Virgil Fox Legacy | Hymn | O God Our Help in Ages Past

The Virgil Fox Legacy
www.virgilfoxle...

[@bbinchi]

Wow...so many critics and so many "critics" below. I'll add only that I was present at this concert and I feel privileged to have attended it. Most of us knew Virgil Fox was dying, that he was suffering terribly even as he played that day. I wouldn't dream of criticizing his playing, which was by no means his best, but was from the very depths of his being. I'll always remember his courage and strength on that day and how he moved those of us fortunate enough to experience the moment in person.

[@josephsdale3724]

I don't usually cry at the end of a hymn, but boy, I was weeping at the end of this one! I heard Virgil Fox play at the Fillmore East and had exactly the same reaction. Whoever listens to this and is not moved to tears has NO SOUL. I repeat, NO SOUL!!! The way Virgil brings so many variations into the wonderful old tune is moving in its intensity and scope and wonder. This is how MUSIC should Sound!!!! And I am pretty sure that after the last trumpet sounds and we are gathered to God's Heaven, Virgil Fox will be there at the gigantic organ with a huge orchestra behind him, playing just such utterly incredible music as this for us to enjoy for all eternity! Oh Hallelujah!

[@wanabe159]

Amen Joe!

[@malcomstanley8930]

Mr. Fox said at an organ dedication, I had the privilege of attending, "Let everything that hath breath Praise the Lord". He certainly does make the organ's "Breath" do that spectacularly! We miss you Mr. Fox

[@marcellocolona4980]

I was in the congregation when this was performed. Absolutely phenomenal, a true religious experience.

[@lorensouthern3980]

I was there on May 6, 1979, sitting a few feet from the console in the chancel, as a young medical student in love with the organ. Now nearly forty years and countless organ performances later, none have ever surpassed that night. Unfortunately the audio is not great, but the magic of the sound is still there, especially those reeds. Fox hosted a reception later that night at a suite at The Plaza, and I remember his grand entrance with his mother and the van Cliburns, a great act, his style and humanity never again to be repeated.

[@williamshryock1784]

DId he have his famous pink lined cape on? LOL I understood he hardly appeared without it. Even greeting the Queen in it ... ROFL

[@robyndowning2990]

@@williamshryock1784 You might be thinking of another famous piano player.

[@williamshryock1784]

@@robyndowning2990 Sorry - you're correct about Liberace ... Virgil's was: "Virgil wore a red satin lined cape and a beret while performing, and he drove a pink Cadillac. The heels of his organ shoes were embellished with rhinestones." ... I guess I was thinking of the Cadillac ... LOL

[@runcamyt]

I have the audio recordings on CD. A masterful performance. This and the Sinfonie Concertat were grand and awe inspiring.

[@lorensouthern3980]

@@williamshryock1784 Not while playing, but IIRC yes at a reception at the Plaza Hotel afterwards. He came in with Van Cliburn and his mother.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

That Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ is priceless!

[@tamiasthechipmunk]

That "Amen" at the end....WOW!!... The clouds had parted and the glorious light from heaven had shined down upon that church at that moment. Pure Epicness!!!

[@michaeldoster4847]

With tears STREAMING from my eyes, I have to say, WHEW!!! Thank you Jesus for Virgil FOX! There are none that can COMPARE! Not on that organ !

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Bach would have been pleased with Fox. Wonder who would have won the competition between the two of them?

[@32pedalnotes]

Yes Lord! Holy Ghost power! That man played to God as if he was talking directly to Him, and we along with the people in the congregation were blessed to be witnesses to the conversation. This is a spriritual moment folks, not just a musical performance.

[@roybest8353]

Oh

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

AMEN indeed!

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

I must say that it was a commsumate pleasure to hear Dr Fox actually play this organ, as he was only one of a handful of organists who could actually play an organ with 5 keyboards. Magnificent! As he was! So glad he shared his time on earth! RIP, Dr. fox!

