WIDOR - TOCCATA - CAVAILLÉ-COLL ORGAN OF MANCHESTER TOWN HALL

[@clarktrent8952]

A fascination, alright, a darnright *obsession* of mine over the last decade or so so is to find the *perfect* organ and installation from which to realize and hear absolutely *all* of The Toccata's zillion notes in proper balance, voice, volume, tempo, and more: including obviously the performer themselves, LOL!, is a far, far more daunting task than I ever imagined! Te yrs on, My overwhelming sense is that this Charles-Marie Widor Organ Symphony nr. 5 is best performed on the instrument(s) manufactured by Cavaille-Coll, Monsieur Widor's organ of choice.... and that played in the original tempo prescribed and proscribed for the piece by the composer himself. There is at last one extremely early musical recording of Widor himself playing the piece at said tempo/tempi of his intention, and that recording is here on KZbin. The faster you go North of his Allegro-Moderato pace, the more muddied, muddled and cacophonous this composition becomes. You organists out there who play the racing game with this one, you know who you are. Shame on you. Talent is *not* tearing through a piece like a house-afire!!! ALL of this to say: THIS VERY RECORDING offers the very closest thing to perfection I have thusfar heard in all the dozens of renditions that assaulted and beguiled my ears! Bravo Scott Bros! Bravo. BRAVISSIMO!

[@neilgordon8145]

The one from Your Minster, on the restored organ is, to my mind, a better interpretation, both from the choice of stops and keyboards, but also from the organist.

[@laribex110]

When I was a teenager, over 30 years ago, my piano teacher would play this every Easter as the congregation was leaving the sanctuary. I always delayed my exit to hear her play. Our church organ was not as majestic as this, and it brought tears to my eyes hearing you play on this grand instrument. Thank you!

[@danielzorn3159]

Isn’t it amazing

[@amigodaverdade4448]

Your ears have no tear glands. You must be suffering from a very rare ailment.

[@josephadams2378]

@@amigodaverdade4448 Then I guess I am too!!

[@barbslack4302]

I too heard this many times in my church and finally had it as my wedding recessional in 1976. Perfect!

[@kimparham4088]

Me too!

[@christinebrown1652]

Absolute perfection... I am a classicly trained professional violinist and yet, the organ is my favorite instrument. It soars the highest into the heavens, as close as I, as a mortal can hope to see the face of God. This performance is awe-inspiring. My deepest respect and gratitude for bringing the glory of God to my soul. Blessings always to you, Sir.

[@chuckbraband7526]

Yg

[@drhennielambrechts9213]

In my opinion, a perfect performance in every respect. How beautiful.

[@12345Sui]

I concur.

[@iwasglad122]

My old harmony tutor (FRCO at aged 18!) often used to bemoan the fact that the Widor was played so damn quickly by so many and if only players 'put the brakes on' audiences and congregations could hear the work as Widor intended. Isn't it wonderful, therefore, to hear our wonderful Jonathan Scott take his time with it and allow us listeners to simply revel in such a glorious sound!!! My old tutor would have been delighted!!

[@steveegallo3384]

Yes! His restrained majestic tempo toward the end is Divine! Perhaps better even than Fox-Wanamaker.....

[@bobh5087]

I fully agree with you about your tempo remarks. I especially notice this "rush to the end" syndrome with Baroque music, whether a solo performance or an ensemble. Music, like any language, must be *discernible* to its hearers. My organ teachers always said, "Take the middle ground tempo-wise," whether playing a hymn or a Toccata. Neither too fast nor too slow. And I always try to.

[@syhooverman5418]

@TheRenaissanceman65 Im Not surprised to read your post. This is WAY beyond the talents of your general church organist.

[@darrylreyes5977]

David Evans an eighty-year-old monk in the Benedictine abbey here in Manila takes his time playing this piece. It’s heavenly.

