Playing this magnificent hymn slower, as you did, makes it (for me) even more beautiful. I thank God for the amazing gift he has given you. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
Mark Ferguson, I was so enamored with St John Catherdral and the majesty of the instrument I did not notice YOUR name as the organist! I have heard many of your recordings on the (obviously) smaller church organ you play on regularly. Also the pedal phrasing you used in so many variations on your postlude were truly magnificent! I'm so jealous that you got a chance to sit at that console. That's on my bucket list...
elderadvocates Thanks, I wish that I hadn’t used the reeds as much as I did. I didn’t have time to review what was set up on the generals or set my own with permission of course. I’ve never been one for using the crescendo pedal as I much prefer to use pistons. I overused the reeds here regrettably.
Be blest, Thank you for your great mission to spread the gospel via the great Cathedral Organ. Praise be to He who sits on High for ever and ever.🕎✡🕆🕇🕆✡🕎
This is also the first hymn I learned to play on the flute, but you don't want to hear it. You sir, I can hear all day. Thank you for these few lovely moments.
+Mimi Mansky Thank you so much Mrs. Mansky. This has been my all time favourite hymn since I first learned to play it at eight years old. I drove my family nuts playing it (two fingers melody and bass only) EVERYDAY on the piano until my Jazz pianist dad couldn't take it anymore and finally sat me down to show me how to play it in chords and the rest is 'history' as they say. When I finished playing this hymn and turned around, to my surprise there were people sitting in the Great Choir stalls listening the whole time. I greatly appreciate your comment, thanks again. Cheers!
That is wonderful playing of one my favorite hymns. I've been in that cathedral before and really wish I could have heard this in person - especially the full organ. Fantastic playing and nice variations / combinations!!
Mark - I have enjoyed your playing since the old days at the Little Church. We have similar tastes in hymns, and your renditions are always spot on. Thank you for keeping on. tim ferrell
WOW, TIM FERRELL!!!!! I haven't seen or communicated with you since I left the choir in 1973, wow! Thanks and such a pleasure to hear from you. I hope that you're well and I of course had no idea that you followed me on TH-cam and I greatly appreciate it indeed. Take care Tim and thanks again!
I posted this on Facebook and my friends and I marveled at your variation harmonies--and then you smacked us with the fantasia at minute 6. My hair stood on end! Thank you for making this video (although when you glanced over your shoulder and there was no service below, it looked like you'd stolen the keys to take this big, bad machine for a joy ride!). There was definitely joy. Even into the seconds-long reverb. God bless you, brother.
Wow, how I missed this comment I don't know as I usually read and respond to them all, but there have been more times than I care to count where comments and alerts to those comments never showed up or showed up in-expectantly much later as in this case...TWO years later good grief. I sincerely apologise to you for the much delayed response to your generous and exceedingly kind comment. I'm humbled by your comments and very grateful for them, thank you ever so much!
"From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost--ALLELUIA!" :-) "Praise Him with stringed instruments and organs"...may the pipes sing the praise of Him Who reigns in His celestial heights--HALLELUJAH! :-)
Dear Mark my name is Joel :) I have just lost a reply I wrote to you.So here goes again. It was a God moment for me last night to discover your gift. My wife Janet and I are in a storm as Janet is flying to say goodbye to her precious niece who is dying from MS. I am wondering if you would be gracious to Play Safe in the Arms of Jesus. The author was Fanny Crosby and was composed in about 40 minutes. You capture the majesty of the Pipe Organ. This hymn was played at both my late parents funerals. Given the challenging storm we are currently in the verse particularly on my heart is. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care, Safe from the worlds temptations, Sin cannot harm me there, Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears, only a few more trials, Only a few more tears.The Chorus Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on his gentle breast, Thereby his love o'ershaded Sweetly my soul shall rest.kind regards Joel
@@joelsmith1919 Thanks Joel, and my condolences to you and your wife. The church that I have the privilege of practising on their pipe organ is still on lock-down due to Covid-19, so sadly I will not be able to record anything in the near future, my sincere apologies. If you're unaware and haven'tread my bio, I'm an amateur self-taught playing by ear only organist so I'd have to hear a hymn request first to see if I can actually play it as I don't play everything. What helps is if I like the hymn in question as that makes it far easier for me to learn it. But again, at this time I won't be able to record anything until the church believes that it's safe to do so. Thanks again and safe travels to you and your wife. All of the very best to you both.
Mark Ferguson, Amateur Organist hi Hi Mark thank you for your reply and kind words. I enjoy a Nice Hammond SK2 and I play by ear; but I am not gifted like you. Are you on Facebook or do you have an email address? I can forward the hymn to you. It is a beautiful tune and easy for you to pick up. Regards Joel
@@joelsmith1919 Hi Joel, I put the title of the hymn in the TH-cam search bar and found it that way and listened to it. Despite that, the church where I practice is still closed and therefore no access to the organ. When it's safe to resume our lives in America, I'll record new videos. You can find me on Facebook at the very same title as this channel, 'Mark Ferguson, Amateur Organist' Thanks again and be well.