[@Meech430]

Wow he's such a bad boy! This congregation was very lucky to have him as an organist. I believe the slow tempo allows everyone to savor the delicious moments in this hymn.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

And to hear FULL ORGAN on that tremendous Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

Yes indeed they were and they showed their appreciation by not paying him his Pension due upon his retirement!

[@e.conboy4286]

@@DavidSnyderLumierist: David, what do you mean? Would you kindly explain?

[@e.conboy4286]

Sorry but I disagree. It even makes my teeth hurt! The congregation was not previously informed that this hymn would take forever! Use the restroom while you can.

[@richardmcleod1930]

Always a Spiritual joy to hear Virgil Fox play the Pipe Organ!

[@maestrobjwa90]

Wow...this was truly legendary (first time listening to this!). I mean...what Spirit-filled playing. And that last verse harmonization...glory!! And I feel humbled that he once played on the very organ I play on every Sunday...Amen!

[@vincenta_2]

1 O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home; 2 Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defence is sure. 3 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same. 4 A thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone, Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. 5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. 6 O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home.

[@JW1_1]

This remains my favourite version of this hymn. Absolutely beautiful! Actually reduced me to tears! 🥹

[@Buisness1]

THIS was Virgil's VERY last performance at The Riverside Currch. Virgil Went on home to the angels in 1980

[@georgefelty6357]

One of my all-time favorite hymns played by one of the greatest organists!

[@Euphoftoday]

This really made me cry, spine tingling magnificence inspired by Christ

[@Altivelzian]

I was raised in the English Cathedral tradition and stumbled across this video. I think it is magnificent, profoundly moving and, having read the comments of those lucky enough to have been present, regard the performance as a supreme testimony to the organist's Art and his Faith. Thank you thank you for posting this

[@vincentiaquinta2119]

This was his favorite hymn, and the most dignified that the congregation could sing for him on his last appearance at Riverside. This his final hymn at Riverside and the tape shows him lifted above that organ. It should also be a wake up call for all church organists with this many stanzas that this is how this hymn should be sung by the congregation.

[@hitidesin]

Virgil was a long time friend, having heard him first in 1956. He later came to perform three concerts on the organ I built for the Kirk Of Dunedin Community Church in Dunedin, Florida. I was SO privileged to know him. Once, attending a service at Riverside, I witnessed tears in the congregation during his utterly amazing improvisation before the final verse.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

The magnifacent solo voice heard in the hymn is that of Hazel Gravel who was Virgils great friend through lifes trials. I loved her too. She like he were gifts to mankind

[@f.merlenicholas3434]

David Snyder Lumierist. Sso good to have recognition of Hazel; I had the pleasure of working with her in church choir music!

[@DainGerrUsss]

Dear Mr. Snyder, I just cannot tell you how much I miss that ULTRA-GENIUS by the name of VIRGIL FOX. Let the snotty critics in the institutional "organ" groups - I. E. AGO, OHS, etc, say what they will - this is how a hymn SHOULD BE PLAYED. Have no organists EVER been to LONDON??? The hymns there are NOT PLAYED QUICKLY.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

@@DainGerrUsss Dear Jose. Thank you for your contact. You know, no matter how many times in the 18 years I was at his side when he played that hymn I always wept with the overpowering love of the Lord it brought to me. If the hymn is played to the glory of God,it will give that feeling to everyone listening

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

@@DainGerrUsss Dear Jose,,I admit, even after all these years the loss is more than I can get used to.Be assured, Virgil will be remembered throughout the years and into history and someday remembered as the greatest organist that ever lived.

[@garyg6000]

@@DainGerrUsss Exactly. I love playing hymns slowly. I want to hear and feel each chord and progression.

[@64Diaphone]

The slower tempo is well suited for the size of the church and allows the complexity of the chords to develop. Because it's slower than we are accustomed to, it causes greater meditation on the text taken from Psalm 90. Perhaps King David was also contemplating the trials of life.

