TCHAIKOVSKY - 1812 OVERTURE - ORGAN SOLO (Arr. JONATHAN SCOTT)

Jonathan Scott performs his arrangement of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture Op.49 on the organ of The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK. The score of this transcription is available here: www.scottbrothersduo.com/SCORE...
Film & Sound by Tom Scott
For more information about Jonathan Scott please visit:
www.jonathanscott.co.uk
and
www.scottbrothersduo.com

[@danhildebrand8446]

I’ve said for years that Jonathan Scott is THE genius of the ancient AND modern pipe organ. I believe Tchaikovsky himself would be pleased.

[@Steamplague]

He would weep if he heard this. Bach could not have transposed this better.

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

This is one of those performances which leads to you feeling disappointed - because it ended. Wonderful work.

[@Steamplague]

Tchaikovsky would weep if he could hear this. I have listened to it at least 50 times, every time it brings me to tears, the genius of the composition, the majesty it’s played with, the emotion, it transcends expression.

[@caroleainsworth-guyse8429]

Perfectly stated!

[@richardclay]

I've been into music since 3rd-grade. I've played keyboards, guitar, sang...(I'm 71-now), THIS performance is singularly the BEST solo performance I've ever experienced. My B&W speakers coupled to the NAD 1200-watt amp, brings the performance hall right into my living room. Neighbors have visited in order to watch Mr. Scott perform this piece. 10,000-thanks, Mr. Scott, for what you've given the world.

[@richardrodgers758]

Friend, I agree. Absolutely magnificifent. May I also suggest for your inspirational and listening pleasure organists Xaver Vargus, Gert van Hoef. and Barnabas Balasi? You won't be disappointed. Promise.

[@ZGryphon]

Around 13:45, they don't even need to come over. :)

[@nanaobx]

@@richardrodgers758 I love Gert too! Tremendous talent...but so, of course, is Mr Scott.

[@porsche911sbs]

I mean, the organ is the most magnificent of all solo instruments. It's the only instrument that can rival the power of an orchestra by itself.

[@ZGryphon]

@@porsche911sbs In one of the concert videos with commentary (I think it's the Crooked Spire Church one), Jonathan jokes at one point that the beauty of the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony is that, if the orchestra gets stuck in traffic, the organist can just play the whole thing without them. :)

[@scottnyc6572]

This is one of my all time favorite Jonathan Scott’s performances!!! Also should mention Tom Scott’s impeccable videography talents grabbing every angle view during the performance.

[@samrodian919]

That is the very first time I have heard the 1812 overture played on the organ, and as an ex organ builder it has bloody well blown me away! Johnathon, that was a spectacular performance and a veritable feat of transcription. So glad you did it, recorded it and uploaded it,. A magnificent feat, ( and feet!) lol of the concert organists art, and at the very top of his game!

[@boaterbill3062]

Either this man is most definitely the best organist EVER or playing the organ is a lot easier than I thought it was. I’m 99.99% certain it’s the former

[@channelantoneon]

New organ student here. It is the former.

[@kegginstructure]

I've played organ (mostly pops, show tunes, religious, and VERY light classical) for nearly 62 years. DEFINITELY the former.

[@wizardofodds8239]

Years and years of study and practice will get one there. And keys, pedals, music, chords constantly float through the mind...so you become a part of it. That is what Jonathan Scott shares with us! Blessings!!

[@ralfgoertz4352]

Ich habe ihn heute in Erkelenz gehört. Einfach grandios. Die Moldau von Smetana als Orgelinterpretstion war eines der Stücke, die er spielte. Standing Ovations from all people.

[@user-hm3ni1wd3f]

@@wizardofodds8239 check out the piano-pédalier, it's (in my opinion) way harder than the organ.

[@rttipton]

I know that Tchaikovsky is smiling down after this beautiful arrangement!

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

+rttipton ... and wishing he had spent some time writing for the organ?!

[@bradencutright-head6629]

Didn't he include an organ in it?