Both Bori, I play by ear, and I memorize the hymns. The improvised Toccata was on the spot, off of the top of my head. Thank you for your comment and question. BDM
Absolutely stunning Mark! Your chord progressions, E flat minor dominant and others to resolve major. Incredible counterpoint and you even through a ‘mini-fugue’ in the middle. Thank you!!
When I was a teenager in NYC many moons ago I visited many churches and played the organ in some of the best, including only once in St. John the Divine, Riverside, Trinity, St. Barts, St. Thomas, to name a few. sometimes I would play for hours with no one saying a thing . I miss those days. Then the churches were open in the day. Thanks for the grerat music. Love this hymn and the others you recorded.
Thank you, and I'm glad that you've had a mirrored experience as I grew up in NYC, and have played ALL of those organs as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Mary the Virgin among many others, so I've had the same wonderful experiences as you did. We were very fortunate indeed to have some of the greatest organs in this country in one city to play. Thanks!
You mentioned two other churches I never got to play. St. Mary the virgin organ was in a balcony and locked up tight. St. Patricks you need a key to the elevator to get to the organ. So I never to got to play either, although St. Patricks had a 3 manual Moller to the left of the sanctuary that I played often without interruption. I wonder if that is still there¿
***** I'd think that you'd need more than a key to the gallery elevator to play even a note at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and as busy as that place is between tourist's and services, I honestly can't imagine being able to practice regularly without interruption either. Who was the organist that allowed that? Perhaps we're talking about two different churches as the organ at St. Patrick's is a Kilgen, not Moller. Did you mean the Old St. Patrick's?
No one ever gave me permission to play the organs back then. I just sat and played, sometimes for hours. There was a 3 manual moller organ to the left of the sanctuary at St. Patricks Cathedral I used to play . I had a moller key that fits all consoles. I would hope that organ is still there. Once a priest told me he was about to have mass and asked if I would play during the communion. Never got to play the big organ in the balcony. I like Kilgan organs. I used to play for novenas at a church in Ridgewood queens where I lived that had a kilgen. I dont know if it is still there.
it's a glorious hymn---thank you for playing it in such a beautiful and fitting manner "From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!"
Thank you! Please teach your students NOT to be a blockhead like me (at that time) and change registrations per stanza giving the reeds a much needed rest Lol. I don't know what the heck got into me then and what I was thinking, I remember that I barely had time to review what was set by Bruce Neswick on the generals for each memory level as I NEVER change or set anything on an organ where I'm guest playing without permission first. Your comment is kind and quite generous indeed, and I greatly appreciate it.
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia! 2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou in the darkness drear, their one true light. (Refrain) 3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them the victor's crown of gold. (Refrain) 4. O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. (Refrain) 5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. (Refrain) 6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: (Refrain)
I've been fortunate to have you as a friend, and supporter of what I do here, as well as my cameraman whenever I film in NYC. All of that starting with being an admirer of mine here and sharing a love for hymns and a particular 34 rank G. Donald Harrison Aeolian-Skinner that was the first organ in NYC (1952) to have a Trompette en Chamade installed in it. You're a good friend bro, and I appreciate your friendship greatly. Thanks for all of your help and solid friendship.
Thanks Mike! I too wish that you were there, as I believe that ALL people should hear this great organ LIVE as most recordings (as in this one) don't do it justice at all. Hope all is well with you and family.
WOW! Fan-bloody-tastic! :D I love this great hymn of praise, played as it should be - LOUD!! and to see an organist clearly enjoying what he's playing - well done!! :D
Thank you so very much Shane Anderson, I appreciate your comment especially adding a verse (stanza) to your comment which I enjoyed reading as I love the words to this hymn and memorized all of the stanzas as a kid since this was the very first hymn that I learned to play and is my all time favourite. Thanks!
I play by ear and I would give anything to learn how to improvise like you can. How you come up with all those amazingly gnarly chords off the top of your head and then somehow manage to flawlessly resolve them absolutely astounds me. Each time I hear one of those crunchy chords i'm like "uh-oh how's he gonna get himself out of this one" and then comes the next chord and I shake my head and say "i never would have even thought of that." All-in-all it makes for an absolutely splendid listening experience. Thanks for this.
WOW!! A much heartfelt thanks for your incredibly generous and most kind words as it was humbling indeed to read them. As for my playing, I wish that I'd taken studying far more seriously as I would've been a far better musician and thus organist over the last 51 years. I'd urge you to listen to EVERYTHING as there're influences everywhere and not be afraid to try new things in your playing, challenge yourself and listen carefully to your favourite musicians of ALL genres and incorporate all of what you hear into your playing and sort out what's appropriate or inappropriate later. My Jazz pianist dad who played the organ in church as a young teenager once told me in a conversation at the piano that certain chords and styles of playing were frowned upon by those in the church with all of their non-secular nonsense to which I thought to myself "screw them, I'll play as I please" which in fact I've been doing the last 45 or so years. Just be open to everything musically. Thanks again for your treasured comment, and all of the best to you.
@silverstartrucker Thank you kind Sir! No doubt that you grew up amidst these great, great hymns that we LOVE here in America. The Church of England has given the rest of the world such wonderful hymns, this probably the most famous of all. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
I came here once to say that I'm a bad flutist, but that this is the first hymn I learned to play. You were very kind in reply, and I knew you'd be that kind. Now, I'm back because of Boston. I just wanted to hear this and see you play. Thank you so very much for these few peaceful moments.
