The King of Instruments: History, Science and Music of the Pipe Organ

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"The King of Instruments: History, Science and Music of the Pipe Organ" is a distance-learning video produced by WaveGuide Studios for Spivey Hall at Clayton State University. Target audience: fourth-grade students. Winner of two Telly awards, for Children's Audience and Graphics; a Summit Creative award for Educational Programming; an award from the MCA-I Media Festival for Educational Videos; two Communicator Awards from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for Children’s Audience and Graphics; and two Davey awards for Children's Audience and Educational Videos.

[@frank_link]

Target audience fourth grade pupils, I'm 40 years old and found this presentation really interesting, thanks..

[@BigDish101]

Ya would like some more adult questions answered though. Like how much electricity does it require (I've heard the blower motors are 3-phase thus require 3-phase power to be available, also wondering if any are 440 volts.

[@musicstewart9744]

58 myself

[@Engineer9736]

BigDish101 Depends on the organ.. A chest organ can run on a car battery.. The Midmer Losh organ runs on a giant 3 phase connection. Each motor of it needs to be started after each other to reduce the load.

[@gantmj]

I had never heard of a hydraulis before.

[@jeffwhite4227]

@@BigDish101 Blowers aside, the connections from keys to chests are very low voltage DC current. There's a transformer called a rectifier in the organ which converts the AC to DC. Most churches have smaller blowers which don't require the huge electrical load. Wind pressure is what is more important to the sound the organ can make, and most organs probably fall between 3" to 5" on average. Though, that horizontal Trompette en Chamade is probably on something like 10" wind.

[@powellriver100]

When i was a young lad in the forties i used to get goose bumbs hearing a pipe organ playing, now i am 80 i still do ! Just love the sound.

[@paulakaochari4392]

There isn't an electric, or modern made organ on earth that sounds as rich and genuine as a good old fashioned pipe organ.

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

I've heard and played some of the new electronics. If the acoustics are right they are very close in sound to pipes. They download the actual sound of pipes in a real pipe organ and reproduce it in the electronic organ. Some of them have fooled the experts. I would trade the old 5 rank Moller in the church where I play for a digital organ. Or at least the addition of digital stops to the existing pipes.

[@tylerchua929]

@@DavidSmith-sb2ix Yeah but the sound of the 'tracker action' is kinda satisfying

[@DavidSmith-sb2ix]

@@tylerchua929 I'm sure they can duplicate that and the touch. Even throw in an occasional cipher.

[@tylerchua929]

@@DavidSmith-sb2ix Fair enough.

[@reedweldon2312]

Allen Organ Co. has really mastered down the acoustics and piping. I would definitely look at Allen. I love the old pipe organ, but I also love my Allen Organ too.

[@PikaPetey]

pipe organ is my favorite instrument.

[@thegratewalnut619]

mine too

[@margotmaines7427]

mine also, next to piano ~ I was raised with pipe organ music as a very young child, as were my brothers

[@hamzanaveed826]

Margot Maines COOL

[@miguelhurtado7227]

Pikapetey Animations indeed

[@jonathanmorgan9352]

Mine too as well

[@littletweeter1327]

There needs to be more pipe organs in the world...

[@stuiterballetje5982]

Littletweeter and people who can play it

[@ohyeahyeah3567]

stuiter balletje good thing i learned and they take a while to build

[@twothreebravo]

Years ago when I was apprenticing as an electrician we got a job where a guy was putting an addition on his home to house an organ he was saving from demolition. My boss (and myself) wanted to be a part of this job so bad he told the guy when he bid for the job that he'd cut him a deal on the cost if we all could come out and listen to it when it was all done. Sadly the guy informed us it was going to take him almost a decade to re assemble, reconfigure and restore the entire thing by hand. But at least we had a very small part in making sure it was saved.

[@BigDish101]

@@stuiterballetje5982 Not necessarily. They can be played by a computer MIDI file...

