Largo (from the opera Xerxes) - G.F. Handel - W. Bell Reed Organ

[@jrzzrj]

👍....One of my all time favorites.....Thanks Rod

[@davidtheriault6726]

Thank you very much Mr. Jantzi for this lovely, lovely performance. That piece is one of my favorites, and to hear it so beautifully played on such a terrific organ after a long day of mostly hard work was a treat and a blessing. I'm on my second time through now, and am near tears.

[@roseband7244]

David Theriault didn’t know those dynamics were possible on a reed organ

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks David, it is one of my favourites too :)

[@ReedOrgans]

Yes Bob, they actually can have some incredible dynamics when the treadles are used carefully. Many people think they are just for making the noise, but to me they are what gives reed organ and harmoniums the ability to make music.

[@trucoalaspardasalaspardas30]

​@@ReedOrgans ESTIMADO SEÑOR! Le eh escrito un mensaje privado a su página de Facebook. Un cordial saludo!

[@nakorganist]

Es hat was von: "NICHT MEHR AUFHÖREN" wunderschöne Interpretation des bekannten Werkes!

[@MyMrkeys]

I am absolutely amazed. I never knew a reed organ could sound this good. Most of the ones I have encountered were weezy and the reeds too slow on the attack for rapid passages. I notice that the names of most the builders hail from Ontario Canada. These makers (Doherty, Berlin, Bell) all moved on to piano making

[@BenBrossMusic]

Well done, sir! I consider this one of my ur pieces. It's always been a very special soul balm for me. I love your progressive registration, sensitive playing, and that glorious, exultant finish. Thank you.

[@Threetails]

Ombra mai fu di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più. Never was a shade of any plant dearer and more lovely, or more sweet. What a gorgeous song for a tree.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Xerxes is becoming more popular than ever

[@ingorichter649]

Very, very soulful interpretation of this musical gem, many thanks!

[@uwemommens]

Hardly any melody or piece of music for me is more touching and heart warming than this one. Whether it is the original aria or a transcription for orchestra, organ or whatever, this music always brings tears into my eyes. But your two renditions played on reed organs are truly among the best if not the absolutely best versions that I know. I can't say how many times I returned to these two recordings but it's always fascinating and deeply touching.

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

Isn't wonderful that this fine instrument is still with us and still playable.... it is a testament to the time honored traditions of great craftsmanship.... I wish I owned one of these.... it would be played and cherished daily.... The music played is timeless..... Ombra mai fu .... in praise of the shade of a tree..... or...... the tree being Jesus Christ and his shade being the redemption of man.....

[@hans-peteroeste4762]

Thanks to much for this Rodney. It was amazing to hear this after hearing that my brother had just passed on. He was a believer.

[@ReedOrgans]

Sorry to hear of your loss, I'm happy that this music can help...

[@reinholdkreuz880]

Toll gespielt! Sehr verhalten beginnend steigert es sich immer mehr bis zum Fortissimo. Das Stück scheint wie geschaffen für solch ein Instrument.

[@erikdeuerling6569]

Dem kann ich nur zustimmen ! Es ist schon sehr beeindruckend wie wirkungsvoll dieses Stück auf dem Harmonium erklingt.

[@erikdeuerling6569]

Dem kann ich nur zustimmen ! Es ist schon sehr beeindruckend wie wirkungsvoll dieses Stück auf dem Harmonium erklingt.

[@ReedOrgans]

Vielen Dank!

[@philipallard8026]

Xerxces is one of my favorites because I can sort of play it. You do the music justice. I particularly like when you brought in what I thought were 16 foot reeds. Your treadle work was also well done and added to the musical whole.

[@johanbrand8601]

Fantastic as always Rodney. Bravo.

[@levi5459]

She sounds strong and full of that old world sound. Great stuff

[@jimjordan5630]

Simply beautiful!

[@dorisa.2501]

schönes Video, danke

[@edwardstephens8555]

One of my favorites. Beautiful.

[@ReedOrgans]

Thanks Ed! I got your message today too! :)

[@howinteresting2]

Brilliant!

[@gilbertoesteves3775]

congratulations for the work my friend !!!!

[@ReedOrgans]

Thank you Gilberto!

[@christianodelamarta9553]

Maravilhoso!

[@sonidoelemental]

Gracias por esta joya!!!

[@ReedOrgans]

¡gracias!

[@earlnut]

You are warming up to that old girl Rodney! Reed organs certainly all have their own personality don't they?

[@ReedOrgans]

This one definitely has a personality. It sure took some time to tame it, it kept on having other issues pop up! But yes, I am warming up and learning the new sounds available on it :)

[@captaincool3329]

Recently I went into an Antiques Shop and saw a reed organ for sale. Having developed an interest in reed organs, thanks to videos such as yours, I have decided to buy it and learn to play it. However, I am unsure of the condition of it, and don't know enough about it to do a restoration, should it be required. Could you please give me some tips, with how to check the condition of its internal parts, so that I am able to become fully aware of its overall condition, and therefore what work may be needed to prevent it from damage. Thank you for your time.

[@prairievoyageur]

Did you end up getting a reed organ and finding responses to your questions? If not, let me know by replying here and I am happy to share about my experience of getting my reed organ and getting it into basic playing condition.

[@howinteresting2]

I home-refurbished one a few years ago (40) but I'd do it better now. Bellows and 'air chest' needed attention at the folds. All reeds needed dusting out (careful not to catch the brush or hand-vac in the reeds), and that restored the tuning. The banks of reeds come off as blocks and have to be a good seal with the base & 'action'. Vox-Humana motor needed new 'paddles' (I used card). Vacuumed the case and 'action' very lightly. Checked all use of felt for wear and moth/insect damage, and made-good. Replaced the worn pedal carpet inserts with something old and appropriate!. The machine is still in the family and occasionally used.

[@baritonebynight]

My voice teacher used to call the vegetable aria as you are literally singing to a tree.

[@mariadalvabenetti208]

Rodney, pode me enviar no meu e-mail, mais vídeos sobre os movimentos, como este: "LARGO"...., etc...., "quero aprender mais, com vc", se vc me permitir!!!! Imensamente, grata !!! 🎹🎶🎹🎶🎹👍✌💐💐💐💐