Sorry my friend, but I thought that I replied to you a long time ago,apparently not. Opus 150A is my favourite Aeolian-Skinner, and my favourite organ in NYC. With the exception of Alec Wyton (never asked him to play it), under every organist after Dr. Wyton thru Bruce Neswick, I've played this organ. I played the postlude for my Alma-Mater JHS graduation, an Evensong improvisation, a family member's memorial service and my dad's funeral there in 1998. I have history w/150A, and love it madly.
Listened to this the other morning along with a choral arrangement of Still still with Thee and an organ arrangement of Jesus shall reign, all pieces that had what I refer to as just the right amount of dissonance to be soothing to the intellect as well as the soul... So thank you brother, I continually am blessed by your playing, as I'm sure are many many others, not to mention our heavenly Father as well. Bless you sir!
JustMe Thank you so very much! I'm honoured by your kind words indeed! I'd love to hear the arrangement of 'Jesus Shall Reign' as that too is one of my favourite hymns. Did you listen to it here on TH-cam? Let me know where I can find it if you would please, thanks and thanks again for your generous words, it's very much appreciated. Be well....
Big Daddy, Thanks you for your interesting story on learning For All the Saints. Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of my favorite composers. Anything he composed was beautiful!
Absolutely Beautiful !...love the full organ, fills the church up....love this song, very powerful, I play it on my church pipe organ, if ever in Gary,Indiana you must stop by and fire up first baptist pipe organ..very beautiful Moller pipe organ. Keep up the GREAT WORK for the Lord.
This is truly superb!! Some days having to play in the churches in Freeport can be a little discouraging as most people are not truly interested in the organ and organ music but listening to performances like this truly do remind me of why I love the organ and inspire me to be a better organist. Bravo!
Careful Hazel, I love those island women (unless you're in Freeport, Long Island N.Y.) and especially musician women so I might propose marriage as I'm looking LOL! In all seriousness, THANK YOU ever so much, I greatly appreciate your kind words indeed. I hope that you're playing on some fine organs there and inspiring at least one person (like a young piano or organ student or any musician) as that would make it so worth your while. Thanks again and all the best to you.
Mark, you had me fooled for a minute, in a past life you WERE the composer of this song, such MASTERFUL Perfection., THANK YOU so very much for sharing
I have some gall saying this to you as no one is harder on me than myself, but don't be so hard on yourself as I'm sure that your flute playing is wonderful! Thank you for your generous words.
Wonderful.... I'm in London, England... if ever I visit New York I'll be sure to check out that awesome organ.... if it's being played at the time it will be an added bonus.... Well Played....
+Alan Alwulf Thank you and yes, do visit the Cathedral indeed. If you go there on a Monday, I believe that's the day that they give the organ demonstration. Cheers!
Thank you! I'm so glad that the great Ralph Vaughn Williams composed the music for this famous hymn, and in a case of rarity, I LOVE the words too as I usually ignore the words to many of these hymns. Thanks again!
I visited this organ about two months before you, and I was so mesmerized! What a sound! It really growls, as you demonstrate in this video. Such an impressive battery of reeds. I had the Widor Symphony VI Allegro under my fingers at the time, and this beast ATE IT UP.
c'mon man don't have me tearing up here!!! lol... i'm glad to help and definitely glad to have you as my friend... keep em coming and i hope the cd does well... its a great listen... havent bought it for my parents yet but i will... pay day is soon upon us!
Hi Mark, sorry I'm late to the choir. I was trying desperately to find a rattle your body and soul long organ arrangement of this awe inspiring hymn. Was disappointed with the organ sound projection, somewhat mechanical playing, etc. Then I finally discovered you. Wish I could have been in that grand church while you were playing Sine Nomine live on my knees in prayer and reverence. God bless you 🙏
That's only eleven people (as of today February 27th, 2021) versus three hundred and ninety-six people who liked it and forty-eight thousand who watched this video and possibly approved of it. In the grand scheme of things, those eleven people are insignificant Trevor and we can't please everyone and I'm certainly incapable of doing so, so I don't worry about them. It's their right, I don't question it I just move on as there are varying reasons why those people disliked the video and some legit and others not, but I'm not losing any sleep over it or them.Thanks for your comment.
Hey Mark! It has been a while. So sorry Been laid up for a minute.(hospital etc) Are you kidding!!! Might Like! AN UNDERSTATEMENT! This is Just Mind Blowing!!! OMG! You are just so Gifted my friend! Will call soon. Pa. Anthony
Absolutely magnificent Mark, stunning harmonies and superb tempo, also marvelous registrations and musical use of the large organ. Clearly you have a God given talent proving you don't need an academic degree in organ to be able to master the instrument to it's fullest. Someone should transcribe your improvisation at the end and you become an established composer? Anyway have subscribed and so looking forward to hearing more of your totally gripping work. Congratulations, thank you from my soul and may God bless you richly and warmly at all times! God Bless Mark 💕 Adrian in Bermuda!!