[@Jscola30]

In the score, the part for "Stage Band" is written in a brace (like a piano score), I guess that could be played on the organ. Wikipedia says (though not sourced) "Open" instrumentation consisting of "any extra brass instruments" available. In some indoor performances, the part may be played on an organ. Military or marching bands also play this part." Sometimes I've heard the organ double the O Lord Save Thy people (the opening hymn) and God Save the Tsar (the hymn in the pedal during the finale), it is quite effective. Somewhere I've heard an organ play the opening Lord Save Thy people too with a choir.

[@autsni]

Tchaikovsky didn't like this piece because he thought he wrote it without emotion and just to be loud

[@quoniam426]

It is all a question of interpretation. Just modify the pace, slightly, modify intrumentation here and there, and you have it.

[@donnabergman7605]

Music at it's finest and purest!!

[@jameshamilton1545]

How can any sane person give a negative dislike to a performance as well done as this one? Amazing performance thank you.

[@OldPannonian]

They are not sane. I am certain of that.

[@tonynikon]

Absolutely impressive, a real triumph!!!! Tchaikovsky should be very proud!!!

[@heidispawsandfins]

Wow, really blew away the cobwebs! Thank you both - amazing.

[@kentbloxham3826]

As Ever, Thank you Johnathan and Tom from the bottom of my heart!

[@leoncoetzee1801]

I was literally moved to tears by the beauty and magnificence of this performance

[@amitavamanna2696]

Your remark strikes a chord in me. The grand finale part takes my mind in deep universe-an explosion of sound and light of God’s fantastic creation! The Bible says, “God made man in His image.” The star performers are indeed divine image! You can now understand my mad language about Holy Bible as below. > God is Word (grand sound finale)> God is Light (grand light finale) > God is Image (grand reality finale)

[@SternDrive]

Tears ! As was I ! I did not think it would happen but, there is something special about this piece, and I have never heard it on organ before.

[@dalindgren]

At 14:37, I started to hold them. At 14:49 couldn't anymore.. Absolutely beautiful.

[@Piano_Castle]

Likewise... had to move the computer keyboard away to avoid shorting it out at one point...

[@bsaneil]

Forgive me - humanity's greatest creations are nothing to do with God - but with the miracle that is humanity itself, often eclipsed and sometimes supressed by the beliefs in gods, demons and other mythical beings. We are capable of miraculous endeavours and works of beauty whether god is there or not. We have no need of that hypothesis.

[@kentbloxham3826]

Dearest Jonathan and Tom, once again, there are insufficient Superlatives to say Thank You for Your Exquisite display of Sheer and Utter Brilliance!! The Whole World gives You Thanks and Admiration!! Bless You Both!!

[@janetsimmons5264]

I wanted to bang some drums for 1812 Overture. Loved it so much. Thank you. Love Janet xx

[@petethompson5581]

so much passion in his playing of this and the arrangement, best ive ever heard.

[@tazziesthailand]

I didnt think that this piece could be transcribed and played one the organ, BUT with this incredible musician and arranger ALL things are possible. Well done Sir, yet again you have amazed and stunned us the norm. Very very impressive,

[@JSB2500]

Undoubtedly a truly wonderful performance! And do you know that the score is available? See the KZbin description above. I discovered it a few days ago, bought it immediately, and already have had an immense amount of fun and pleasure with it. Without a doubt, it's one of the best £10 I've ever spent. Clearly it's technically demanding. There are lots of notes to read, fast pedal runs, twos against threes and threes against fours, and piano concerto-like cascading scales. And in many places there's a lot happening at once. But don't let that put you off! A lot has been done for you - by both Tchaikovsky and Scott - and that makes it a whole lot easier to play than you might think. Scott's arrangement is, without a doubt, truly outstanding. Unlike many orchestral arrangements, this one feels like it was composed for the instrument. There's not one note that feels awkward or contrived musically. And throughout, it feels very comfortable under the hands and feet. It's an absolute joy to play. The piece sounds really good on the organ for various reasons, including its polyphony (multiple tunes at once) and powerful chords. Which means there's a great incentive to learn it, and having learned it, you'll want to play it. And, I think, it's not so much a show piece as a piece that engages the audience, so your audience will want you to play it too. So if you want to access this music at any level, from having a go at odd bits to learning the whole piece for a recital to seeing for yourself what a masterful job Scott has done transcribing this piece for organ, I thoroughly recommend it!

[@OldPannonian]

Jonathan! The Master Organist!

