I saw him perform when I was in college in the early 70's and remember the performance to this day. He stunned an auditorium of college kids. He had so much fun and I can promise you, the crowd was impressed in the days of Rock N Roll! Thank God for TH-cam and the ability to easily watch his performances again!
My aunt (Roberta Johnson) was Virgil's manager for many years. He played a concert at the Crystal Cathedral (not during a service) and my family all got the joy to be in the audience.
Who cares whether the notes are there or not, it is marvelous and entertaining. The fact that we can have access to music that as a child we traveled miles to hear is a marvel to me and I am enjoying every minute of the music of these great organists on the great organs. Bring them on, I am addicted to listening.
He was my inspiration to become an organist. I owned every "Heavy Organ" album and played them until they were worn smooth. I saw one of his final performances as an 8th grader at the South Shore Music Circus in Massachusetts and was so captivated that I practiced for hours a day from that point on, and still do nearly 40 years later. Those who saw him in person quickly understood his very profound faith and devotion to God as the source of his abilities. He NEVER looked down on any organist, student or otherwise, though he had very strong opinions about musical interpretation as a living art and let others know that. He played at the tempo that he played pieces because he could, but never sacrificed good taste in doing so. Comments about his "lifestyle" or "flamboyance" generally come from critics who can only dream of being half the man that Virgil was, and perhaps 1/10th the musician.
I was there for that performance and agree. It was August 19, my birthday. What a wonderful present to myself to hear Virgil play that day. Virgil will never be replaced.
Peter Macanders comment that he cared to share with us is representative of what most of us,(in my case who worked for Virgil Fox for 18 years as his Personal Representative then during the number of years I performed with him in the Touring Production of Heavy Organ with David Snyder's Revelation Lights,),knew and thought about him. Most found his often too up front approach which truly reflected HIM, honestly and openly, invigorating, exciting and awesome. I felt blessed,,that I was given the calling I believe to have worked with him for so long and I knew him better than anyone,,,period. To be so giving of himself, even when suffering terminal cancer and in great pain is testimony to the strength of this remarkable man. I tell you,,all of it came from the power he worshiped, from above. This power gave him the gift that was so powerful, that after several concerts,the last one being at Carnegie Hall several people came back stage after and professed their conversion to Christianity. But Peter,,with all that goes the negative too,,great envy,and hatred. Why I do not know. It used to bother me unbearably years ago when his tires would be slashed after a concert he played for the an organist guild,,and now still smut,and misinformation and slander still brandind him as all the things he was not and all from the mouths that never knew him. Perhaps sandywhatthename finds attention by attacking with hearsay,,all of which was invented slander. Peter, pass it off Virgil will still be loved and remembered many years after these poisoned souls are long forgotten. Thank you though ,,and thank you again! David Snyder, Lumierist Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production.
Thank you David. I was a master class groupie back in the day. I am happy that you are still offering this testament of the great man himself and that you were there for him. We are all grateful, and, I hope you are well! George Murphy
RIP Virgil Fox....a wonderful example of best that mankind can be....he was such a positive, inspirational and uplifting force in this world while he was with us......mankind will miss him...
I heard him around 1970. He brought his Rodgers touring organ to the auditorium of North Hagerstown Maryland High School. I remember him kicking the side of the console. I think the 32' stop wasn't working and that's how he fixed it. I met him afterwards. Great musician.
All organists are the best,born with a great gift and then trained to use it to glorify,our Heavenly Father,Father Yahweh always knows what to do.Whether it is Virgil Fox,or E.Power Biggs,or Diane Bish,they are blessed.God bless all of these great musicians.Amen.
He describes the Toccata as "firey"...Played in this way, it certainly is! As someone else posted, I don't think it takes away from the musicality, it just gives the piece a different character. I like this piece no matter what, and there is simply no denying that Virgil was one (if not THE) of the finest musicians ever to grace the bench of the organ. Even in the state of ill health he was in, he managed to put on extremely moving performances, right up until the end. Bravo, Virgil!
Fox was still better than almost any other organist, even in the throes of mortal illness. Only in the very last month of his life did the cancer compromise his faculties to a drastic extent. He was looking for a way to beat the disease, and here he is throwing even more than all of himself into the performance. He got more out of just about any piece of music than most organists could. He always played like he meant it. I miss him.
@DavidSnyderLumierist - I've said it before and I'll say it again. Simply the greatest organist, ever.....period. I met you in Dallas, TX during the Intermission to Virgil's show with the DSO and I appreciated all the "behind the scenes" work you did during VF's show(s). I saw 5 performances and still - - we are talking about Dr. Fox some 30 years after his untimely death. Truly amazing.
Amazing. What pleases me most about this video is the obvious joy in his face as he plays. I know this was taped not long before he passed. Despite age and disease he was a wizard. If there is a heaven, I'm sure Mr. Fox is the head organist .
Virgil Fox is one of the two greatest modern organists of the 20th century, the other being E. Power Biggs. The two of them had very different styles, yet each in his own way was magnificient. Thank you for posting this video - I had never seen Fox speak, and to have a face for the voice I know so well is great.
In watching the Award Ceremony for special Artists who performed at Kennedy Center I thought,,too bad Virgil Fox has been overlooked. I say that because I wonder if any other artist has performed there,,or perhaps anywhere for that fact a concert ,,on any instrument,,called,,justly called I might add,,The Bach Gamut. He played it on the Catherine Filene Shouse Pipe Organ. Virgil Fox played(all from memory) a major composition by Bach,in every note in the scale.The hall was overfilled even to the seating on the stage with him that also was filled. Intermission began at 11:30PM,and no one left from the audience that was discernible. The concert terminated at 1:30AM. Virgil took only a 15 minute intermission.The performance was herculean,,a one time event. He performed that program only once because of the demands of the compositions. I think he deserves even now the Award. Many of us witnessed a supernatural happening to him several times as he spoke to the audience,which I will not go into here at this time,but perhaps later. David Snyder, Lumierist. Creator of Virgil Fox and Revelation Lights Heavy Organ Touring Production
I also will love Virgil to my death!!! I was a nerd who play organ all thru High School, especially in weekly auditorium advisory classes..Virgil made the organ and music sooooooo alive and relevant with the light show..I have introduced sooo many folks to this amazing man. I have seen him in concert many times and still have my T-shirt he signed at a concert at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Sanibel Lady. What an absolutely super tribute.You have no idea how warm it made me feel. You likely are not aware but I received your note today,May 3,,the birthdate of Virgil Fox. What a wonderful tribute. I will tell you,Temple Music Festival was one on my most favorite places to perform Revelation Lights. the audience was all like my family. Virgil loved the place also. I am currently working on the biography, the true one of Virgil Fox the living Legend and my work with him. Bless you. Stay in touch. Soli Deo Gloria!