[@yowtfputthemaskbackon9202]

i mean there are also smaller organs that use pipes. the "harmonium" for example. but they are also harder to play because you have to pump the air in with your feet. plus most are very old, mine is 112 years old as of right now. its still sounds like new, but you can defenitly feel the age when playing it. kinda feels like starting a realy old car everytime

[@vudukid_run2018]

best instrument ever created on the face of this EARTH hands down.

[@dalhousiekid]

Absolutely.

[@jimfowler5930]

Only reason I "went" with the Cello is that performing with both feet and both hands are out of my league! Awesome performances gentlemen!!! Thank you. Goosebumps abound.

[@alantorrance6153]

You talked about the organ as "The King of Instruments". In the German, "the Organ" is "Die Orgel". Noticeably "Orgel" is preceded by the female "definite article - die", thus the Organ is actually "The Queen of Instruments".

[@WaveGuideStudios]

That's true! However, you'll have to blame Mozart, who wrote, “In my eyes and ears the organ will forever be the King of Instruments." Hence the name of our little video!

[@ghollisjr]

14:50 This deserves to be a meme.

[@paulakaochari4392]

The pipe organ are still the most complicated and king of organs. Beautiful..

[@gregoryagogo]

The phrase "pull out all the stops"... I GET IT NOW!!!

[@brucelambert5552]

I'm 80 plus. Love the organ. First time I have had the mechanics and history explained. Thank you thank you. London Ontario Canada.

[@brianfuller7691]

My friend has been a professional keyboardist and teacher for 30+ years. She says that actually playing a pipe organ for the first time was a thrill that few keyboardists ever have. Her first time will never be forgotten.

[@filipefrancoafonso]

The Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor is just perfect!!!!!!

[@Aerospace_Education]

"All I can hear is my mistakes" haha, spoken like a true musician :)

[@bobpaulino4714]

I used to service HVAC equipment at many theaters. The Ohio theater in Columbus was one of my clients. I was often blessed to hear Dennis James or one of the other organists practicing while there. The low notes would vibrate your organs!

[@jeansimon326]

Well done! This presentation helped to fill a huge gap in my "music appreciation" agenda. Thank you so much for enriching my future musical experiences.

[@josephj7991]

This is my Favorite Pipe Organ song! I first heard it in old Phantom of the Opera movie? Perfect song for him to play!

[@davidwilliamreed]

The pipe organ is indeed the king of instruments and the one at Spivey is magnificent. Excellent video guys.

[@TheMadisonHang]

"pull out all the stops" oh (revelation moment) thats where the phrase comes from... @5:00

[@Endtimescoming]

LOL I had that same revelation and now I've come down to the comments and find Im not the only one.

[@grahamriley8064]

@@Endtimescoming SAME!

[@GrzegorzDurda]

same

[@eo2149]

New appreciation for the amazing team of experts who builds,understands,maintains and play this complex instrument

[@markscully2342]

I don't know how much is your playing how much is the instrument and how much is the quality of the recording but this is the best organ sound I have heard on youtube!

[@WaveGuideStudios]

Thanks! I think it's an equal combination of four elements: Alan's magnificent playing, a superb instrument, terrific acoustics in the hall, and Todd Watson's (our audio engineer) outstanding work.

[@gregorywellssr7857]

And there's where the expression "pull out all the stops" came from. Excellent.

[@johnbenwell9803]

The best, Simply the best video about the King of Instruments. Thank you for making and publishing it.

[@daviddebroux4708]

Thank you for representing San Diego's Spreckels Organ Pavilion, in this video.

[@Schurfable]

This is so great to watch. I friggin love it. My knowledge of pipe organs has greatly improved, and I love the down-played humor/under-acting. It may be aimed at kids, but this would be fun and informative for anyone to watch

[@KingBobXVI]

"Clearly, somebody had to put a _stop_ to this" uuuughhhhh But seriously, this video is great!

[@MR5er1]

Lol

[@984francis]

Well that's just swell.....

[@croyce7699]

The quality of this pun knocked you down a rank or two. Now I'm bourdon trying to string together something better to pedal

[@JesusisJesus]

KingBobXIV The cheesey jokes taste way too punny.

[@m_a_s6069]

Perhaps the victims of that pun need to be consoled.