[@64Diaphone]

Correction: From the collection Psalms of David, but generally attributed to Moses. Commentators consider the overall theme is God's faithfulness, yet a mood of lament.

[@jcrobso]

The larger the church the slower music must be played or it will all blur together.

[@Marksnotebook]

Indeed he was the best of his time and to this day I have not heard anyone who can beat him.

[@Sokx41]

Virgil Fox played the organ with ecstatic joy. I mean that literally. I watched him from just above the organ at a pipe organ dedication in about 1959-61 in San Francisco at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. His eyes literally rolled in joy as he played.

[@SternDrive]

I have listened to this one more times than I can count. Virgil Fox was the greatest organist!

[@burningbeing]

Amazing. A soul unleashed. I believe he was dying of bone cancer when he recorded this. You could accuse him of arrogance, but I think he was acting out of deepest respect for his God, trying to fulfill his spiritual mandate, to squeeze out every last drop.

[@anooraq]

Evidently at the end of his life this was one's man tribute to his mother and his music. He was a master of the organ, a great showman and musician, the likes of which we will never see again. I am 72 years old. Wish younger musicians would consider a life dedicated to the magnificant pipe organ.

[@charpnatl]

Wow! Talk about majestic and moving.

[@michaeldoster4847]

Thank you God for Virgil Fox! MagnIficient!

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

[@thomasredman3777]

Oh, to have been at the glorious service/concert. One of the most important "missed" opportunities of my life.

[@sevencorsa]

The King of all instruments !!!!!!!!!

[@tamiasthechipmunk]

Thank God this man graced this world with his wonderful musical talents.

[@pipeorganman1]

Perhaps you are unaware that this was Fox's last performance at Riverside. He was dying, consumed with cancer, and the fact that he got through it at all shows an almost super-human strength. Unlike many "greatest organists" that have come and gone, I think we are only starting to understand the enormous gift Fox gave us. He may have literally saved the pipe organ for the future. So don't gripe; stand in awe.

[@stephenbartelt4131]

Virgil did more for preserving the organ than anyone other than E. Power Biggs.... both were giants.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

+Thaddeus Reynolds Having just read your comment,I must tell you I am moved beyond my ability to put into words. Thank you.After his passing in 1980 I thought by now I was too old and that it was too long ago to still bring tears of sorrow and joy co mingled with 17 super years working with him. Thank youDavid Snyder,Lumierist. Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production

[@DainGerrUsss]

AMEN.......

[@susanranekbe5126]

What wonderful comments, and how true. This was a magnificent performance. How he did it, as you say, being in such dreadful health, is almost super-human. This particular rendition brings tears from me, but with gratefulness for the glorious talent he shared with us all.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

Thank you ,most sincerely Susan. It's amazing that so many that thought they knew so much about him writing the dirty trash falsely written about him,,really knew so very little about him,his suffering included. David Snyder, Lumierist PR to Virgil Fox Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production

[@runcamyt]

He asked the congregation to remain silent as he stood before the Cross of Jesus Christ. Wow!

[@vmpmike1]

No one will ever be able to match Virgil he is the greatest organist that ever lived. Id also like to say the Riverside organ has to be the best concert organ that Aeolion Skinner ever built. They did build some great organs but this by far is the nicest organ i have heard, also designed with Virgils Input.

[@Marksnotebook]

Virgil is still the best. Not sure about this being the best organ as I have some favorites also.

[@pianoandpipes]

It is amazing because in all of his service playing no matter what he does they are RIGHT with him...

[@NightinMadrid]

That man was a genius! A 'Bach' of our time.

[@keybora]

Just sublime. A powerful hymn, by a powerful Organist, on a powerful Organ. Its heavingly.

[@anooraq]

At the end of his life this was one man's tribute to his mother and his music. He was a great musician and showman,the likes of which we will no doubt never see again. Those of you now majoring in piano & organ should take up the challenge of continuing his legacy.