If it is all right with u I am going @ use some of ur composition 4 ALL SAINTS DAY on Nov 1. Have been looking 4 a refreshing one like this 2 play 4 my congregation on this Solemnity
Just the right tempo for this building. With the amount of reverberation in this building trying to play too fast would be a train wreck waiting to happen. Well Done Mr Ferguson! I wonder if naming this hymn tune "Sine Nomine" (literally "without a name") was Vaughn Williams tongue in cheek idea of a joke or ............. PS. fine improvisation ! one clearly hears the hymn tune singing through the music. Unlike so many where the tune is lost and you scratch your head wondering what in God's name are they playing! FINE WORK MR. Ferguson! Kudos!
Harold Redline THANK YOU kind and generous Sir! If you look at most of if not ALL of my videos, admittedly my timing absolutely stinks and I’m very seriously going to address that problem. Thanks again!
Things will improve Jay, and YOU will be the victor! Hang in there friend and be strong as there are more people rooting for you than you know, and I'm one of them! Thanks for your thoughts buddy, you'll be just fine I promise. Kind regards, Mark
Thanks! Much appreciated indeed. Considering the acoustics of that room, the slower pace worked out I suppose based on all of the comments posted. Thanks again. Be well and be safe!
Thank you so much for your kind hearten words. Boston has also been on my mind, particularly those four victims who lost their lives. I'll eventually film a tribute video to them as I did for Sandy Hook, when I get my camcorder fixed and returned in the next couple of weeks. You take care, and peace to your heart and spirit.
@art5537 Hey buddy, hope that you're on the mend. This summer was the worst in my life as I too was hospitalized four times, and was sick the entire month of May. I wasn't able to play due to a torn meniscus that was very painful, blood clots in the other leg, and gout flare ups. Life wasn't fun this summer at all. But I'm back and playing! Rest and get better my friend. We'll talk soon, and thanks for the kind words.
It's in the public domain and should be easy to find. It's also in most if not EVERY hymnal in America and the UK I'd think.In America, it shouldn't be hard at all to find THIS hymn of all hymns. Good luck, and I'm sorry that I can't suggest a better starting point for you.
SteveHouston Thank you Mr. Hudson as generally speaking (just watch my other videos, you'll regurgitate over my lousy timing) my tempo stinks as I don't sing or even hum along as I play sadly as that would certainly help. I guess the acoustics of that massive room helped some. Thanks again.
Thank you, and you didn't hear it as I was asked to use it very sparingly, so I did as requested. If you look at "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven" video also recorded in this session, I used it on that one and it's spectacular and LOUD! From the console as you'll hear, it quite powerful some 500' away. Also in the video "Praise to the Lord" I used it I think. I made use of the 8' Tuba Major/4' Tuba Clarion instead. I used to live up the street from SJD and would be there all of the time.Thanks
Thanks! Was Richard Westonburg still the organist there in 1976? He was the first to let me play it in 1974 after he became organist once Alec Wyton retired. I've been playing it since '74 under every organist there except the current organist Kent Trittle. It's my all time favourite organ and favourite building in NYC. How I LOVE that church!
Yes Peter you're correct as I (shamefully) don't read music. I can read the treble clef, but that's about it. That's why I insist that I'm an amateur, because I AM. As always, thanks for your comments and superb videos.
This gentleman has been blessed with a tremendous gift from God !
Playing this magnificent hymn slower, as you did, makes it (for me) even more beautiful. I thank God for the amazing gift he has given you. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
+Jo Kristine Clark
Mrs. Clark, you're too kind, thank you!
Mark Ferguson, I was so enamored with St John Catherdral and the majesty of the instrument I did not notice YOUR name as the organist! I have heard many of your recordings on the (obviously) smaller church organ you play on regularly.
Also the pedal phrasing you used in so many variations on your postlude were truly magnificent! I'm so jealous that you got a chance to sit at that console. That's on my bucket list...
I agree the broader tempo is great for this hymn!
You didn't play it too slowly at all. It's a majestical hymn and SHOULD be played slowly! It's beautifully done. Thanks for posting.
Thank you Aishiya, that's kind of you.
bhigdaddymark You're welcome!
You can’t rush in that space the reverberation is over 4 seconds. He knows what he’s doing!
pro trick: watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching lots of of movies these days.
@Finn Matteo Yup, I have been watching on flixzone for since december myself :)
Magnificent, transcendent, to the glory of God.
elderadvocates
Thanks, I wish that I hadn’t used the reeds as much as I did. I didn’t have time to review what was set up on the generals or set my own with permission of course. I’ve never been one for using the crescendo pedal as I much prefer to use pistons. I overused the reeds here regrettably.
Best version at 5:20 imo.... and the decay at the end..... BREATHTAKING!!!!! Beautiful, beautiful performance..... THANK YOU!!!
Thank YOU so very much for your most kind words as they're appreciated indeed! Be well and all of the best to you.
Be blest, Thank you for your great mission to spread the gospel via the great Cathedral Organ. Praise be to He who sits on High for ever and ever.🕎✡🕆🕇🕆✡🕎
Goosebumps from the improvisation! Thank you for sharing such beauty.