[@annasmith3723]

My grandfather was an organist and an accordion player the epitome of musical genius!

[@leongreenfield9196]

A fascinating documentary. The pipe organ certainly IS the king of musical instruments. It is also extremely complex and looks a difficult instrument to play. Thank you for this video

[@elizabethgaspodnetich4322]

Wow, I had no idea how beautiful and complicated the pipe organ really is. More people need to watch this, I couldn't believe how the pipe organ can be found in everything we listen to! Very cool.

[@happilyham6769]

Organs are by far the most impressive musical instruments to this day. They can be the size of a buildings and be completely mechanical and produce immensely powerful sounds.

[@JustWickedSwede]

22:17 this piece of music perfectly illustrates a day at my job as a teacher.

[@RonN448]

This was a very interesting and comprehensive look at the pipe organ. It was great that the presentation was designed so that young children can understand more about the King of Instruments. But, others who may have given much thought to the pipe organ, and how it works, can learn a lot from this video. What I most like to see, is the young kids who have developed a love for the instrument at a very early age, and are taking lessons. Many young students are becoming quite good, and they are learning both the classical organ and theatre organ. This, of course, is necessary for the survival of these grand instruments. Many thanks to the fine gentlemen who took the time and effort to make this video.

[@tgozanski]

That guy is crazy good. All four limbs working independent things? I can't whistle when I walk.

[@DandyDon1]

It also helps when the organ pipework is voiced prompt and not sluggish. There's an old saying: "If the air stream is focused on the lip of the pipe, you will get PROMPT SPEECH".

[@lonefather]

An organist doesn't use his mouth while playing the instrument.

[@OrgelkidsUSA]

Wow! Alan Morrison's two episodes on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood helped launch the love of pipe organs in our family, and now this! What a fabulous resource. We shall reference it widely. Thank you.

[@Nyck461]

I love the sound of the organ. It has a celestial sound. It brings the listener to haven.

[@scottcupp8129]

Even as a little kid, I have always been fascinated with the majestic pipe organ. There is absolutely nothing like!!! As a keyboardist and pianist, I have never been fortunate enough to play one. I've played several Hammond B3's and what not but never a Pipe Organ. Playing one is on my bucket list!!!

[@fnersch3367]

Wonderful video for young people. I can never get enough of the pipe organ. Built one myself and enjoyed the experience.

[@RD-vy1ps]

Truly the king of instruments. After seeing the first video on pipe organs I am totally fascinated by this instrument

[@Rammstein45]

The pipe organ at the end of Ghost's song I Believe is one of my favorites. It's nothing complex, but the sound is phenomenal.

[@dalhousiekid]

When I first Bach's Toccato With Fugue in D Minor my head about exploded...🤯😵😵

[@yourfuneraldirector6432]

I am such a fan of the pipe organ. I started by taking piano and then moved on to the organ. The name "organ" is perfect because it is literally something that breathes and speaks.

[@monteladow159]

Awesome!! Just stumbled across this video and LOVED IT!!! Guess I'm a Kid At Heart at 72yrs. Thank you!

[@johncliff5417]

I just love the sound of that organ. No other musical instrument can beat the organs sound and virtuosity.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I've been addicted to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks, specifically the pieces that feature the pipe organ and this video is feeding that addiction!

[@robertschaefer3223]

When our churches pipe organ was out of service for overhaul and enlargement, we had an electronic organ for about 3 months. I decided then, I could never be a parishioner at a church that did not have a pipe organ.

[@NathanBRing]

20:10 Wow Sir that melody just Blew me away, i absolutely love sounds and songs like that. Its harmony its peaceful, its heroic sounding to.

[@travisbrewer5391]

I have had the pleasure of actually experiencing the 2nd largest pipe organ west of the Mississippi, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Spokane, WA.

[@carolyoho7192]

Loved this focus on aspects of the marvelous music made by the pipe organ. I have a dear friend whose house was built around a theatre organ, and he shares his music in Kansas City, St. Louis, and all over the Midwest. I get to watch him as he chooses music, practices, and tweaks his performances. I feel the music by being there, and LOVE the magic of this amazing instrument and the talent of a one-man orchestra!