[@hughcreighton9384]

I think he is to be admired and respected for playing on his last day !!!!!!!

[@theunknownorganist3593]

I tear up every time I listen to this. Bravo.

[@joelclary6474]

I come back to this site every so often to reminisce about a very young Virgil who was head of the organ department, and a very young student at Peabody, Louise Black, and their adventures together. I have written a ten part serial regarding their relationship and how I grew up with the opportunity of knowing Virgil through my many years. I see the lives they both touched over their years. God Bless them both. And Thank you David for your hard work preserving the legacy of Virgil.

[@Ericb61]

Even though it is played too slow for normal sunday mornings, one can tell that Virgil is playing with an unbelievable passion. At first, I didn't see the comment when he played this concert, but wondered if it wasn't his "farewell" concert at Riverside. He was fantastic and the one who introduced me to JS Bach! Thank-you!!!

[@Tokkemon]

It literally was his farewell as he would not play there again.

[@jcrobso]

I consider myself lucky to have heard him play in concert.

[@jcrobso]

I believe that concert was in 1962 in La Grange Illinois

[@ShandyHall]

Absolutely wonderful! Virgil played it with emotion, power and majesty. I was at an Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA for a Christmas service last year and the organist played so fast you could not catch your breath. This rendition always gives me goosebumps.

[@nachthorn4foot]

I don't care how many times I hear this vidio, I get goose bumps, and my hair stands on end. Especialy on the last chord, and the famous Fox's hanging pedal of the pice, full organ. I don't care what religon you are, what church you are organist at. If you can't dominate the congregational sing, you don't belong.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

The world is a poorer place without Dr.Fox.

[@michelpasseleur6462]

GLOIRE !!! Gloria à TOUT ces Artisans QUI ont "créés" cet "instrument" Dééfique !!!!!!! MERCI !!!!!!

[@tblack754]

Virgil Fox. The best that ever was, that ever will be.

[@anthonywebster9560]

Beautiful rendition of O God Our Help In Ages Past by Virgil Fox Organist

[@ve2so]

Look at him, he's giving all he had.

[@anb740]

It's amazing how Virgil could come up with some of the most amazing hymn interlude improvisations I've ever heard!

[@tomvyse]

I never heard any of those. Sorry I missed out on them.

[@robertireson1564]

He is, to this day, unsurpassed.

[@ikonix360]

Tim Pieper could other organists in their youth play several pieces solely by memory like Virgil Fox could?

[@TheJakeman789]

I think that horse has done left the barn. Unfortunately, there's that freak Cameron Carpenter.

[@pauldelve5793]

I only 'discovered' Virgil a few years ago, a genius interpreter, what an experience it must have been to be there.

[@king-xerxus7040]

In the talents given to mankind for God He is very well pleased.

[@ve2so]

Il était le meilleur de tous les temps. The best of all times.

[@AndreIsoirFansClub]

Solenne e grandioso! Grandissimo Virgil!

[@mlstrong911]

As a relativly young Organist (35) I am sad that I missed the "glory years" of the Pipe Organ,or the "King of Instruments" as one gentleman put it. True Musicians like Virgil Fox, and many others are fading fast in our memories. It is up to us to continue to show the current and future generations that the organ is not the insrtument days past but the intrument for all time.

[@tamiasthechipmunk]

Regardless of how those for or against Virgil feel about him, listen to how loudly and joyously the congregation un this video is singing. That right there is enough testament to how much of an impact Virgil had upon those who listened to his performances.

[@JFSnail]

Oh to have been there! I bought the CD of this concert and I was immediately hooked and have been a fan ever since. Virgil Fox was unique, his technique and virtuosity were simply mesmerising. I find his recordings of Bach a revelation. His interpretations were not to everyone's taste, but who cares? If you dont like it, don't listen! He played from the heart and thats whats special...