@gatorpa2002 I just found your comment. Thank you so much for your great kindness in compassion. I was there when he played this. It still fills me with awe,,but then everything about the man did,,and to think,,I worked with and for him for 17 years. Blessings my friend,,and Merry Christmas.
I remember being in organists rut and meeting Virgil Fox and getting to talk to him. I was youth and yes he even believed in me. Yes Virgil even knew my teacher the late great Dr. Clarence Snyder
Virgil Rules!! When this was recorded he was sick and died not very long after. He designed this magnificent organ yet never got to play it finished as he died prior completion. These performances were arranged because he knew he wasn't going to make it. Those on here moaning about his mistakes ... get your ass on the bench and do better. I dare you.
Actually, he designed the organ in Crystal Cathedral, not this one in Garden Grove Church, which was the predecessor to CC in an entirely different location.
@@parisalan1 Garden Grove Community Church was in the original building (designed by noted architect Richard Neutra) that is immediately south of the Cathedral itself and parallels Lewis St. It is now owned by the Roman Catholic archdiocese and is called Christ Cathedral. Yes this organ is in that original building which, some time after the Crystal Cathedral was built was renamed The Arboretum and appears to be a kind of event center, although Google Map pictures show the building being used for religious services.
You said it perfectly. Entertainer. Virgil Fox was an entertainer. THAT is what made him special as far as the organ is concerned, but his performance or musicality never suffered as a result of being the entertainer, as well. He had the chops to back it up.
I play this piece at this tempo. It sounds like the microphones are right next to the pipes so you can hear every little slip on this clip. We must remember that TH-cam does no real justice to the players' performances other than a great record of an era long gone.
enjoyed this. This was in the old church building before they built the Crystal Cathedral, they had a nicepipe organ in there too. I have a recording that Virgil Fox did about the time this was done,at a concert he did on this organ, I believe it says it was done in 1979
I'm in no way dissing this mans talent. He was truly incredible at the console, but I do agree with others that he did often play things too fast. That said, this is a treat to see. Thank you for sharing it.
I have never heard the toccata played better: he keeps perfect timing throughout - almost all others show down as they enter the second section, and it loses impetus. It really is fiery here!
OMG, David Snyder how are you. It has been so many many years that have passed when we all had such good times with Virgil at Riverside. Those late evenings on Friday nights in the church while Virgil played on into the wee hours of the morning. Remember when folks in Giffered Hall used to telephone about 1 AM saying that the organ was under there bed... as was one of the chambers so close to the dorm. He would turn off that section and continue playing. Bobby Hebble, Bill Tilson, You, & Earle
This was a very sick man, dying from cancer. Still tried to play as he did all his life. His accomplishments at the console of any organ are countless. His ability to play everything from memory is a feat in itself. So when he makes a so called mistake, I can only say I wish I could play just like him!
@Randell Franklyn Busby My information has it that the mains were guts of the New York Worlds Fair Organ [?] mixed with another organ (Ruffati?) in the rear balcony and the manuals slaved together... Twas my impression... You're an organist I don't know, ofhand, aren't you? Name sounds very familiar...like the Crystal Cathedral? The heyday of the Crystal Cathedral was while I was in the service, so I caught the broadcasts every chance I could, but ADORED the sound of that big monster in such a beautiful space! It was indeed Majestic! Hope the Catholics didn't butcher the organ or the cathedral.🌹😎👍 Mom put a window in the church in memory of her father. She thought alot of Dr. Schuller, and the music. She was a Fed and a church organist.
WOW I am so surprised that the critics on here actually have the "balls" to actually point out the "mistakes" when thousands yes thousands of notes are correct and you have no idea what went on before the performance making an effect. VF is amazing. Why do we want to hear this piece or any other for that matter sound all the same?What a bore if it were that way! Great note perfect and so what! I find the interpuraton his own and interesting that is what is neat about it. THANKS VF and youtube!
I can remember Virgil Fox playing this piece and the Toccata from Symphony Concertante in practice for the dedication concert at Garden Grove (this was before the Crystal Cathedral was built). I was standing outside the church (I attended there then) watching the large windows move like speaker cones with the 32ft. pedal. Quite an experience!
...I attended one of the "Heavy Organ" Bach concerts back in the 70s. Definitely quite the performance. Back then Fox used a custom Rodgers 3 manual organ designed for touring (built not far away from where I live). This was definitely recorded at the old Neutra Sanctuary on the 1977 97 rank Ruffati (which was later moved to the Crystal Cathedral where it was enlarged and combined with the 100 rank Aeolean Skinner from Avery Fischer Hall). Sadly, the video recording quality of the day (and quite possibly the building's acoustics as well) do not do the instrument justice as it sounds almost more like an electronic instrument instead of a pipe organ. BTW, Virgil Fox was not the first organist to tour with his own custom instrument. Back in the 1930s, British organist Reginald Foort toured with a five manual cinema pipe organ built by MP Möller which was modular in design so it could be taken apart in sections for transport. Moving the instrument required a fleet of five lorries all of which were emblazoned with Foort's name. In 1940 he loaned the instrument to the BBC which purchased it after the war. the organ then changed hands several more times and now resides at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
This was done in 1979. I liked Virgil Fox. He was a talented man. At least right now he is in heaven. Most of us are adults and should be acting like it. Some people think I am being rude by blocking them for their nasty comments about Virgil Fox. He was a great artist for the time he was here on earth.