[@TheMuteSwan]

I agree. I came here because I just listened to someone playing the Toccata at 100mph. I love Jonathan Scott's tempo here, and the piece sounds so much better played like this.

[@georgewilson9553]

Magnificent - Jonathon Scott perfectly interprets a French masterpiece on a Cavaille-Coll instrument . The glory of the French romantic period is best expressed on an organ designed to showcase their full glory. He does the organ and Widor the highest honor in this perfectly paced rendition of Widor's toccata.

[@DavidHigginson-eh1qz]

Had this at my dads funeral it was his favourite piece of music

[@DonPedro6901]

Two yrs ago I went to my Music Library (very rare in Poland!) and after some cheat chat with librarian I was recommended to check out this piece. Since then one of my favorite.

[@metube336]

Tom, I don't think you get near enough credit. Your visuals do even more to make Jon's music come alive. Thanks for doing such a great job!

[@leaside]

Utterly magnificent. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes with this!

[@danielzorn3159]

Agree. Every time for me.

[@aloysiomoura7441]

.

[@reflexivo3]

🙏😇😢

[@shbow1]

Oh my god ! What a joy it is to hear this magnificent instrument played so well how wonderful it would be fully restored to its original grandeur thank you so much for this and to the town hall for letting this happen

[@bobh5087]

I've heard countless renditions of this piece, and yours, Jonathan, is the *best of them all.* So nuanced, and at the perfect (non-rushed) tempo. The C-C organ sounds wonderful in this fine room, as well. Un grand merci to both you and your brother Tom for such a high-quality video. 👍💖🎶🎶🎶

[@amigodaverdade4448]

I fully agree. Bravo for your wise comment!

[@brooksiefan]

Cavaillé-Col instruments are always worth attention. Hope to see this one soon shining in its full splendour again. Scottbrothersduo renders a great service to musical culture and history.

[@syhooverman5418]

Worth Attention? Theyre the the Finest and most powerful organs in the world.

[@eleanor1580]

We had this at our wedding in 1977. Ordinary church but the organist rose to the challenge and played superbly. Still brings tears to my eyes.

[@alanhubbard2739]

I couldn't agree more with your comment below, David Evans - its beauty is in its breathtaking intricacy, and Jonathan Scott seems to give it just the right timing.

[@scottnyc6572]

Wow!! How am i only discovering this beautiful trancy piece now? I can never get enough listening whenever hearing Jonathan Scott performs.

[@SordidGuy]

Spellbinding!!! I'm at a loss for words......

[@chrisberry2396]

Widor at his finest! #Bravo #JonathanScott#Toccata!👌👍☝😂

[@noiselesspatient]

Dear Jonathan, a masterstroke. Bravo for saving the Widor for this poor, breathless old lady. Let's hope your video adds momentum to whatever will exists to restore this neglected monument of European culture to its former glory. A poetic, symphonic performance too, as ever. Thank you.

[@saorgans]

Excellently played! Especially enjoyable is the fact that Mr Scott takes the organ right down (as Widor intended) at the end and back up again before the final few bars.

[@antonyfinnie4049]

Fantastic playing of a difficult piece

[@WillieWagglestick]

Best performance I've ever heard of this. Absolutely wonderful. I'm just about to go to bed and have listened to this full blast - I will hear it in my head now until I fall asleep. Incredible playing and what an amazing sound. Perfection.

[@syhooverman5418]

My closest friend worked in the civil service of Manchester "Town Hall". Not being into classical organ music like me, he got me into a recital there. Wonderful. "I didnt know it was one of the Grandest organs in England but i knew it was a big un" he said. LOL

[@christinebrown1652]

It is impossible for me to stop watching this brilliant performance! I have been watching and studying it for close to 4 hours now.... As I mentioned in my previous comment, I am a professional violinist and have performed this Symphony several times... Never before have those performances matched this one! Truly moving... The finest symphonies in the world could never match what you have accomplished!