[@helciobmello]

Aaahhh, I simply cannot resist a pipe organ, let alone played so masterfully. Bravo! Thanks for sharing.

[@louisalarcon7921]

I love the way your feet just glide across the pedal board. Magnificent.

[@davidkennedy4561]

A lot of practice to achieve such a "glide" as you put it, and talent.

[@noydbwia]

The mastery of this piece is just in the neighborhood of Xaver Varnus in the Berliner Dom with his work on Bach's Tocatta and Fugue... Mastery of the organ is applauded!!!!!

[@markhall7646]

This work makes me remove my hat and place it over my heart, and lift my eyes heavenward. Thank you for this beautiful, masterful interpretation.

[@geraldmoore2163]

wow,,,, an electric shock to the senses,,, absolutely magnificent performance

[@Mackey0331]

While there is no way I could ever play to this level of virtuosity, I would love to see the score he arranged along with his notes. This is PHENOMENAL!

[@epincion]

You can purchase the score on his website

[@JKVisFX]

Mind! Blown! Hairs on edge! That was nothing short of stunning - especially the end.

[@iankemp1131]

Another addition to the long and growing list of pieces which I didn't think could work well on the organ until Jonathan has gone and proved otherwise. Bravo! As even, his apt choice of stops provides the variety of tone colour that is comparable with the orchestra - different, but very effective, and casting a new light on a familiar piece. I still miss the cannons and bells, but the full-organ return of the opening theme was a particularly thrilling moment, fully bringing home its origin as a traditional Russian hymn tune and transcending it.

[@ripley2995]

The way you emulated the high brass then mid brass so perfectly one after another in tone is so special!! Thanks for sharing

[@brucedavenport1324]

A truly magnificent piece of music performed by a man who is the best organist I have ever heard !! I was moved to tears also .

[@beccacollins1528]

First of all, I'd just like to say this is the most beautiful rendition of the 1812 Overture I've ever heard! Second: Apparently my cat likes organ music...or at least the movement of hands over keyboards!

[@Fang-sigma2mz]

WE'RE ESCAPING THE CATACOMBS AND WAITING FOR THE BOAT WITH THIS ONE 💯

[@marybroderick8265]

Tom you do the best job with sound and video on the internet, many otherwise gifted musicians are diminished without good sound.

[@amitavamanna2696]

I could not resist the temptation. I came back for another listening. I suppose this amazing feat will haunt me as long as I live.

[@johnberry5164]

Another magnificent performance - thank you Jonathan

[@BorisCr]

Good thing I was not in the Hall when this was recorded, for I would have done something I frown upon: I would started my applause before the end!!!!

[@amitavamanna2696]

+BorisCr Oh my! You are a mad man! Just look at my comment. I actually stopped at 2:50 to write my comment!

[@altpapapi]

WowWee! In the finest tradition of organ transcriptions, Mr. Scott sails on tempest seas with this marvelous performance of the 1812.

[@Rocketman5971]

One thing that is not said "What a fantastic Mother and Father" to have such talented SONS. They deserve all the praise possible for bringing into this world and supporting such Geniuses. Thanks Mum & Dad

[@chasbee]

Well said indeed!

[@johnlogan7040]

Beautiful and awesome dexterity and technique. Not to mention the wonderful arrangement. Bravo...

[@tevya017]

Leaves you speechless.

[@LJAllen1000]

I have watched and listened to this many times and still, I am moved to tears each time. I love this man. I have seen him in concert on the wonderful Albert Hall organ in Nottingham and hope to once more wherever he may be when COVID restrictions are over. Thank you to both brothers, Jonathan and Tom.

[@burtward895]

I only recently found out a few years ago people will hire organists to preform for people's birthdays and such. If dad was alive, this is what I would do for him at somewhere like FBC where they have a 104 rank Casavant. He loved this piece.

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

A magnificent piece of music on a magnificent organ..... the voicing is perfect in every way..... this is what music in heaven must sound like....

[@Mystikan]

Way back in 1976, when I was 9 years old, my Dad took me to a performance of this piece by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elyakum Shapirra, complete with real cannons. Since my Dad had connections, I actually got taken backstage to meet Mr. Shapirra. It made a lifelong impression on me. I had never since heard a more blood-stirring rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Until now. This is simply - freaking - AWESOME. Bravo!