I always enjoy listening to the late, great Virgil Fox. Has anybody on this site ever read, "The Dish" by Richard Torrence (who died earlier this year), and Marshall Yaeger? This book was based on a memoir by the late Ted Alan Worth. It was a very interesting book. I'm also sorry that Virgil departed this world so soon!
Am reading it now. Awesome memoires of the people surrounding the prophet Virgil. He was assumed back into heaven whenst he came. Sad he suffered but Jesus did before he ascended back to heaven. There is noone who can learn this. I'm sad I didnt have the pleasure of meeting him in person but his videos and concerts keep him in my heart!
This amazing performance is vivid testimony to the Christian faith and belief of Virgil Fox,the designer of the Hazel Wright Pipe Organ for the Crystal Cathedral.This video is of his last performance on the original instrument prior to its reinstallation in the new church.Its amazing Virgil at this time was near death with stage 4 cancer, yet he carried out his promise to Schuller and to his God to complete his mission. I can't imagine why today his name is not even mentioned as the original masterpiece of the greatest orgnaist since JSBach.
Testimony of one's faith in Jesus Christ isn't based on one's musicianship. Greatest organist since Bach? That's up to considerable debate. Don't forget Biggs and, of course, Hector Olivera is to be mentioned in this group. Why isn't Fox's name not mentioned? Can't say, but I suspect Virgil Fox's homosexuality (yes, he had a lover while organist at Riverside Church) may have something to do with it. Nevertheless, Fox's uptempo and Liberace-style interpretations of classical work was certainly out of the mainstream and different and he did a great job of bringing interest in classical pieces to many who, otherwise, would never sit and listen to such music.
You mentioned several great Artist who have given and continue to be great artists upon the organ. Along with that you spew in print, garbage about Virgil Fox like a parrot mouthing the crap its only heard from others and has no ability to really know any truth on its own. You know nothing about the personal life of Virgil Fox for whom I worked as his Personal Representative for 19 years, during which time I considered it a calling to have been able to work for and with such a fine Christian gentleman. Being colorful,flamboyant if you will, does not prove anything to anyone other perhaps a performance persona. The Pope is colorful ,what name can you stick to him.?Will people be buying your music after you have been dead for 36 years,more than when you lived?
Evidently, you didn't know him well enough. It only takes a small effort of research and you'll even find the name of his lover. Were you his assistant while he was at Riverside? If so, you would know his name. I wasn't his assistant and many folks at Riverside knew who he was. This isn't an attack on Virgil Fox, nor was my original answer to you an attack. Just stating a fact and surmising its possibility as an answer to your query as to Fox's name not being mentioned. I don't know. As for his musicianship, Virgil Fox was certainly one of the all time greats on the organ. His style and interpretation were clearly unique and a demonstration of his excellent playing abilities.
I would assume, you" knew him well enough", personally,and I gather more so than I.! He had a large staff.I came to work for Dr. Fox during the last several years he played at Riverside Church and your research is nonsense and your inference about his sex life with someone there is the product of a liar who supplied your slanderous information,and I find your insinuations of the great Riverside Church and its great Ministers such as Harry Emerson Fosdic and other Staff deeply offensive with your inference. But,,why are you so interested in another persons sex life?. My regret is that Dr. Fox did not live long enough to see a number of his enemies, determined to destroy a mans reputation when by death he is unable to defend himself splurt out their garbage in a court of law. Not that it is anyone's business but I will tell you Dr. Fox had many women,close friends with which he kept very private company. Regarding Robert Schuller I will say only that as the old saying goes,"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones" in his case,at anyone specially Virgil Fox, and Dr. Philip Johnson the Architect,. He would have likely returned to the roof of his drive in movie without their great talent which in the end disasterous result passes the only judgement needed on answering the question of his character and of why such ingratitude from him and disrespectfull treatment of the dead.The only written account you should count on as being true is the Holy Bible and the account of our Lord Jesus Christ. Believe only that my friend!
this was in the original GG comunity Church - when it became the Crystal Cathedral that Rufatti organ was combined with another one to become the "Hazel Wright" in the Cathedral. The old church became a dining hall and has its own organ (I believe from a church in Hollywood that got damaged in an earthquake.. Hour of power has been on the air for a LONG time. I was parked in the"drive in" part of the GG comunity church when this concert took place.
@TheCinemasound Do you realize that this man brought the organ before more people than perhaps anyone before him, and certainly since? What he did for the instrument in the public eye was immeasurable. By playing to the "dumb masses", you get people interested, rather than catering to a select few that would rather hear the (as Virgil put it) "note-pushing nobody's". And by the time this video was made, he was dying of cancer. I'm sure this performance was quite painful for him.
The Crystal Cathedral was under construction in 1979 and would not be finished until 1980 the Catholic church in Garden Grove now owns the Crystal cathedral and is renovating the Cathedral right now an should complete renovations later this year.
Fox/Biggs/Richter were who I modeled after in my own practice leading up to the Department of Music at Stanford before computer science wrenched me away. Fond of Fox. I live not too far from the late Reverend Schuller's Crystal Cathedral and have attended mass there. I live quite close to his estranged son's school here in South OC. All is well. All can be well. And all shall be well and All manner of thing shall be well When the tongues of flames are in-folded Into the crowned knot of fire And the fire and the rose are one. T-S-E.
It was a passionate performace worthy of the piece. As an organist and music director, we strive for the best. But what I tell my cantors and choirs members, is that if you hear no glitches or slight deviations from the score, you are listening to a cd recording! I like hearing something a little different from what I expected, lt's me me know I have the privilege of experiencing LIVE MUSIC.
@solong36 True. Virgil rebuilt,,added to, the "old" Ruffatti in the now dining hall. It became the Hazel Wright Organ and has the original pipes, plus the organ from Virgil home in Englewood and from Old South Church in Boston, plus a lot of additional pipework. The console has been changed and or replaced from his design. I worked on the design along side with him so I know.