[@hecaob1]

Alan Morrison....What a GREAT musician..!

[@ellenyager9577]

I am in awe of this instrument and this artist!

[@kabj06]

Been playing the organ since I was 11 It is absolutely the king of instruments and it is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to play one

[@shiningarmor2838]

I was extremely lucky to play this organ, even for just a few seconds. There's little that can compare to it.

[@alexhauptmann298]

wow a talking pone

[@dalhousiekid]

On my bucket list if someone would let me.

[@adamosuna5699]

Going to oragan pavilion in Balboa Park is something special for sure

[@TheCureForHumanity]

Omg I'm a beginner saxophonist and pianist, and that quote cracked me up. All I can here is my mistakes.

[@kevinmann9181]

I love Bach's toccata, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!:):):):):):):);)

[@georgemurphy2579]

Excellent presentation from this team of true experts. Thank you so much. Mr. Morrison is head of the organ department at, in my opinion, the consummate music school in our existence. The entire movement in 20th Century organ study was launched there: The Curtis.

[@rashkavar]

It's amusing hearing the organist speak to the camera vaguely awkwardly and stiffly - clearly not something that's part of his day to day - and then "not only can you mix the sounds on one manual, but you can play different parts on different keyboards with different sounds, like this" then turns to the keyboard and casually makes _absolutely beautiful music_. (Just to be clear, saying the speaking is vaguely awkward and stiff is not meant to be insulting, it just doesn't sound like it's something you're used to doing. Conversely, all 3 presenters are very clearly knowledgeable about the roles they play with this magnificent instrument, and that's the part that is _actually_ important.)

[@Blogzer]

I was in grade 4 once. Terrific video. Thanks.

[@linblosune]

A comprehensive presentation.

[@alaskanactressp30]

The organ is my favorite instrument on the planet 🌎. The best on the planet 🌎, the Pipe Organ. It holds a league of its own. Just Pure Awesome 🤩 of it’s own. Kudos from Alaska 🌹💐❤️😍Excellent videos guys 🤩

[@scotty2307]

I grew up in Sacramento, CA. We were lucky enough to have Pizza and Pipes, with a " Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ". It was amazing to listen to, and I would usually sit for hours when I had the opportunity to visit. The organists were Stuart Boyer, and Emmil Martin. Emmil played from albums, but Stuart played from a request jar, and was thus, my favorite. Unfortunately, the establishment became unprofitable, and the Mighty Wurlitzer was sold for parts. I hope that it lives on, in keeping other vintage organs operating.

[@yvonneharnisch839]

AMAZING.......great information of the "KING OF INSTRUMENTS". Love it!

[@jacsavoie7672]

Superbe, les humains sont de grands inventeurs quand leurs besoins les commandent. Merci !

[@TheMadisonHang]

oh God it sounds so good can just take a deep breath!

[@frankiebowie6174]

You forgot roller rinks! As a Catholic kid, I grew up hearing (and loving) the organ at Mass, but my second introduction to that special instrument was at Skateland in Moline, all of us spending hours and hours going round and round and listening to the organ player. Yes, kids, places like skating rinks and Little League parks employed working musicians! I guess it all took, since I married an organist. 😀

[@totesmygoats-bq8mk]

Thanks! I love the organ! I was curious about it! Learned so much, and also had no clue of the origin of the saying, “pulling out all the stops.” Now I do. How awesome! 👏🏼 😎

[@teoflyfishing2004]

This was the best 25 minutes of my last years !

[@martinlagrange8821]

On South African radio we used to have a program called 'the King of Instruments' which also was all for organ music - and a favourite, especially when Saint-Saen's 3rd Symphony played. Although....I'm with Terry Pratchett in believing that no organ is complete without a 256 foot thunder-stop and 512 foot earthquake pedal !

[@cardinalflower6959]

Very very well done! From The Toccata right down to Paul Revere's horse neighing!