Thank you for your generous and thoughtful comment! Much appreciated indeed!
This is also the first hymn I learned to play on the flute, but you don't want to hear it. You sir, I can hear all day. Thank you for these few lovely moments.
As an organist, I love all of the improvisation in this, one of my favorite hymns.
+Mimi Mansky
Thank you so much Mrs. Mansky. This has been my all time favourite hymn since I first learned to play it at eight years old. I drove my family nuts playing it (two fingers melody and bass only) EVERYDAY on the piano until my Jazz pianist dad couldn't take it anymore and finally sat me down to show me how to play it in chords and the rest is 'history' as they say. When I finished playing this hymn and turned around, to my surprise there were people sitting in the Great Choir stalls listening the whole time. I greatly appreciate your comment, thanks again. Cheers!
You have good taste, Big Daddy Mark. :)
I always love hearing the soul you put into these beloved hymns! Just a real inspiration to me! Thank you!!!
Regal, soul-stirring and uplifting to hearts in need of an ALMIGHTY GOD and His promise in The New Covenant and Hope in JESUS CHRIST! Amen and AMEN!
That is wonderful playing of one my favorite hymns. I've been in that cathedral before and really wish I could have heard this in person - especially the full organ. Fantastic playing and nice variations / combinations!!
ech4949 Thank you ever so much for your kind comment, that's much appreciated indeed!
Mark - I have enjoyed your playing since the old days at the Little Church. We have similar tastes in hymns, and your renditions are always spot on. Thank you for keeping on. tim ferrell
WOW, TIM FERRELL!!!!! I haven't seen or communicated with you since I left the choir in 1973, wow! Thanks and such a pleasure to hear from you. I hope that you're well and I of course had no idea that you followed me on TH-cam and I greatly appreciate it indeed. Take care Tim and thanks again!
Mark, you rock! Praise the Lord of Hosts!
Tim Heiberger
Thank you kind Sir, and Happy New Year!
I posted this on Facebook and my friends and I marveled at your variation harmonies--and then you smacked us with the fantasia at minute 6. My hair stood on end! Thank you for making this video (although when you glanced over your shoulder and there was no service below, it looked like you'd stolen the keys to take this big, bad machine for a joy ride!). There was definitely joy. Even into the seconds-long reverb. God bless you, brother.
Wow, how I missed this comment I don't know as I usually read and respond to them all, but there have been more times than I care to count where comments and alerts to those comments never showed up or showed up in-expectantly much later as in this case...TWO years later good grief. I sincerely apologise to you for the much delayed response to your generous and exceedingly kind comment. I'm humbled by your comments and very grateful for them, thank you ever so much!
My favorite hymn! Mark, I thought I was in heaven......what a glorious rendition of RVW's work! You have been truly blessed from our Lord!
"From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost--ALLELUIA!" :-) "Praise Him with
stringed instruments and organs"...may the pipes sing the praise of Him Who reigns in His
celestial heights--HALLELUJAH! :-)
Stunning gift his playing is so fluid. Playing in the Spirit WOW 🥇🙏
Mr. Smith, that's extremely kind of you to say and I immensely appreciate your generous comment. All of the best to you and be safe. Thanks again!
Dear Mark my name is Joel :) I have just lost a reply I wrote to you.So here goes again. It was a God moment for me last night to discover your gift. My wife Janet and I are in a storm as Janet is flying to say goodbye to her precious niece who is dying from MS. I am wondering if you would be gracious to Play Safe in the Arms of Jesus. The author was Fanny Crosby and was composed in about 40 minutes. You capture the majesty of the Pipe Organ. This hymn was played at both my late parents funerals. Given the challenging storm we are currently in the verse particularly on my heart is. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care, Safe from the worlds temptations, Sin cannot harm me there, Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears, only a few more trials, Only a few more tears.The Chorus Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on his gentle breast, Thereby his love o'ershaded Sweetly my soul shall rest.kind regards Joel
@@joelsmith1919
Thanks Joel, and my condolences to you and your wife. The church that I have the privilege of practising on their pipe organ is still on lock-down due to Covid-19, so sadly I will not be able to record anything in the near future, my sincere apologies.
If you're unaware and haven'tread my bio, I'm an amateur self-taught playing by ear only organist so I'd have to hear a hymn request first to see if I can actually play it as I don't play everything. What helps is if I like the hymn in question as that makes it far easier for me to learn it. But again, at this time I won't be able to record anything until the church believes that it's safe to do so.
Thanks again and safe travels to you and your wife. All of the very best to you both.
Mark Ferguson, Amateur Organist hi
Hi Mark thank you for your reply and kind words.
I enjoy a Nice Hammond SK2 and I play by ear; but I am not gifted like you.
Are you on Facebook or do you have an email address? I can forward the hymn to you. It is a beautiful tune and easy for you to pick up. Regards Joel
@@joelsmith1919
Hi Joel,
I put the title of the hymn in the TH-cam search bar and found it that way and listened to it. Despite that, the church where I practice is still closed and therefore no access to the organ. When it's safe to resume our lives in America, I'll record new videos. You can find me on Facebook at the very same title as this channel, 'Mark Ferguson, Amateur Organist' Thanks again and be well.