I have to tell you folks a fun story. A new friend of mine here in Boulder was once a New York City police officer. Well, one fine day he had to issue a parking violation of some kind to a man who happened to be.... Virgil Fox! Apparently, Virgil (a class act) took it all quite well and was very apologetic!
@Xerox6085I My, oh my,,Yes Roger Hardesty is a name I know,respect and admire.I suspect his talent has only thrived since I lost contact with him before 1980. He was and is admired and talented in the art of Organ building and I consider him,,a national treasure in that field. I hope he is well,,somewhere. Merry Christmas to you, Thank you for remembering his name to me. Blessings:
@Deathss81 In my humble opinion my friend, you are a wise and far-seeing soul. Sadly so many can not see what you do,,and you are absolutely 100% right on. Bless you. David Snyder Lumierist
This May 3, 2012 we will celebrate Virgil's 100th birthday. YES,,can you imagine?. Lets make it special. I'm asking everyone to request now the Post Office to put out the special stamp to honour him. In 1981 I asked,and the said yes but that he needed to be "demised" longer. Well,lets DO IT! David Snyder, Lumierist.
@onotuoedaul No. Just start out with a metronome at a slow enough tempo to get everything perfect. Then gradually speed metronome up as it holds you to keeping it perfect. Go back to original speed. Once mastered you can play athe correct speed. Some play too fast. Others get sloppy. I continue the ornaments throughouthis magnificent work. Wish Virgil had. Great idea David! Thank you.
If only this had been recorded in a concert hall with much better acoustics... but it is still VERY inspiring. Diane Bish performs it ALMOST as well as Mr. Fox.
@Sfrussell1963 Thank you for your kind reply about Dr. Fox. I and may appreciate your spiritual truth. blessings David Snyder, Lumierist Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production
@cnmmnc8852 Outstanding performance by Keith. He was a great artist,friend and consumate musician. My,we still miss him. Perhaps its true that only the good die young.
@shela2 Shela,,he was radiant. He had dreams of a great organ,,bigger than anything he ever had played,,yet to come! You are seeing in him,, his vision of his life after death with his Christ, his master,as he knew he was shortly to die, and that the organ he was to build to the Glory of God, for his friend Robert Schuller. He like Moses I suppose,,would never "enter therein" but he saw it yet ahead,,in his visions. He told me of them many times. Go ahead a weep my friend,,tears justly shed.
I would agree that Cameron Carpenter is an absolutely incredible organist who is in some ways, following in Virgil's footsteps. However, I think it is unfair to classify him as a reincarnation of Virgil as in some ways he may actually be better. Please remember that Cameron is in his prime and I only heard Virgil play in the last 8 years of his life. That having been said, the "Pictures at an Exhibition" CD that Cameron made on M&O Opus 1 is a flat out display of musical genius!
Cameron Carpenter is one of my favorite Organist but to say he is better than Virgil is ludicris. Virgul had great memory and can play thing faster than Cameron.
@@mrmusiclover4178 To classify my comments, CC’s technical skills are mind blowing. That said, his “musicality” is somewhat overtaken by his abilities.
I enjoyed Virgils playing always, but I found this out of place in a worship service. We had to stop the worship so he could show off his playing and the organ, and I think it would have been better to have had a recital that afternoon and included it in it. Organs are a vehicle to help in worship, and not the object of it. Yea Verily.
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Performance Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eh5hItD4Mr0/mqdefault.jpg)
I saw him perform when I was in college in the early 70's and remember the performance to this day. He stunned an auditorium of college kids. He had so much fun and I can promise you, the crowd was impressed in the days of Rock N Roll! Thank God for TH-cam and the ability to easily watch his performances again!
Virgil Fox... forever!
Virgil Fox is my hero, my inspiration, and the reason for what I do and all others should accomplish as an organist :)
My aunt (Roberta Johnson) was Virgil's manager for many years. He played a concert at the Crystal Cathedral (not during a service) and my family all got the joy to be in the audience.
Who cares whether the notes are there or not, it is marvelous and entertaining. The fact that we can have access to music that as a child we traveled miles to hear is a marvel to me and I am enjoying every minute of the music of these great organists on the great organs. Bring them on, I am addicted to listening.
Virgil loved to play concerts for the masses and encourage them to dance in the aisles! I saw an old PBS program of just that and it was thrilling!
It was also tacky and tastless not to mention . . . American !!!
@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 so... awesome!
I love how he starts playing so quickly, he doesn't have to look where his fingers are going.
A true master of the keys...🔥🔥🔥🙏
Organists never die. They merely come to a stop.
Diapason16ft booom tisssss
He was my inspiration to become an organist. I owned every "Heavy Organ" album and played them until they were worn smooth. I saw one of his final performances as an 8th grader at the South Shore Music Circus in Massachusetts and was so captivated that I practiced for hours a day from that point on, and still do nearly 40 years later. Those who saw him in person quickly understood his very profound faith and devotion to God as the source of his abilities. He NEVER looked down on any organist, student or otherwise, though he had very strong opinions about musical interpretation as a living art and let others know that. He played at the tempo that he played pieces because he could, but never sacrificed good taste in doing so. Comments about his "lifestyle" or "flamboyance" generally come from critics who can only dream of being half the man that Virgil was, and perhaps 1/10th the musician.
I was there for that performance and agree. It was August 19, my birthday. What a wonderful present to myself to hear Virgil play that day. Virgil will never be replaced.