[@adamcolbertmusic]

14:50 Every musician can relate to this upon listening to their own playing 😂

[@jamesoconnor2226]

Awesome beautiful always love that incredible sound

[@denniszinke2115]

Gentlemen, you caught my eye and ear and I'm glad I stopped by. I have always loved this instrument and wanted to know what made it work. Each of you gentlemen did an excellent job of explaining this marvelous instrument. - Dennis Zinke

[@dennisferrara6940]

Excellent presentation for any very basic beginner into the instrument!

[@synthplayer1563]

I am amazed about that the electric pipe organ should be superior to the tracker action organ. In Germany it is the opposite. After a period of electric pipe organs, the tracker action organ is now again considered the best, because you can control the valve directly via the key. Almost every manufacturer builds it today (in Germany).

[@knuckles1006]

If I remember it correctly, E Powers Biggs describes that sound as CHIFF. About 40 years ago I bought { E Powers Biggs THE ORGAN IN SIGHT AND SOUND } In this combination LP and illustrated book set, he explains the history of the pipe organ along with the sounds of various pipe organs from all over the world, along with music samples of many of the greatest organ music composers His disdain for the way that the electronic solenoid opens the pipe valve as compared to tracker action is obvious as he demonstrates playing one type of action and then the other. There is a distinct sound right at the very beginning of the note as it is played that is called Chiff, that is missing when playing the note or notes with electronically activated valves. Webster defines CHIFF as a sudden, short-lived burst of upper harmonics that occurs whenever an organ key is depressed and note is sounded.

[@bobbydigital3407]

Oh my God, what is the name of that modern 20th century piece that you played at the 20:14 mark, brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful sound! I never knew the Oregon can sound like that, as a musician and producer I want to use that sound!! So powerful and moving! What is the name of that piece??

[@WaveGuideStudios]

It's "Aria" by Charles Callahan (b.1951).

[@joshkridelbaugh8482]

The Pipe Organ has to be one of the coolest sounding instruments out there

[@oso_Peligroso]

What a fantastic and unexpected video! I am a mechanical designer that LOVES the organ. I have no musical ability whatsoever but I'm fascinated by the mechanics of this wonderful instrument. This video kicks butt at explaining it all and the music is fantastic to boot. Great job!

[@sarahsapp3673]

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!! Great to show my elementary music classes!!

[@sarahsapp3673]

@Emma D I'm not sure who you are but that kind of speech is hateful.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

This is a great introduction to the wonderful world of pipe organs. Thanks! Now I will go see performances on pipe organ, in my local area. ❤️🎶🎹🎶❤️

[@MartynCookHarp]

Organist reminds me of Bernstein...similar facial expressions and lovely measured presentation.

[@djmpvae27091978]

In German: Die Königin der Instrumente. The Queen of instruments.

[@lesknoll9492]

Equal opportunity employer.

[@G6JPG]

What's the King/König?

[@rcc3574]

Interesting to know that detail : "QUEEN of instruments" 🙏

[@BrianEbie]

Outstanding in every way. Really good work. Great for kids and great for anyone to learn about the pipe organ. Great to start out with something really familiar as well like the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. This immediately makes it accessible. Well done!

[@lesknoll9492]

Great, informative piece. Thanks for the clip on the Theater Organ. You mention that pipe organs are used in pop and rock music. Not often enough!

[@thomaspick4123]

Les Knoll Led Zeppelin second album. Intro by jpg jones- you’re time is gonna come. A great pipe organ piece. Enjoy!

[@henryunrau4136]

If you want more viewers just advertise and play a drum in the background to keep the beat going and you will attract a huge listening and looking audience of youngsters, 45 and down to now Music lovers, but maybe loose a few like me. beautiful and amazing piece of Technology of years ago. Love it.

[@garfixit]

Beautiful reeds great sounds

[@EarthChampion_TophBeifong]

More like the Emperor of all instruments. It stands sublime above every other instrument.

[@keescanalfp5143]

above all, yes, and still under the acoustic guitar, each tone of which is under accurate musical control through two uncovered fingers left and right on the string.

