working the pump.

[@chasea.williams6025]

Well done!

[@garyowens8365]

Awesome as ever, Rodney! Always a huge fan! And, to know that you personally restored this organ from being in such a deplorable condition, adds tremendous admirability to your talent.

[@Aeolian4]

Amazing! I am very surprised that a reed organ could do this well. I think you must be given a lot of the credit for the remarkable sound.

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Ken! I'll give the credit to Lori as without her, it would be a very quiet piece :)

[@philipallard8026]

What a wonderful performance. KZbin doesn't do it justice. I love this piece but generally hear it in my ears and through the pew.

[@kcapel1976]

Never ever would I have believed that playing an organ masterpiece like this would be possible on a suction reed harmonium, nor that it would sound convincing in any way. But this instrument and this performance show how wrong I have been. Probably the best reed organ performance I have seen, and I have seen a lot :-) Thank you!

[@coladamson71]

Nice work Rodney - and very nice organ

[@clydesight]

So awesome! Your talent is stellar! You brought out musical lines and articulation I have not heard on pipe organs! I also noticed that the way Lori pumped seemed to correspond to the demands of the music, registration, etc. -- thus breathing life into it that can't come from a fan blower (exhauster?) It reminded me of your lesson on effective reed organ pumping. Great job and teamwork! BIG thumbs up and Thanks for making this inspiring video!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thank you Clydesight! You are much too kind! You are correct about my professional bellows gal, she really knows the music component of the bellows for a reed organ, and how it can be used most effectively. It would not sound the same if someone was not paying as close attention to the music and the gauge on the side that she never takes her eyes off of. Without her work, the organ would not sound like this at all!

[@lyndatilton6125]

Beautiful organ.

[@James_Bowie]

Amazing. Thanks for posting.

[@alexanderweibel-valls9379]

Wow!!!!

[@MistressValkress]

Such a lovely instrument... with such an amazing voice! I want one!!! :)

[@Belgologies]

I Just love this toccata ! Congratulations 😊

[@ahmad_hammad3393]

Lovely ❤

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks!

[@gilbertoesteves3775]

Hi Rodney, thank you for sending video,always, very good!!!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thank you Gilberto!

[@rwkde]

Absolutely beautiful! Your talent is just awesome.

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks, you are too kind!

[@JMoura-qj6rr]

Maravilha!!!!!!Bravo!!!!

[@davidtheriault6726]

Terrific playing, on a beautiful organ!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks David!

[@erikdeuerling6569]

Sehr gut interpretiert !!!!!

[@philpogson9883]

Just amazing!

[@ReedOrgans]

The old girl has come a long way to be able to make music again :)

[@mspysu79]

Very nice play, it sounds excellent, a real treat listening with good headphones (Sony MDR-V6).

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks! I have been using a Sony MDR-XB950 the past year, I really like them :)

[@MrVonweber]

As good a sound as on any large Mason & Hamlin. Admirable performance on a finely restored instrument!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it from such a fine organist as yourself!

[@frantisekignacdolihal6910]

Oh, Rodney, gorgeous!!!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thank you František!

[@alexvorhaus3330]

The two manual reed organs fascinate me. How rare are they? I have never come across one, and did not know they existed until I came across your channel.

[@monikawojdak3037]

Oh des kenne ich des Kirchenlied.Habe ich in de Kirchen gehört cool.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mkshffr4936]

Ausgezeichnet!!!

[@ReedOrgans]

Vielen herzlichen Dank!

[@MM-we2wi]

Sounds wonderful on this reed organ. But remember: nobody is chasing you. No reason to run through this great toccata;) the articulation and greatness get lost if you play it to fast.

[@andysquilliam2449]

You should try doing the piece "Danse Macabre" by Saint Saëns. Lovely tones and melody! I see you playing it very well!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Andy! I wish I could practice and play on this instrument all the time, but by bellows operator might have something to say about that :)

[@lyndatilton6125]

What church is this wonderful organ in?

[@mfbfreak]

Are the pipes just for decoration, or is there aso a register that uses them? I can hardly play the organ, but i try and play every reed organ i find at thrift shops :)

[@octaviangrant9441]

When’s the Be Still My Soul?

[@ReedOrgans]

It's coming! :)

[@prestonmiller7599]

A wonderful piece of music played on a wonderful instrument. However, in some of the lower comments, you had said that this was restored for a museum. What and where is this museum? If it is truly in one I may just have to move in right next door :).

[@monikawojdak3037]

Die arme Frau muss ganz schön Hand anlegen mit dem Balk von des große Instrument waaaau alle Achtung für Sie da ziehe ich den Hut für diese Frau.

[@rob1978]

Terrific, Rodney! In what church is this organ located? Is it the only organ in this church? Thank you.

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks! This organ is currently at our little church (Petersburg, Ontario Canada), it has been there for a few months now, just temporarily. It will be moved out in another week.

[@monikawojdak3037]

Spiele nach Gehör an den Instrumenten so wie Orgel Akkordeon und Keyboard.

[@monikawojdak3037]

Und ich kann keine Noten lesen ärgerlich schade.

[@MrPolecat]

That is a magnificent instrument. But I still think your Berlin organ is tonally superior.

[@ReedOrgans]

The voicing on the Berlin is still as unique as they come in my opinion. I would freak out if I ever came across a 2M Berlin...

[@johnw2026]

Now isn't that something? The man gets the easy job of sitting on his tail and wiggling his fingers while the woman has to stand there and pump the air! It ought to have been the other way around! Anybody agree? When did chivalry get reversed?????? Lol!

[@bluefrog85]

Why have her stand there pumping it when you could get an electronic device that pumps it for you? I get it's adding electricity to a non electrical device essentially and purists might turn up their nose but personally I don't see why. Lol

[@ReedOrgans]

There wouldn't be anything wrong in my opinion to add an electric blower to this instrument. However, it does add to the authenticity and fun to be 100% original, plus my dear wife enjoys helping out :)

[@gracepanko5735]

Blessings on both of you. 🙏🏻

[@nutmegct]

That is fantastic! What a great sound, and your technique is amazing. Bravo! Tom M. (almost finished on the 1874 George Woods restoration)

[@ReedOrgans]

Thank Tom! I seen some of your pics, it is getting exciting to see your progress!

[@philipallard8026]

What a wonderful performance. KZbin doesn't do it justice. I love this piece but generally hear it in my ears and through the pew.