Both Bori, I play by ear, and I memorize the hymns. The improvised Toccata was on the spot, off of the top of my head. Thank you for your comment and question.
BDM
so so talented. love his chording improvisations
Absolutely stunning Mark! Your chord progressions, E flat minor dominant and others to resolve major. Incredible counterpoint and you even through a ‘mini-fugue’ in the middle. Thank you!!
When I was a teenager in NYC many moons ago I visited many churches and played the organ in some of the best, including only once in St. John the Divine, Riverside, Trinity, St. Barts, St. Thomas, to name a few. sometimes I would play for hours with no one saying a thing . I miss those days. Then the churches were open in the day. Thanks for the grerat music. Love this hymn and the others you recorded.
Thank you, and I'm glad that you've had a mirrored experience as I grew up in NYC, and have played ALL of those organs as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Mary the Virgin among many others, so I've had the same wonderful experiences as you did. We were very fortunate indeed to have some of the greatest organs in this country in one city to play. Thanks!
You mentioned two other churches I never got to play. St. Mary the virgin organ was in a balcony and locked up tight. St. Patricks you need a key to the elevator to get to the organ. So I never to got to play either, although St. Patricks had a 3 manual Moller to the left of the sanctuary that I played often without interruption. I wonder if that is still there¿
***** I'd think that you'd need more than a key to the gallery elevator to play even a note at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and as busy as that place is between tourist's and services, I honestly can't imagine being able to practice regularly without interruption either. Who was the organist that allowed that? Perhaps we're talking about two different churches as the organ at St. Patrick's is a Kilgen, not Moller. Did you mean the Old St. Patrick's?
No one ever gave me permission to play the organs back then. I just sat and played, sometimes for hours. There was a 3 manual moller organ to the left of the sanctuary at St. Patricks Cathedral I used to play . I had a moller key that fits all consoles. I would hope that organ is still there. Once a priest told me he was about to have mass and asked if I would play during the communion. Never got to play the big organ in the balcony. I like Kilgan organs. I used to play for novenas at a church in Ridgewood queens where I lived that had a kilgen. I dont know if it is still there.
it's a glorious hymn---thank you for playing it in such a beautiful and fitting manner
"From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!"
Thank you Shane!
This is one of those hymns in which the melody, the arrangement, and the lyrics all come together fantastically.
Your music inspires me as a teacher and organist. Great work Mark.
Thank you! Please teach your students NOT to be a blockhead like me (at that time) and change registrations per stanza giving the reeds a much needed rest Lol. I don't know what the heck got into me then and what I was thinking, I remember that I barely had time to review what was set by Bruce Neswick on the generals for each memory level as I NEVER change or set anything on an organ where I'm guest playing without permission first.
Your comment is kind and quite generous indeed, and I greatly appreciate it.
I LOVE THIS! THATS MY FAVORITE HYMN AND ORGAN. LOVE THE STATE TRUMPET THAT ORGAN HAS!
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Refrain:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
(Refrain)
3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
(Refrain)
4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
(Refrain)
5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
(Refrain)
6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
(Refrain)
I've been fortunate to have you as a friend, and supporter of what I do here, as well as my cameraman whenever I film in NYC. All of that starting with being an admirer of mine here and sharing a love for hymns and a particular 34 rank G. Donald Harrison Aeolian-Skinner that was the first organ in NYC (1952) to have a Trompette en Chamade installed in it. You're a good friend bro, and I appreciate your friendship greatly. Thanks for all of your help and solid friendship.
Wow Big Daddy!, you played one of the best organs in the world. Wish I could have been there to hear it in person. Love your style.
Thanks Mike! I too wish that you were there, as I believe that ALL people should hear this great organ LIVE as most recordings (as in this one) don't do it justice at all. Hope all is well with you and family.
WOW! Fan-bloody-tastic! :D I love this great hymn of praise, played as it should be - LOUD!! and to see an organist clearly enjoying what he's playing - well done!! :D
Bemusedlemon1 Thank you so very much!
Happy All Saints Day. God bless you and your playing. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Our God is Good All the Time.
Had to listen to this on All Saints Day!
Thank you so very much Shane Anderson, I appreciate your comment especially adding a verse (stanza) to your comment which I enjoyed reading as I love the words to this hymn and memorized all of the stanzas as a kid since this was the very first hymn that I learned to play and is my all time favourite. Thanks!
I play by ear and I would give anything to learn how to improvise like you can. How you come up with all those amazingly gnarly chords off the top of your head and then somehow manage to flawlessly resolve them absolutely astounds me.
Each time I hear one of those crunchy chords i'm like "uh-oh how's he gonna get himself out of this one" and then comes the next chord and I shake my head and say "i never would have even thought of that." All-in-all it makes for an absolutely splendid listening experience. Thanks for this.
WOW!! A much heartfelt thanks for your incredibly generous and most kind words as it was humbling indeed to read them.
As for my playing, I wish that I'd taken studying far more seriously as I would've been a far better musician and thus organist over the last 51 years.
I'd urge you to listen to EVERYTHING as there're influences everywhere and not be afraid to try new things in your playing, challenge yourself and listen carefully to your favourite musicians of ALL genres and incorporate all of what you hear into your playing and sort out what's appropriate or inappropriate later.