[@daanmollema6366]

Whoah! How does that work? I thought his symphonies could only be performed on organ... or have they been transcribed for orchestra?

[@kentbloxham3826]

Simply my most favourite piece of organ music, one of the best pieces of organ music ever written and Johnathan, I’m glad you’re playing it for me and all the world to hear!

[@tina.a.59]

It's a joy listening to a perfect performance 💕

[@erikthenorviking8251]

Superb performance !! Wonderful that positive things are planned for this instrument. I remember travelling up to Manchester in 1975 (as a teenager) to hear Kamiel d'Hooghe play as part of the Manchester International Organ Festival. It was my first "live" experience of a Cavaille-Coll, and unforgettable.

[@shaunpierce6328]

Glory Be To God! What I would give to be sitting in the back of the church hearing my mother masterfully play this very difficult piece for Easter Sunday recessional.....it would be ALOT. Dawn T. Pierce (January 2, 1937-May 23, 2014) do your thing Mom!!!

[@harmoniumbauer]

So wonderful to hear in such a beautiful way this magnificent organ!!!

[@kentbloxham3826]

I have listened to many other organists playing the Widor Toccata since I last wrote, but I keep coming back to you Jonathan , but I keep coming back to you, your rendition of this and a multitude of other organ pieces as you are stunningly unparalleled!! Congratulations!!

[@jackitaylor8084]

Absolutely fantastic. What a talented Organist too.

[@davidcarroll4036]

Thank you, I finally found the version I love. Saw a version where two organists had the musical duel regarding Tocatta. They should be ashamed of themselves. Music is not a game, nor is it a means to be better than others. Music is meant to be enjoyed wherever it comes from, and forever it goes to.

[@kentbloxham3826]

Incomparable Majesty. Jonathan, again, You’re Absolutely Magnificent.. Tom, thanks again for Your superb Sound and Lightning.

[@josephmaxwellossei-little5248]

Another Wonderful Performance from my mentor, Kudos Jonathan. I am simply in awe.

[@albertpeckham8708]

One of the great Cavaille-Coll organs installed outside of France. Tres manifique!

[@raymondbeecroft4209]

Best registration perfect tempo. Not being played as if he thought he left stove on at home. Just great.

[@jenniferdow1298]

My wedding March after the ceremony and my daughters graduation played beautifully by this most talented man

[@calebvandervelde]

so beautiful i love the sound i hope to learn organ one day i really do hope it has been my dream to so lets hope but great job plz film more of this organ thanks

[@bethmacrae4878]

I am brought to tears by the magnificence.

[@lindaatzenhoefer8536]

Jonathan Scott is a master organist and plays the Charles-Marie Widor in F so magnificently. His tempo is just in perfection. I listen to him playing this piece over and over again. This happens to be one of my favorite organ pieces. Thank God I am listening to one of the best musicians that plays it with absolute perfection. I just wish I could hear him play it in person. Such beauty in live organ music. Thank you Jonathan Scott for playing this beautiful song and bringing to our hearts such talent and magnificence to our listening ears. Widor would have been proud.

[@beeps123]

Fux. Wow. Performance good. Videography awesome. Everything is a real treat.

[@karldelavigne8134]

I trust this organ will be restored as part of the project. It deserves to be played and heard regularly and is an ornament to the great city of Manchester.

[@richardlowe4751]

It will be!

[@erikthenorviking8251]

@@richardlowe4751 A joint restoration between Flentrop, and Nicholson's is planned.

[@krisvojna7269]

One of my fav symphony piece from Mr.Widor.

[@laslasman1206]

What an organ...and a fine performance!

[@reidweaver]

This is a lovely rendition of Toccata. Our organist was extremely well-known in our area for her talent and had her play this as the recessional at our wedding. We asked everyone to stay to hear the end before joining us in the receiving line and all gave a standing ovation for her performance. I first heard it when our choir went on tour through New England and our organist played this at my old Congregationalist church in Massachusetts. Our performance always ended with Toccata and I don't think this church could believe the sound she got out of those pipes when she played this piece! The dust was flying! :-) I wish more knew of this exquisite piece.