[@TheJFerg24]

Some other amazing organs: Kaufman Center for Performing Arts - Kansas City, MO Conference Center at Temple Square - Salt Lake City, UT Tabernacle at Temple Square - Salt Lake City, UT

[@RedArwBus]

Don't forget the Wanamaker organ in Macy's department store 13th & market sts Philadelphia PA

[@undertaker11ism]

David R Don’t forget atlantic city’s boardwalk hall organ, the largest in the world

[@RedArwBus]

@@undertaker11ism forgot about that one, but the story behind the boardwalk organ is of neglect until the last 3-4 years when they decided to fix it up, supposedly it will be finished in a few years, Macy's and the friends of the Wanamaker organ have put a ton of money into it because of neglect by Wanamaker's and now it's completely back to 100% completely working for the first time in many years

[@garfixit]

I watched this again and the 2nd time was just as awesome as the first time❤🎼🎶🎵🎶🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@cricket700612]

As a professional teacher I find this video outstanding. Concise, and clear, with examples for each...plus history with geography!!! Triple Yahtzee! LOL Wonderful! 🥰

[@littleexperience2.._._._._._..]

I am so glad that this was made!

[@airborneSGT]

The Terminator cameo was epic 😎 👌

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

I have heard this organ, and Mr. Morrison, up close and personally. [I can't sit in the back, I have to sit close enough to watch and hear; like a kid with a new toy!] For it's size, it packs quite a whollop, not to mention being in a room that was built for this specific organ! It brings out the very best of the organ and the player. This one brings tears of joy to my eyes shortly after it cranks up, and your heart goes up into your throat! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS HEARING THIS MAJESTIC CREATION IN THIS ENVIRON WITH A CAPABLE MIESTRO AT THE HELM!!! More than worth anything you pay, and some are free! The Fox Theatre organ "Big Mo", St. Phillips Cathedral organ, and the one at Spivey Hall are my favorites in Atlanta. Primarily because each of these organs have been made for their space, and enlarges and enhances the sound of the beasts. A marriage made in Heaven. I can only imagine what Heaven will be like with the best of organists over all time all up there together, giving unto God the praise that is worthy! And the instrument.......! WOW!!!

[@gilsonoi1188]

Eu sou apaixonado por Órgão de tubos. É o rei dos instrumentos..🤗

[@therealjoshuacaleb4873]

Yay learning, youtube is a library, just gotta know what to look for!

[@nostalgiakarlk.f.7386]

Move over, piano. Step aside, violin. THIS is the best instrument.

[@DavidSnyderLumierist]

I enjoyed your most informative, broadminded and demonstrated video featuring the Spivey Hall organ, that I was never able to hear until now. Thank you for your explanations and mostly for your performances demonstrating so well the salient points you were making. Both you and the mighty Ruffatti Instrument came through with shining colour. BRAVO. I hope your viewers realized you unlike most organist it seems performed from memory leaving the piles of music to be squinted at by others.

[@tvjeff53]

The pipe organ is one of my favorite instruments and I am also making it my hobby I would like to play as many pipe organs as I can, Pipe organs are really neat I have liked pipe organs ever since I was a kid they have always fascinated me and this program has taught me a lot about how they work the history, ETC. Thank you so much.

[@suzannelebizarre5705]

Finally...found out that Spivey Hall is Somewhere (?) in Georgia and associated with the Curtis Institute of Music! THAT took Far too long! You could have told me that (FIRST!) when introducing this fantastic musical instrument. There are those of us who have no idea where Curtis Institute of Music and Spivey Hall actually is located...that apparently escaped your vision when creating this video...even if we would enjoy listening to Organ Music (I'm partial to Bach, Handel, Widor, and others which I LOVE...chiefly of the Baroque period!).

[@toccatanf]

The Curtis Institute of Music is in Philadelphia, PA. Spivey Hall is located on the campus of Clayton State University in Morrow, GA. Curtis had nothing to do with this video other than that Alan Morrison teaches there. Sorry to be confusing!

[@jamessteamerslifeadventure9695]

Always something new to learn!!

[@allenbutler8520]

It conveys feelings that other instruments cant.