[@user-dv1bm6cd3u]

Класс, Мастер . Орган качественный, --люкс !!!!!!

[@theyola]

Magnificent, even without the cannons and muskets!!! Bravo!

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

All we need now is for someone to build an organ with cannons

[@ClissaT]

I think there is a big organ somewhere with pipes that give a cannon-like sound. Might be those big wooden pipes that look like boxes. Search on youtube for all the 1812 Overture played on pipe organ videos and check their headings. I'm sure one says "with cannon sounds".

[@richkurtz6053]

@@ClissaT Theater organs can approximate the sound with their Bass Drums.

[@logica10]

Yes, we need an Artilleriae Magna - 128'

[@marybroderick8265]

We heard a live performance at Schofield Army Base with real cannons!

[@peterclundstrom]

Many modern organs have a MIDI stop, you could very easily concoct some sort of cannon triggered by a MIDI input, if my skills ever advance far enough to perform this, I WILL be including cannons, churchbells, and fireworks.

[@colinmarshall681]

phenomenal! beyond words

[@ronalddunne3413]

The organ- mastery of which makes it truly the King of Instruments! Love it, great performance, thanks for sharing this!

[@SuperEddietv]

I play this piece on my home theater and it sounds like you're there. Great job as always!!

[@peterrafferty8546]

Amazing - as a previous church organist (and wish I could get back to one) - very well done Jonathan!

[@richardclay]

EXCELLENT raised to the power of 1000.

[@lucianoborghini6520]

Eccellente esecuzione per un opera magnifica che solo Tchaikovsky poteva scrivere.

[@MaxAtMyTube]

Absolutely fantastic, Mr Scott! Thank you very much for this unusual arrangement. Unfortunately, I don't understand all the blockheads who give their thumbs down....

[@paulbinns9375]

IMPOSSIBLE !!! Jonathan is the most amazing talent since Virgil Fox . . . I dare say eclipsing that Maestro. Not only do we see the technical tour de force but also his gifted musicality, particularly his phrasing, his sense of excellent use of rubato. Congratulations Jonathan for having developed into the IMHO most important new organist of the century. Is there perhaps ANY chance of your performing a recital in Toronto, Canada ? Before I depart this world I swear I will hear you in person, live.

[@plasticraincoat1]

You had me in tears! Just awesome just absolutely amazing! Thank you 🙏

[@BB1951]

I barely resisted popping some party baloons at the proper moments.

[@ChrisBreemer]

There is a piano recording of the 1812 here on YT where they do just that :)

[@markhorton3994]

Play it again and give in.

[@jon123etc]

Or party poppers! 🎉 🎊 😂

[@WallChart]

There’s a video somewhere of an orchestra that couldn’t use cannons, so the entire percussion section used paper bags. Hilarious!

[@classicalhero7]

@@WallChart Often an orchestra just uses the bass drum for the effect.

[@mandyking3726]

What a wonderful treat, during these glum times. I loved the concert. Thank you for uplifting my soul.

[@jerrygonzalez597]

Magnificent! One of my favorite classical pieces. Thank The Lord again for your talent and music skill. Yeah Maestro ! 😉

[@davidbarrett1507]

Only two words Fabulously Fantastic.

[@alisonbuckley3080]

Bravo Jonathan, amazing. Tom's filming and editing give the viewer a real connection with the performance .

[@alexv1269]

Amazing !

[@bjoeljones]

Phenomenal video. The 1812 + the Organ, can not beat the combination.

[@RaymoTheFox]

the 1812 has always been one of my favorites, but your performance stands out supremely. Until now I had the mistaken notion that you needed a 95-piece orchestra to perform it. Your performance definitely disproved that idea!

[@richthenative]

Always a powerful piece. Wonderful soul satisfying interpretation and playing by Jonathan, as well as great use of the organs voices, fantastic registration. Just WOW for this and the other pieces I've been listening to on good headphones since just discovering Jonathan.

[@Natdel20]

it's incredibly perfect!!!

[@ripdbtpoo1441]

Please learn the language. Something is perfect or it is not. "Incredibly perfect" means nothing.