[@johnbaxter8879]

Widor composed this wonderful piece of organ music for the superb Cavaille-Coll organ in St Sulpice Paris. He was born in 1844 and died in 1937. His family were organ builders so it perhaps came naturally that he should take up this king of instruments. The longevity of St Sulpice organists is amazing and Charles-Marie was the organ titulaire there appointed "temporarily" in 1870. He finished there in 1933 but not before he was actually recorded playing it at the speed it is meant to be played - that too is available on KZbin and Jonathan follows Widor's tempo beautifully. My wife and I on our 20th wedding anniversary in 1995 managed to persuade Daniel Roth (who has been there since 1985) to play this at the end of the mass. Everyone was leaving the church and immediately came back in and gave a resounding applause at the end. Daniel must have held that last note on for a good 20 seconds and it reverberated around St. Sulpice on a never to be forgotten anniversary treat. Do go there if you can.

[@Video7Rose]

@@johnbaxter8879 Thanks for mentioning the toccata played by Widor himself on KZbin! I checked it out, and it is magnificent! That led me to a recording of the entire symphony, by Dutch organist Wouter van den Broek on KZbin, which was also magnificent, and he also played the toccata at the slower tempo. I had a lovely musical journey, thanks to you!

[@judymuse3738]

I love listening to you play the organ! Bravo!

[@westerncondor1132]

extremely hard beautiful music, thank you soo much jonathan scott your my favorite organist in the world

[@margueritedejonge4557]

Years ago... I had this piece memorized ( which drove my mother bonkers in the process!!) and played it for my music teacher, André Knevel's music recital. Always holds a special place in my heart, and love to hear it well played!! Thank you Jonathan.

[@Knappa22]

What a joy. Love the interpretation, the tempo, the organ. EVERYTHING!

[@lindaatzenhoefer8536]

This song is so soul binding. Heavenly. Scott plays this song with much heart and soul. Such talent. He his a master on the concert organ. Bravo to Scott master musician. Bravo......

[@fabiomoura9532]

Splendid! Well done!

[@kentbloxham3826]

Incomparable Majesty! Jonathan, you are Absolutely Magnificent. Thanks again Tom for your wonderful Sound and lighting

[@bobh5087]

As always, a superb performance. I agree with the writer below that this piece is often torn through so fast you'd think the organist was going to wet himself. Organists sometimes forget that, unlike any other instrument, *organ pipes take time to speak properly,* especially the larger 16' & 32' Pedal stops. So thanks for the pleasantly "natural" tempo. Liked the flexibility of your rubatos & agogic accents, as well. As wonderful as this historic instrument sounds now, just imagine how it will sound *after the restoration!* You are a treasure, to be sure. Thank you! 👍👏

[@bobh5087]

@TheRenaissanceman65 I don't think so. Suppose I should give it a watch/listen sometime, I guess!

[@aartvenema1219]

@TheRenaissanceman65 Not only Diane Bish, but so many many other organists (also on KZbin) as well who ruin this marvellous piece. By playing it so fast that the pipes of the organ don't have time to properly let hear the details of this incredible piece of music. Completely unnecessary, because in general most of this fast-playing organists have the ability to play this piece the right way, just to slow down and keep the right tempi. Because the technique is mostly there in their fingers and feet to bring this piece to a satisfying result..

[@aartvenema1219]

@TheRenaissanceman65 Ah, always nice to meet someone who thinks the same about certain things. I would very much like to discuss about this and other ancient music things with you but unfortunately KZbin is not the best way to do it..

[@TheMuteSwan]

@TheRenaissanceman65 I agree - I just listened to Diane Bish playing Widor's Toccata - I definitely prefer the slower version. I like to hear the details in the music, not rushed so much that the notes become muddled.