Peter Macanders comment that he cared to share with us is representative of what most of us,(in my case who worked for Virgil Fox for 18 years as his Personal Representative then during the number of years I performed with him in the Touring Production of Heavy Organ with David Snyder's Revelation Lights,),knew and thought about him. Most found his often too up front approach which truly reflected HIM, honestly and openly, invigorating, exciting and awesome. I felt blessed,,that I was given the calling I believe to have worked with him for so long and I knew him better than anyone,,,period. To be so giving of himself, even when suffering terminal cancer and in great pain is testimony to the strength of this remarkable man. I tell you,,all of it came from the power he worshiped, from above. This power gave him the gift that was so powerful, that after several concerts,the last one being at Carnegie Hall several people came back stage after and professed their conversion to Christianity. But Peter,,with all that goes the negative too,,great envy,and hatred. Why I do not know. It used to bother me unbearably years ago when his tires would be slashed after a concert he played for the an organist guild,,and now still smut,and misinformation and slander still brandind him as all the things he was not and all from the mouths that never knew him. Perhaps sandywhatthename finds attention by attacking with hearsay,,all of which was invented slander. Peter, pass it off Virgil will still be loved and remembered many years after these poisoned souls are long forgotten. Thank you though ,,and thank you again!
David Snyder, Lumierist
Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production.
Thank you David. I was a master class groupie back in the day. I am happy that you are still offering this testament of the great man himself and that you were there for him. We are all grateful, and, I hope you are well!
George Murphy
I met him twice, once at Riverside in NYC, I loved his passion and his VOLUME!! He was such a kind man.
Its the first time I've heard it played so fast; but it actually sounds fantastic.
That's because not everyone can work that piece of music (or the organ) like Virgil Fox!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
You must be deaf.
RIP Virgil Fox....a wonderful example of best that mankind can be....he was such a positive, inspirational and uplifting force in this world while he was with us......mankind will miss him...
I heard him around 1970. He brought his Rodgers touring organ to the auditorium of North Hagerstown Maryland High School. I remember him kicking the side of the console. I think the 32' stop wasn't working and that's how he fixed it. I met him afterwards. Great musician.
All organists are the best,born with a great gift and then trained to use it to glorify,our Heavenly Father,Father Yahweh always knows what to do.Whether it is Virgil Fox,or E.Power Biggs,or Diane Bish,they are blessed.God bless all of these great musicians.Amen.
He describes the Toccata as "firey"...Played in this way, it certainly is! As someone else posted, I don't think it takes away from the musicality, it just gives the piece a different character. I like this piece no matter what, and there is simply no denying that Virgil was one (if not THE) of the finest musicians ever to grace the bench of the organ. Even in the state of ill health he was in, he managed to put on extremely moving performances, right up until the end. Bravo, Virgil!
I Love his work! Virgil Fox was a real master! at no time does his fingers leave his hands!
Wow I wish I had that much time like he did back in the 70s wow such pure art my goodness. 🙏✝️🏆
Fox was still better than almost any other organist, even in the throes of mortal illness. Only in the very last month of his life did the cancer compromise his faculties to a drastic extent. He was looking for a way to beat the disease, and here he is throwing even more than all of himself into the performance. He got more out of just about any piece of music than most organists could. He always played like he meant it. I miss him.
@DavidSnyderLumierist -
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Simply the greatest organist, ever.....period. I met you in Dallas, TX during the Intermission to Virgil's show with the DSO and I appreciated all the "behind the scenes" work you did during VF's show(s). I saw 5 performances and still - - we are talking about Dr. Fox some 30 years after his untimely death. Truly amazing.
Amazing. What pleases me most about this video is the obvious joy in his face as he plays. I know this was taped not long before he passed. Despite age and disease he was a wizard. If there is a heaven, I'm sure Mr. Fox is the head organist .
There will NEVER A be another Virgil Fox ! Thank you for posting this. Big fan of both Fox and Schuller. KILLER ORGAN! KILLER PLAYER!
That is a great organist, and I love all his musics.
What a treat to hear the Master playing, Virgil was an inspiration to many of us organists.
thank you for your kind comments and observation. It is deeply appreciated and justified Blessings friend
Yes, Virgil was DA MAN. Thanks for releasing the many videos of his performances.
Virgil Fox is one of the two greatest modern organists of the 20th century, the other being E. Power Biggs. The two of them had very different styles, yet each in his own way was magnificient. Thank you for posting this video - I had never seen Fox speak, and to have a face for the voice I know so well is great.
In watching the Award Ceremony for special Artists who performed at Kennedy Center I thought,,too bad Virgil Fox has been overlooked. I say that because I wonder if any other artist has performed there,,or perhaps anywhere for that fact a concert ,,on any instrument,,called,,justly called I might add,,The Bach Gamut. He played it on the Catherine Filene Shouse Pipe Organ. Virgil Fox played(all from memory) a major composition by Bach,in every note in the scale.The hall was overfilled even to the seating on the stage with him that also was filled. Intermission began at 11:30PM,and no one left from the audience that was discernible. The concert terminated at
1:30AM. Virgil took only a 15 minute intermission.The performance was herculean,,a one time event. He performed that program only once because of the demands of the compositions. I think he deserves even now the Award.
Many of us witnessed a supernatural happening to him several times as he spoke to the audience,which I will not go into here at this time,but perhaps later.
David Snyder, Lumierist.
Creator of Virgil Fox and Revelation Lights Heavy Organ Touring Production
I also will love Virgil to my death!!! I was a nerd who play organ all thru High School, especially in weekly auditorium advisory classes..Virgil made the organ and music sooooooo alive and relevant with the light show..I have introduced sooo many folks to this amazing man. I have seen him in concert many times and still have my T-shirt he signed at a concert at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Sanibel Lady. What an absolutely super tribute.You have no idea how warm it made me feel. You likely are not aware but I received your note today,May 3,,the birthdate of Virgil Fox. What a wonderful tribute. I will tell you,Temple Music Festival was one on my most favorite places to perform Revelation Lights. the audience was all like my family. Virgil loved the place also. I am currently working on the biography, the true one of Virgil Fox the living Legend and my work with him. Bless you. Stay in touch. Soli Deo Gloria!
Wonderful & fiery. Every note is clear!
He was considered the showman of the organ!
@gatorpa2002 I just found your comment. Thank you so much for your great kindness in compassion. I was there when he played this. It still fills me with awe,,but then everything about the man did,,and to think,,I worked with and for him for 17 years.