My Jazz pianist dad who played the organ in church as a young teenager once told me in a conversation at the piano that certain chords and styles of playing were frowned upon by those in the church with all of their non-secular nonsense to which I thought to myself "screw them, I'll play as I please" which in fact I've been doing the last 45 or so years. Just be open to everything musically.
Thanks again for your treasured comment, and all of the best to you.
@silverstartrucker Thank you kind Sir! No doubt that you grew up amidst these great, great hymns that we LOVE here in America. The Church of England has given the rest of the world such wonderful hymns, this probably the most famous of all. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, thank you Ms. Robinson! I most appreciate your very kind words indeed! I don't know what else to say after that other than thank you!
I came here once to say that I'm a bad flutist, but that this is the first hymn I learned to play. You were very kind in reply, and I knew you'd be that kind. Now, I'm back because of Boston. I just wanted to hear this and see you play. Thank you so very much for these few peaceful moments.
This is a very rich and majestic hymn.
Linda Gibson
It is and my favourite of them all.
A great favorite hymn of mine...played grandly and lovingly. Just great! 😇
Robert Parr
Thank you so much!
Mark, what an amazing performance of this splendid hymn. Sheer joy to hear you play. Blessings!
Darren Schieman
Thank you for your kind and generous comment, it's much appreciated indeed!
Sorry my friend, but I thought that I replied to you a long time ago,apparently not. Opus 150A is my favourite Aeolian-Skinner, and my favourite organ in NYC. With the exception of Alec Wyton (never asked him to play it), under every organist after Dr. Wyton thru Bruce Neswick, I've played this organ. I played the postlude for my Alma-Mater JHS graduation, an Evensong improvisation, a family member's memorial service and my dad's funeral there in 1998. I have history w/150A, and love it madly.
Listened to this the other morning along with a choral arrangement of Still still with Thee and an organ arrangement of Jesus shall reign, all pieces that had what I refer to as just the right amount of dissonance to be soothing to the intellect as well as the soul... So thank you brother, I continually am blessed by your playing, as I'm sure are many many others, not to mention our heavenly Father as well. Bless you sir!
JustMe Thank you so very much! I'm honoured by your kind words indeed! I'd love to hear the arrangement of 'Jesus Shall Reign' as that too is one of my favourite hymns. Did you listen to it here on TH-cam? Let me know where I can find it if you would please, thanks and thanks again for your generous words, it's very much appreciated. Be well....
Big Daddy,
Thanks you for your interesting story on learning For All the Saints. Ralph Vaughan Williams is one of my favorite composers. Anything he composed was beautiful!
+Mimi Mansky
That's for sure!
That is a great hymn, and well played! May these never cease to be heard in the sanctuaries of America!!
+dodgecharger4404 Thank you!
Fabulous! So up lifting Been going through a bad time in my life and this isjust what I needed, THANKS! God bless!
Absolutely Beautiful !...love the full organ, fills the church up....love this song, very powerful, I play it on my church pipe organ, if ever in Gary,Indiana you must stop by and fire up first baptist pipe organ..very beautiful Moller pipe organ. Keep up the GREAT WORK for the Lord.
Thank you very much Mr. Field, and have a great Thanksgiving. All the best to you and your family!
This is truly superb!! Some days having to play in the churches in Freeport can be a little discouraging as most people are not truly interested in the organ and organ music but listening to performances like this truly do remind me of why I love the organ and inspire me to be a better organist. Bravo!
Careful Hazel, I love those island women (unless you're in Freeport, Long Island N.Y.) and especially musician women so I might propose marriage as I'm looking LOL! In all seriousness, THANK YOU ever so much, I greatly appreciate your kind words indeed. I hope that you're playing on some fine organs there and inspiring at least one person (like a young piano or organ student or any musician) as that would make it so worth your while. Thanks again and all the best to you.
Absolutely beautiful
Thank you Ms. Martin, I greatly appreciate your kind comment indeed! All of the very best to you!
Mark, you had me fooled for a minute, in a past life you WERE the composer of this song, such MASTERFUL Perfection., THANK YOU so very much for sharing
Superb! The great R.V.W tune. The saints would love your playing!
Magnificent!
Excellent - very moving.
Thank you, much appreciated indeed! Be well and be safe!
I have some gall saying this to you as no one is harder on me than myself, but don't be so hard on yourself as I'm sure that your flute playing is wonderful! Thank you for your generous words.
so fortunate to have been in the room when you did this and so fortunate to hear it now!! thanks for sharing your great talent!
Grand rendering of a great hymn in a great space!
Fine playing, Mark!
Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Wonderful.... I'm in London, England... if ever I visit New York I'll be sure to check out that awesome organ.... if it's being played at the time it will be an added bonus.... Well Played....
+Alan Alwulf Thank you and yes, do visit the Cathedral indeed. If you go there on a Monday, I believe that's the day that they give the organ demonstration. Cheers!
Bravo, and well done!!!
Thank you! I'm so glad that the great Ralph Vaughn Williams composed the music for this famous hymn, and in a case of rarity, I LOVE the words too as I usually ignore the words to many of these hymns. Thanks again!