[@TheMuteSwan]

@TheRenaissanceman65 yes. Some other pieces, like Eugene Gigout's Toccata are rushed, too! Like you, I'm a choir singer, I'm an alto, but like you, I understand when things sound right, or wrong.

[@marcela77777]

Widor - Toccata... 👍🌹 The play of both legs in octaes and speed... Great, dear Jonathan !

[@johardy-bishop5525]

What I particularly love about these videos, as well as wonderful music played brilliantly, is being able to see the venues thanks to Tom’s superb photography. Manchester and Rochdale town halls are my favourites in this respect.

[@kelticus7817]

Magnifique interprétation , Bravo !

[@franciscoantonio4321]

Quien no cae rendido cuando escucha ésta Toccata es amor y emoción a primera vista y sólo queda admirar la belleza de sus tonos , es dramática ,preciosa, muchas gracias. Creo que hasta Dios lloraría .

[@franzjohnston]

Wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!...a perfect speed ..not too fast but energetic, thoughtful, and your sensitivity at the pianissimo was exquisite!!...thank you for a truly inspiring performance...a fellow musician (professional pianist)

[@paulmcconnell3620]

I have listened to this piece so many times and heard it live at my church every Easter Sunday but actually hearing it and being able to see the hands and feet at work is awesome!

[@pauldoerflingerMarcoPolo1947]

Magnifiquement interprété et sur Cavaillé-Coll, the must !

[@RogerWilcoSnr]

My favourite organ piece played in my home city. Thank you for sharing this. This is every bit as good as Simon Preston’s definitive version that I play endlessly in the car.

[@jennifergrimes181]

Just watching this on my TV via u tune we had this played at our wedding February 1968 At St Marks Dundela Belfast N Ireland most unusual then.Still sensational now like our marriage.

[@thefacultyoffunk]

Beautiful

[@filipi58]

Parfaitement joué cette symphonie. Jonathan Scott est un très très grand organiste, son jeu est sublime. Cette fameuse symphonie de Widor n’est pas du tout facile à jouer comme Widor la crée. Mais Jonathan Scott l’interprète à merveille. Merci.

[@knollozx]

WOW!!! So kraftvoll gespielt. Und diese Orgel ist auch ein Traum....

[@henryhitchcock3088]

Absolutely magnificent performance Jonathan! I have listened to the Widor Toccata from several organs and organists and find this one most satisfying and inspiring. A big thanks to Tom for the wonderful video of this beautiful town hall.

[@claranimmer7349]

This music is like a flight above the clouds.

[@valerielongmore5040]

Excellently played.

[@marylogan]

Outstanding. One of my favourites on the mighty pipe organ. Never fails to stir my soul from start to dramatic conclusion.❣️🌟🌟🌟

[@thierrygallet]

Trop " Beau" !.....................J'en pleure ! Magnifique ! Superbes nuances ! Merci Jonathan !

[@decomanjoel]

Amazing...wonderful Jonathan!

[@morrissamuels5984]

One of my favourite organ pieces. A mind-blowing performance as always Mr Scott.

[@sandiegroeltz1420]

Wonderful performance. Gifted musician! It brings back memories of years ago when i played the Toccata-not by memory=and when my daughter played this as the recessional for her wedding! Thanks.

[@JeremyCoppin]

Absolute pinnacle of musicianship. Undoubtedly the most beautiful and emotionally evocative piece of music a single person can play. Well done to the recording engineers.

[@danielmkubacki]

A great performance. You did a swell job.

[@caseyflorida]

I am positive you are right ;-)

[@caseyflorida]

Definitely not a solo opinion :)

[@user-uo7rv6yr7x]

These are some great puns, I’d hate to put a stop to them.

[@edmundsmith3943]

I'm finding this quite hard to follow. Someone needs to de-cipher it for me

[@WeslarWaven]

These puns are great!