Blessings my friend,,and Merry Christmas.
I just love the way Virgil attacks this piece! Thank you for making these recordings available.
I remember being in organists rut and meeting Virgil Fox and getting to talk to him. I was youth and yes he even believed in me. Yes Virgil even knew my teacher the late great Dr. Clarence Snyder
Amazing!!
Virgil Rules!! When this was recorded he was sick and died not very long after. He designed this magnificent organ yet never got to play it finished as he died prior completion. These performances were arranged because he knew he wasn't going to make it. Those on here moaning about his mistakes ... get your ass on the bench and do better. I dare you.
Actually, he designed the organ in Crystal Cathedral, not this one in Garden Grove Church, which was the predecessor to CC in an entirely different location.
AMEN, BROTHER!!! VIRGIL ROCKS! RIGHT UP THERE WITH E. POWER BIGGS!!!
@Randell Franklyn Busby Thank you for the tasty tidbit on the 32s. Loved Virgil, loved that Crystal Cathedral Organ!!!!
@@reeblesnarfle5443 Biggs "Rocks" Well,,to me that is a new one! I hope he did! Did he need the usual music scores to do it?
@@parisalan1 Garden Grove Community Church was in the original building (designed by noted architect Richard Neutra) that is immediately south of the Cathedral itself and parallels Lewis St. It is now owned by the Roman Catholic archdiocese and is called Christ Cathedral. Yes this organ is in that original building which, some time after the Crystal Cathedral was built was renamed The Arboretum and appears to be a kind of event center, although Google Map pictures show the building being used for religious services.
What a passionate performance!
You said it perfectly. Entertainer. Virgil Fox was an entertainer. THAT is what made him special as far as the organ is concerned, but his performance or musicality never suffered as a result of being the entertainer, as well. He had the chops to back it up.
@DavidSnyderLumierist
thank you for your kindness and for the truth you speak.
God bless
I play this piece at this tempo. It sounds like the microphones are right next to the pipes so you can hear every little slip on this clip. We must remember that TH-cam does no real justice to the players' performances other than a great record of an era long gone.
Virgil Fox is one of the earth erver best organ players
Kari Anne Bjørvik
He is !
Beautiful organ and fabulous music !!!
enjoyed this. This was in the old church building before they built the Crystal Cathedral, they had a nicepipe organ in there too. I have a recording that Virgil Fox did about the time this was done,at a concert he did on this organ, I believe it says it was done in 1979
Amen to that. One of the most remarkable musicians ever!
I havent played a pipe organ in soooooooo long, I dont think I remeber how! Love the vid, he was an awesome muscian!
I'm in no way dissing this mans talent. He was truly incredible at the console, but I do agree with others that he did often play things too fast. That said, this is a treat to see. Thank you for sharing it.
Fabulous piece
I have never heard the toccata played better: he keeps perfect timing throughout - almost all others show down as they enter the second section, and it loses impetus. It really is fiery here!
Whats the name of this piece?
Truly inspirational.
OMG, David Snyder how are you. It has been so many many years that have passed when we all had such good times with Virgil at Riverside. Those late evenings on Friday nights in the church while Virgil played on into the wee hours of the morning. Remember when folks in Giffered Hall used to telephone about 1 AM saying that the organ was under there bed... as was one of the chambers so close to the dorm. He would turn off that section and continue playing. Bobby Hebble, Bill Tilson, You, & Earle
This was a very sick man, dying from cancer. Still tried to play as he did all his life. His accomplishments at the console of any organ are countless. His ability to play everything from memory is a feat in itself. So when he makes a so called mistake, I can only say I wish I could play just like him!
Ho scoperto per caso questo genio in un vecchio vinile a 5 euro su di una bancarella a Napoli. Un vero strumento di Dio.
Magnificent!
This means SO much to me, Fox himself being one, and two the Crystal Cathedral Organ! Formerly Worlds Fair Organ!
@Randell Franklyn Busby My information has it that the mains were guts of the New York Worlds Fair Organ [?] mixed with another organ (Ruffati?) in the rear balcony and the manuals slaved together...
Twas my impression...
You're an organist I don't know, ofhand, aren't you? Name sounds very familiar...like the Crystal Cathedral? The heyday of the Crystal Cathedral was while I was in the service, so I caught the broadcasts every chance I could, but ADORED the sound of that big monster in such a beautiful space! It was indeed Majestic!
Hope the Catholics didn't butcher the organ or the cathedral.🌹😎👍
Mom put a window in the church in memory of her father. She thought alot of Dr. Schuller, and the music.
She was a Fed and a church organist.
@Randell Franklyn Busby know?
Truly we shall not look upon his like again.
My god...this guys interpretation is literally orgasmic.
WOW I am so surprised that the critics on here actually have the "balls" to actually point out the "mistakes" when thousands yes thousands of notes are correct and you have no idea what went on before the performance making an effect. VF is amazing. Why do we want to hear this piece or any other for that matter sound all the same?What a bore if it were that way! Great note perfect and so what! I find the interpuraton his own and interesting that is what is neat about it. THANKS VF and youtube!
Congratulations GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful music !
I can remember Virgil Fox playing this piece and the Toccata from Symphony Concertante in practice for the dedication concert at Garden Grove (this was before the Crystal Cathedral was built). I was standing outside the church (I attended there then) watching the large windows move like speaker cones with the 32ft. pedal. Quite an experience!
And those 32 foot stops were electronic , coming from speakers (and you can hear it). Crystal Cathedral is another matter.
@bishfan That is correct. The former church is now used as a multipurpose facility, including receptions, etc. Still very beautiful.
...I attended one of the "Heavy Organ" Bach concerts back in the 70s. Definitely quite the performance. Back then Fox used a custom Rodgers 3 manual organ designed for touring (built not far away from where I live).
This was definitely recorded at the old Neutra Sanctuary on the 1977 97 rank Ruffati (which was later moved to the Crystal Cathedral where it was enlarged and combined with the 100 rank Aeolean Skinner from Avery Fischer Hall). Sadly, the video recording quality of the day (and quite possibly the building's acoustics as well) do not do the instrument justice as it sounds almost more like an electronic instrument instead of a pipe organ.