[@crazyorganist1609]

He feels the music through his whole of body. Thats a true musician

[@accousticdecay]

Best organist to ever live.

[@gaddovame2879]

The soprano has an absolutely glorious voice. I cannot, however, understand a single word of what she is singing without looking up the text online.

[@ikonix360]

Gadd Ovame that's due to the way the mics are set up and what mics were used.

[@Musicbender1]

Magnificent 🤲🏼❤️

[@skn9895]

That final "Amen"...WOW! It's too bad that this isn't a higher quality recording.

[@kentfromwales5367]

Virgil, this one hymn presentation makes me miss your presence among us. Each phrase of this hymn is permeated with Virgil's love of God. It's perfection (save the horrid soloist on the 3rd verse).

[@michaeldoster4847]

Godzilla with keys for hands! What a player! God bless him! So good !

[@tdwy3220]

I saw him in the 70;s, "Heavy Organ" I think he called his show, which is what it was. RIP

[@peterdall7290]

...a true Master of the Pipes!

[@a1chemist1]

Listen to the counterpoint on the second verse with chorus. Likely Fox came up with the chord progression. Then he pulls the minor 7ths at 7:30! Incredible!

[@cellfrk90]

this is truly awesome

[@busta4u]

I love it...Virgil is a natural and that organ is powerful

[@NightinMadrid]

Keep playing and have faith,you will be best at what you do.

[@nagymusic63]

Amen!

[@papiesteven]

I love verse 2

[@WJDubs]

Typically not a fan of the way Fox's flamboyance, but one can't help but be moved by this performance! Not only is the orchestration beautiful, but the communication and connection between the choir and the organist is remarkable given all other circumstances...

[@garebear1015]

great

[@maxscriptguru]

Powerful indeed. gainsayers should do well to play with a tenth the passion that he does. I sorrow every day that I lost a CD of his organ playing on the way to work once. His playing of the Bach Little Fugue in G Minor sent me into a trance for days and weeks on end. I couldn't rest until I had learned that piece.

[@charlesdavis7087]

AMEN... and farewell Virgil. !!!!

[@Buisness1]

and an AMEN to Thaddeus Reynalds

[@lucastodd955]

God bless him

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

When Virgil returned to Riverside he was delighted to play the completed instrument. Fred Swan not only accomplished Virgil's plans but made stunning additions with Anthony Buffano's Master work in the finishing. He felt liberated and finally free of the call of the weekly obligations of the past. It was in fact his greatest performance upon that magnificent organ,a sold out seating witnessed history. By the way the Rockefellers funded the instrument because they wished to, to the Glory of God

[@Daedalus00000]

Wow- goose bumps on the final stanza harmonization.

[@theneopress]

Who says "O God" should not be played at this tempo? Those who were in attendance found it to be the most incredible experience they ever had. Virgil often played hymns slowly and let the congregation savor the hymn and the moment. I don't believe anyone can find an "definitive" hymn tempo anywhere in academia or literature. If you have a personal preference, that's all well and good. This was Fox's last music played at Riverside. Shouldn't he have been allowed to savor the moment as well?

[@michaelheintz8853]

I'm sorry. This slow tempo just doesn't work for singing. It's fine for listening.

[@josephsdale3724]

@@michaelheintz8853 Don't be silly. This is Virgil's version and if he wants to take it slowly so everyone can savor the lyrics, then power to his arm!

[@DainGerrUsss]

I am SO damn glad to hear someone say those words, with which i MOST heartily agree. Of course, the analists will always state, with a bucketload of fussiness - "but who can breathe at that that tempo???". Well, if our Lord Jesus Christ can hang on a cross for hours enduring staggeringly unbelievably hideous pain, just for all of humanity, then we can sing a hymn a bit slower than we are used to singing it. Toughen up a bit, you damn weaklings, OK - and I am also telling that to any assholes who criticize what I just now wrote. At that particular tempo the text becomes incredibly WONDERFUL AND CLEAR, instead of playing the hymn like you could not wait to go to the John, or to lunch. Got it??????