[@tcmbillay]

I love the bit at 4:44 when the pedal goes briefly, the clarity the sound brings is excellent. Also, the sustained pedal going to final chord was hugely effective, following Widor’s instructions as well as not 😂

[@locke11216]

i do hope they manage to restore this wonderful instrument back to period condition. another organ to watch is the midmer losh organ in atlantic city at boardwalk hall. it currently holds the world record for being the largest organ in the world. restoration is still ongoing and is still years away from a fully functioning opus. but the progress so far has yielded some amazing results.

[@albertpeckham8708]

This performance is akin to the same performance at the St. Sernin Cavaille Coll organ. Thank you! Long live Aristede Cavaille-Coll!

[@tixie1895]

This reminds me of being an 11 year old chorister and the choir master and organist (Trevor Webb) playing this on a Sunday morning after communion 😀

[@stuartbluefield769]

Seriously stupendous. I have collected many versions of this, and this ranks right up there.

[@jappychap2003]

Wonderful performance. As others have said, just the right tempo. And thank you for the beautiful video - I love the shot through the window. It's a long time I was in Manchester Town Hall, and it is still a magnificant building.

[@mikecostello6349]

Magnificent!!

[@seonaidhamilton9542]

What an absolutely stunning video - amazing performance but also incredibly sound and wonderful visuals! My (brand new) husband and I left the church to this piece but sadly, it didn't sound anything like Jonathon's performance. But I can now put it together with his performance of Nimrod on the largest pipe organ in Asia and pretend that's how they sounded at my wedding.

[@DavidHigginson-eh1qz]

This was my dad’s favourite piece of music and this is played perfectly and at the right tempo,to many play it to fast, absolutely brilliant !

[@charleskesner1302]

Bravo.

[@Reinhard_G.1965]

Welch eine kraftvolle Darbietung! Und vor allem nicht zu schnell gespielt, wie es bisweilen geschieht und dabei ein paar feine Details verloren gehen. Hier ist die Perfektion auf allerhöchstem Niveau! 👍🏻 * What a powerful performance! And especially not played too fast, as it happens sometimes with fine details going lost. Here the perfection reached its highest level! 👍🏻

[@wrnchhead76]

Flawless keying and pace. Widor would be grinning his face off

[@YadRock]

What a magnific open ! I do love (more then "like") this piece for organ. I mean, Sir Widor was a genius man. This interpretation is a wonferfull one and many thanks to you to have lived it for all of us. I do like to Mrs Daria Burlak as a famous organist. Thank you.

[@tony1961chl]

Dramática , grave ,hermosa , una Toccata preciosa ,gracias. De verdad uno se queda sin palabras . sólo es escuchar y maravillarse, gracias.

[@adrianhockey9334]

Quality musicianship.

[@mandygrace7442]

I had this played at my wedding in 1983 by an incredible organist Andrew Moodie who played it while I was coming out of the church. Absolutely fantastic piece. Lovely to hear it again.

[@syhooverman5418]

GOOOOSE BUMPS. Fabulous.

[@alanhubbard2739]

Surely this is what the organ was created for! (And I still haven't heard an organist play this piece better than Jonathan Scott).

[@nickgoodwood4812]

I'am blown away by the sheer force and beauty of this materpiece played by Jonathan. And fantastastic video work as always too. In The Netherlands we do have beautiful organs and great organ players too, but Jonathan is just superb. Thank you so much for uploading on KZbin! Do have more uploads from French componists like Cesar Frank and Saint -Saëns? French organ music is so beautiful.

[@gazza2933]

Superb. Sublime. Thank you.

[@jamesvanian5524]

Perfection IMHO. Played in my home town. Great sound and vision. James.

[@mds145]

Great as always! Thanks Jonathan! Greets from Austria

[@SiegfriedPretsch]

Bravo!

[@AdamHWarren]

Brilliant crossed hands!! Bravo!

[@jack2848]

Jonathan the best

[@sarahmason7544]

Couldn't agree more❤❤