BTW, Virgil Fox was not the first organist to tour with his own custom instrument. Back in the 1930s, British organist Reginald Foort toured with a five manual cinema pipe organ built by MP Möller which was modular in design so it could be taken apart in sections for transport. Moving the instrument required a fleet of five lorries all of which were emblazoned with Foort's name. In 1940 he loaned the instrument to the BBC which purchased it after the war. the organ then changed hands several more times and now resides at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
kyoto,
Thanks so much for the historical insights. I've been to the Pasadena Civic and had no idea about its heritage.
I LOVE VIRGIL FOX........
Wonderful man!
AMAZING !
Virgil Fox - Jimi Hendrix of the pipe organ!!
PERFECT analogy.
Well put.
This was done in 1979. I liked Virgil Fox. He was a talented man. At least right now he is in heaven. Most of us are adults and should be acting like it. Some people think I am being rude by blocking them for their nasty comments about Virgil Fox. He was a great artist for the time he was here on earth.
Virgil was so much fun.
Wish he had lived longer.
I'd hurt myself trying to play this this fast.
I always enjoy listening to the late, great Virgil Fox. Has anybody on this site ever read, "The Dish" by Richard Torrence (who died earlier this year), and Marshall Yaeger? This book was based on a memoir by the late Ted Alan Worth. It was a very interesting book. I'm also sorry that Virgil departed this world so soon!
Am reading it now. Awesome memoires of the people surrounding the prophet Virgil. He was assumed back into heaven whenst he came. Sad he suffered but Jesus did before he ascended back to heaven. There is noone who can learn this. I'm sad I didnt have the pleasure of meeting him in person but his videos and concerts keep him in my heart!
Virgil was a great organist.
WHEW!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏
True meaning of the word etherical.
This amazing performance is vivid testimony to the Christian faith and belief of Virgil Fox,the designer of the Hazel Wright Pipe Organ for the Crystal Cathedral.This video is of his last performance on the original instrument prior to its reinstallation in the new church.Its amazing Virgil at this time was near death with stage 4 cancer, yet he carried out his promise to Schuller and to his God to complete his mission. I can't imagine why today his name is not even mentioned as the original masterpiece of the greatest orgnaist since JSBach.
Testimony of one's faith in Jesus Christ isn't based on one's musicianship. Greatest organist since Bach? That's up to considerable debate. Don't forget Biggs and, of course, Hector Olivera is to be mentioned in this group. Why isn't Fox's name not mentioned? Can't say, but I suspect Virgil Fox's homosexuality (yes, he had a lover while organist at Riverside Church) may have something to do with it. Nevertheless, Fox's uptempo and Liberace-style interpretations of classical work was certainly out of the mainstream and different and he did a great job of bringing interest in classical pieces to many who, otherwise, would never sit and listen to such music.
You mentioned several great Artist who have given and continue to be great artists upon the organ. Along with that you spew in print, garbage about Virgil Fox like a parrot mouthing the crap its only heard from others and has no ability to really know any truth on its own. You know nothing about the personal life of Virgil Fox for whom I worked as his Personal Representative for 19 years, during which time I considered it a calling to have been able to work for and with such a fine Christian gentleman. Being colorful,flamboyant if you will, does not prove anything to anyone other perhaps a performance persona. The Pope is colorful ,what name can you stick to him.?Will people be buying your music after you have been dead for 36 years,more than when you lived?
Evidently, you didn't know him well enough. It only takes a small effort of research and you'll even find the name of his lover. Were you his assistant while he was at Riverside? If so, you would know his name. I wasn't his assistant and many folks at Riverside knew who he was. This isn't an attack on Virgil Fox, nor was my original answer to you an attack. Just stating a fact and surmising its possibility as an answer to your query as to Fox's name not being mentioned. I don't know. As for his musicianship, Virgil Fox was certainly one of the all time greats on the organ. His style and interpretation were clearly unique and a demonstration of his excellent playing abilities.
I would assume, you" knew him well enough", personally,and I gather more so than I.! He had a large staff.I came to work for Dr. Fox during the last several years he played at Riverside Church and your research is nonsense and your inference about his sex life with someone there is the product of a liar who supplied your slanderous information,and I find your insinuations of the great Riverside Church and its great Ministers such as Harry Emerson Fosdic and other Staff deeply offensive with your inference. But,,why are you so interested in another persons sex life?. My regret is that Dr. Fox did not live long enough to see a number of his enemies, determined to destroy a mans reputation when by death he is unable to defend himself splurt out their garbage in a court of law. Not that it is anyone's business but I will tell you Dr. Fox had many women,close friends with which he kept very private company. Regarding Robert Schuller I will say only that as the old saying goes,"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones" in his case,at anyone specially Virgil Fox, and Dr. Philip Johnson the Architect,. He would have likely returned to the roof of his drive in movie without their great talent which in the end disasterous result passes the only judgement needed on answering the question of his character and of why such ingratitude from him and disrespectfull treatment of the dead.The only written account you should count on as being true is the Holy Bible and the account of our Lord Jesus Christ. Believe only that my friend!
One shouldn't argue with a brick wall. Neither shall I with you.
Wspaniały utwór ... Bravo...
this is really good organ playing
this was in the original GG comunity Church - when it became the Crystal Cathedral that Rufatti organ was combined with another one to become the "Hazel Wright" in the Cathedral. The old church became a dining hall and has its own organ (I believe from a church in Hollywood that got damaged in an earthquake.. Hour of power has been on the air for a LONG time.
I was parked in the"drive in" part of the GG comunity church when this concert took place.
Is this organ along with the Organ inside the Crystal Cathedral inside Christ Cathedral Church now?