[@edwinosb]

AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@WINCHANDLE]

Utterly wonderful. This would sound great on the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. Maybe get a big gong for the cannons

[@twood3270]

Just simply............TREMENDOUS !!!

[@neilmenzies7193]

Would love to hear that live! As played on the organ ✌🏻

[@Vaniascorpio]

MAGNIFICENT ! ! ! BRAVO ! ! !

[@nikolauskapelle]

Einfach nur WUNDERBAR !!!!

[@OldPannonian]

This is a very moving arrangement, performed beautifully on this super organ. What a pleasure to listen!

[@ronalddunne3413]

Ahhhhhhh, so BEAUTIFUL, so inspiring, such soul relief! The pipe organ skillfully played kicks butt and takes names- no other instrument comes close...

[@albertdebeer1]

Wow! And the video coverage is also excellent.

[@kentbloxham3826]

As a footnote boys, you cannot beat perfection and You Are Perfection Personified!!

[@Axolautism]

That was so amazing. That made me smile with awe

[@stephenburton8623]

I did wonder how the organ would handle such a piece, in a word, magnificently.

[@AFR2492]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!! That's magnificence, that's beauty, that's perfection. What can we say? OMG!

[@sallyfromgrotton]

i think these 2 gentlemen are very talented people i enjoy watching their videos they are very good musician

[@badasskiller]

Wonderful music.

[@philiplochner8772]

I'm blown away.

[@ayreseis]

this performance is chilling. truly wonderful

[@xplatog2317]

THANK GOD CLASSICAL COMPOSERS WERE MADE

[@larryhagemann5548]

Amazing. A full 4th of July rendition! Thank you.

[@revdmichaelchild9736]

A splendid performance. I have always enjoyed the piece. I first heard it played on an organ at a funeral where I was officiating.

[@gordongriswold1473]

Well done! Again and again, Mr. Scott, you truly excel!

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

One word..... MAGNIFICENT .....

[@gerardbedecarter]

A beautiful arrangement and performance. Thanks Jonathan and Tom!

[@jon123etc]

One of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard! Jonathan Scott is a genius. Though I have to say I was a little disappointed there were no cannons lol.

[@rodrigoantoniosilva7]

This is absolutely outstanding!

[@mjd1949]

Simply amazing! He just 'blows me away' with everything he transcribes and plays. And his brother's videography is outstanding! Great you two!

[@guntherthequizmaster9515]

mjd 1949 14:55 fingers 🖐 🤚 don’t fail me now 🤪❗️

[@deuxpomme9777]

How can someone play this solo perfectly?!?! It's insane this guy is talented af people like these should be famous not those people with only fkin makeup this is real talent

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

you should see is performance of the Tannheuser Overture

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

I think I know who you referring to with the 'only fkin makeup' phrase. Mr Scott here in this spectacular permance is WAY better than that 'Liberace" of the organ

[@richardmolby9189]

Incredible and Tom Scott should not be forgotten for the wonderful video/audio recording work.

[@augustaverbian]

No wonder organ often called "king of instruments" this video gets it well said.

[@wljmrbill]

Impressive. Always well done when you or your brother perform.

[@jimkoz9550]

I would love to hear/see Jonathon Scott play the Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia - the largest working organ in the world.

[@montesmith8993]

Jim Koz See

[@LtKernelPanic]

And also the Midmer-Losh in Atlantic City once its restoration is complete in 2021-22. I'm sure they could put its 64' stop to good use in this piece.

[@richardwilliamjohnson8566]

@@LtKernelPanic there's another one in Sydney and you can barely hear it

[@murrayfarrellmc454]

@@richardwilliamjohnson8566 Sydney Town Hall?

[@richardwilliamjohnson8566]

@@murrayfarrellmc454 yeah that's the one. There's videos on here displaying the 64' stop, it's practically useless imo

[@sweetbb125]

Splendid performance thank you.

[@janegainsford3869]

Majestic and superb. 👏👏👏

[@MarkL71]

Simply fantastic. Motivates me to study more of these Scott arrangements. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@bobpatsch3174]

Beautiful !!! Please release this on CD or DVD !

[@ryanelger07]

+Bob Patsch Definitely! I'd buy it in a hearbeat! Only thing close I can find on iTunes means buying a whole album when I only want the one track..