[@Jm4steam]

It's fine. One must remember that being right there....live...with organ is totally different from watching a recording...Live...you "feel" it..

[@WDHOOD2]

I was THERE in Riverside for this concert and the hymn. Certainly, people with tiny organs in tinier sanctuaries would “want” to play it faster, but in Riverside’s cavernous space with a major part of the organ a full city block from the console, I think his tempo was just fine. To those who disagree, where is your recording of “O God our Help” and how much did thousands of people pay for the ticket to come hear YOU play???

[@edguzowski7947]

None Better than Virgil Fox!

[@ikonix360]

In order to truly judge this song you would have been there to hear it in person. I wasn't alive then, but if I was and was old enough I would have wanted to go.

[@hitidesin]

We were privileged to have Virgil play six concerts over the years at my church. Once, he brought Hazel Gravell (Riverside Choir Soprano) to the chancel and we all shared in the words of this same hymn reference here. He once told me: "Terry, When I get to Heaven I jsut want to THINK pistons and the stops will move!" I bet the stops ARE, indeed... MOVING! What a service player he was! Terry

[@wanabe159]

Terry, Are you the Terry Charles the organist at the chapel that was off Alt 19 in Dunedin Fl?..If so, I heard you play too! Wonderful! And I saw Virgil at the Bayfront Center when he went on the road with Rogers organ and Revelation Lights in 75/76. it was incredible!

[@michelpasseleur6462]

mercis !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@fastmotorcycle]

Yes, pure Virgil.

[@davidallbaugh6858]

FDR's favorite hymm

[@bbinchi]

I should have been more clear. I was referring to his playing overall that day, not this hymn specifically. As for being moved to tears...oh, trust me - you can't imagine how hard it was to sing! And afterwards, as the congregation (audience) departed the church, many people were not only moved but openly crying. It was a very emotional experience for those in attendance.

[@techman85]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@stephenhuntsucker3766]

I’ve been on an organ kick lately and Virgil Fox has been featured prominently!

[@PJManfredi]

For those who say he did the organ "a lot of harm"...would that be in the way he attracted so many to the King of Instruments? Or, maybe the way that he inspired so many in worship? Or maybe in the way that he taught people to be creative and not necessairly to just "be safe and fit into the mold"? Virgil was unique and yes, a showman. However, he put butts in the seat and inspired many to take up the King of Instruments. Look in the comments here and see how many were inspired by him.

[@garyg6000]

I like that it is not rushed.

[@beresfordcokerMeAgainstPoverty]

the best ever

[@CECS1]

Please refer (it will help all to understand tempi) to what glendalejake said..... "Virgil knew that his cancer had spread and that he might again get to play this majestic hymn for his mother with the stirring singing of an audience/congregation. Taken in this light, the slow tempo takes on a very poignant meaning and seems most appropriate" plus this was virgils mothers favorite hymn and was present in the audience. Knowing this, I cried listening.

[@johnuhr-henry9508]

In answer to my/ your many callers Re- The former great Virgil Fox`s competence as a fantastic and great Organist, we are talking about his last few years as an organist not his past as a great player of the very great Instrument called the Organ. Virgil obviously in his past was a very accomplished Organist .I and many others are judging him on his present status, and before he passed on, and unfortunately his last 10 years at the multiple keyboards were certainly not his greatest as an ACCOMPLISHED Musician. We are very fortunate in this present and future times of having hundreds of great Organists who play all types of Musical scores and I am very lucky to have liaised and worked with the first 50 greatest living at present and younger brigade coming through. May Virgil rest in Peace and let us all remember some of his great scores and competence at the world`s greatest instrument. I hope this satisfies many callers who perhaps haven`t had the privilege of listening too many of the great present Organists. jmcinvale Please take note, and any other stouch commentators. You all get judged by what comes out of ones mouth.!!!!!