@TheCinemasound Do you realize that this man brought the organ before more people than perhaps anyone before him, and certainly since? What he did for the instrument in the public eye was immeasurable. By playing to the "dumb masses", you get people interested, rather than catering to a select few that would rather hear the (as Virgil put it) "note-pushing nobody's". And by the time this video was made, he was dying of cancer. I'm sure this performance was quite painful for him.
@CantusMaximus I just love these people who sit with a piece of sheet music and follow it note by note looking for mistakes.
The Crystal Cathedral was under construction in 1979 and would not be finished until 1980 the Catholic church in Garden Grove now owns the Crystal cathedral and is renovating the Cathedral right now an should complete renovations later this year.
Eine Superleistung! Technisch und von der Interpretation perfekt! petersen
esplendido !!!
Fox/Biggs/Richter were who I modeled after in my own practice leading up to the Department of Music at Stanford before computer science wrenched me away. Fond of Fox. I live not too far from the late Reverend Schuller's Crystal Cathedral and have attended mass there. I live quite close to his estranged son's school here in South OC. All is well. All can be well. And all shall be well and All manner of thing shall be well When the tongues of flames are in-folded Into the crowned knot of fire And the fire and the rose are one. T-S-E.
Do you teach organ online. Whats your email address?
It was a passionate performace worthy of the piece. As an organist and music director, we strive for the best. But what I tell my cantors and choirs members, is that if you hear no glitches or slight deviations from the score, you are listening to a cd recording! I like hearing something a little different from what I expected, lt's me me know I have the privilege of experiencing LIVE MUSIC.
nobody played like Virgil Fox Bach's RED BLOOD!!!
I think this was when he was recovering from prostrate cancer surgery. I can't imagine being so ill and still being able to PUSH FORWARD as he did.
@solong36 True. Virgil rebuilt,,added to, the "old" Ruffatti in the now dining hall. It became the Hazel Wright Organ and has the original pipes, plus the organ from Virgil home in Englewood and from Old South Church in Boston, plus a lot of additional pipework. The console has been changed and or replaced from his design. I worked on the design along side with him so I know.
Now that’s an organist
I have to tell you folks a fun story.
A new friend of mine here in Boulder was once a New York City police officer. Well, one fine day he had to issue a parking violation of some kind to a man who happened to be.... Virgil Fox!
Apparently, Virgil (a class act) took it all quite well and was very apologetic!
@RonRizzy Right on Ron. Thanks for writing.
Blessings
@Xerox6085I My, oh my,,Yes Roger Hardesty is a name I know,respect and admire.I suspect his talent has only thrived since I lost contact with him before 1980. He was and is admired and talented in the art of Organ building and I consider him,,a national treasure in that field. I hope he is well,,somewhere.
Merry Christmas to you, Thank you for remembering his name to me.
Blessings:
This console is now located at the First Congregational Church in Lake Worth Florida.
Does it sound like the organ Virgil Fox is playing now?
@Deathss81
In my humble opinion my friend, you are a wise and far-seeing soul. Sadly so many can not see what you do,,and you are absolutely 100% right on. Bless you.
David Snyder Lumierist
This May 3, 2012 we will celebrate Virgil's 100th birthday. YES,,can you imagine?. Lets make it special. I'm asking everyone to request now the Post Office to put out the special stamp to honour him. In 1981 I asked,and the said yes but that he needed to be "demised" longer. Well,lets DO IT!
David Snyder, Lumierist.
@onotuoedaul No. Just start out with a metronome at a slow enough tempo to get everything perfect.
Then gradually speed metronome up as it holds you to keeping it perfect. Go back to original speed.
Once mastered you can play athe correct speed. Some play too fast. Others get sloppy.
I continue the ornaments throughouthis magnificent work. Wish Virgil had.
Great idea David! Thank you.
i love the style of the organ console from ruffatti organs
@MatthewRueth / Matt, Virgil signed his albums with glee. He was always happy to meet his public. He was a wonderful man. Susan
It may be really fast but the tempo is steady as a rock and the notes are mostly crisp and audible.
If only this had been recorded in a concert hall with much better acoustics... but it is still VERY inspiring. Diane Bish performs it ALMOST as well as Mr. Fox.
@Sfrussell1963 Thank you for your kind reply about Dr. Fox. I and may appreciate your spiritual truth.
blessings
David Snyder, Lumierist
Creator of Heavy Organ Touring Production
@cnmmnc8852 Outstanding performance by Keith. He was a great artist,friend and consumate musician. My,we still miss him. Perhaps its true that only the good die young.
You outplay him!
@shela2
Shela,,he was radiant. He had dreams of a great organ,,bigger than anything he ever had played,,yet to come! You are seeing in him,, his vision of his life after death with his Christ, his master,as he knew he was shortly to die, and that the organ he was to build to the Glory of God, for his friend Robert Schuller. He like Moses I suppose,,would never "enter therein" but he saw it yet ahead,,in his visions. He told me of them many times. Go ahead a weep my friend,,tears justly shed.
I would agree that Cameron Carpenter is an absolutely incredible organist who is in some ways, following in Virgil's footsteps. However, I think it is unfair to classify him as a reincarnation of Virgil as in some ways he may actually be better. Please remember that Cameron is in his prime and I only heard Virgil play in the last 8 years of his life. That having been said, the "Pictures at an Exhibition" CD that Cameron made on M&O Opus 1 is a flat out display of musical genius!
Cameron Carpenter? Horrible. Good grief.
Cameron Carpenter is one of my favorite Organist but to say he is better than Virgil is ludicris. Virgul had great memory and can play thing faster than Cameron.
@@mrmusiclover4178 To classify my comments, CC’s technical skills are mind blowing. That said, his “musicality” is somewhat overtaken by his abilities.
@@mrmusiclover4178 2 years - not bad for timing eh??
@@Royalorgans I see your point. That said, I think Virgil made better music than CC. But Carpenters skills are off the charts crazy.
I enjoyed Virgils playing always, but I found this out of place in a worship service. We had to stop the worship so he could show off his playing and the organ, and I think it would have been better to have had a recital that afternoon and included it in it. Organs are a vehicle to help in worship, and not the object of it. Yea Verily.