I visited this organ about two months before you, and I was so mesmerized! What a sound! It really growls, as you demonstrate in this video. Such an impressive battery of reeds. I had the Widor Symphony VI Allegro under my fingers at the time, and this beast ATE IT UP.
c'mon man don't have me tearing up here!!! lol... i'm glad to help and definitely glad to have you as my friend... keep em coming and i hope the cd does well... its a great listen... havent bought it for my parents yet but i will... pay day is soon upon us!
Great job Mark. Although I grew up where this was sung at funerals mostly, it's one of many favorite hymns.
Vaughan Williams rules! Nice organ and well played too!
Thanks Matt!
Hi Mark, sorry I'm late to the choir. I was trying desperately to find a rattle your body and soul long organ arrangement of this awe inspiring hymn. Was disappointed with the organ sound projection, somewhat mechanical playing, etc. Then I finally discovered you. Wish I could have been in that grand church while you were playing Sine Nomine live on my knees in prayer and reverence. God bless you 🙏
Exquisite! I almost saw the ghost of Canon West walking across the sanctuary! Reminds me of my ordination day back in '76
Great performance And a great tempo
THANK YOU kind Sir, and so sorry for the much delayed response as I'm seeing your comment for the first time today 1.6.17 have a prosperous New Year!
of ALL SAINTS this year that they are not familiar with but it is per usua; SPECTACULAR!
Stacey! Two years later, I see your comment for crying out loud! I hope all is well with you and your family. All the best to you in 2017!
i dont understand how anyone could dislike this hymn let alone the magnificence of a pipe organ
That's only eleven people (as of today February 27th, 2021) versus three hundred and ninety-six people who liked it and forty-eight thousand who watched this video and possibly approved of it. In the grand scheme of things, those eleven people are insignificant Trevor and we can't please everyone and I'm certainly incapable of doing so, so I don't worry about them. It's their right, I don't question it I just move on as there are varying reasons why those people disliked the video and some legit and others not, but I'm not losing any sleep over it or them.Thanks for your comment.
Hey Mark! It has been a while. So sorry Been laid up for a minute.(hospital etc)
Are you kidding!!! Might Like! AN UNDERSTATEMENT!
This is Just Mind Blowing!!! OMG! You are just so Gifted my friend!
Will call soon.
Pa. Anthony
Spectacular, Mark!!!
Thank you for sharing!
November First ☆All Saints Day Hymn☆☆☆
That it is!
Absolutely magnificent Mark, stunning harmonies and superb tempo, also marvelous registrations and musical use of the large organ. Clearly you have a God given talent proving you don't need an academic degree in organ to be able to master the instrument to it's fullest. Someone should transcribe your improvisation at the end and you become an established composer? Anyway have subscribed and so looking forward to hearing more of your totally gripping work. Congratulations, thank you from my soul and may God bless you richly and warmly at all times! God Bless Mark 💕 Adrian in Bermuda!!
Praise God!
That sounded awesome
@GrandeBombarde16 Thank you so much Tim! Coming from a spectacular organist like yourself, that's a heartfelt compliment. Thanks!
If it is all right with u I am going @ use some of ur composition 4 ALL SAINTS DAY on Nov 1. Have been looking 4 a refreshing one like this 2 play 4 my congregation on this Solemnity
Enjoy Stacey!
Glory to God!!! Awesome!!!
Danielle
Thank you!
Well done! WOW that organ rocks!
Thank you Daniel Kubacki, it's an amazing organ to hear live!
majestic...
Just the right tempo for this building. With the amount of reverberation in this building trying to play too fast would be a train wreck waiting to happen. Well Done Mr Ferguson! I wonder if naming this hymn tune "Sine Nomine" (literally "without a name") was Vaughn Williams tongue in cheek idea of a joke or .............
PS. fine improvisation ! one clearly hears the hymn tune singing through the music. Unlike so many where the tune is lost and you scratch your head wondering what in God's name are they playing! FINE WORK MR. Ferguson! Kudos!
Harold Redline
THANK YOU kind and generous Sir! If you look at most of if not ALL of my videos, admittedly my timing absolutely stinks and I’m very seriously going to address that problem. Thanks again!
Thank you!
@oldbear52 Thank you so much for your comments!
Very well played. Definitely not too slow in a space of this size.
What a coincidence and good for you! Thanks!
Thank you so much!
@pipeorganpraise Thank you so much for your kind words.
Mark, MAJESTICLY well done! AWESOME!! 😀 You REALLY know how to make those Bourdons and Bombards sing 😂..
Thank you Gregg! Your comments are appreciated indeed!
Things will improve Jay, and YOU will be the victor! Hang in there friend and be strong as there are more people rooting for you than you know, and I'm one of them! Thanks for your thoughts buddy, you'll be just fine I promise.
Kind regards,
Mark
This hymn is now in the German songbook in catholic churches with german lyrics. Very cool!
Good, it's a wonderful hymn!
Slower is better! Super powerful!!!
Thanks! Much appreciated indeed. Considering the acoustics of that room, the slower pace worked out I suppose based on all of the comments posted. Thanks again. Be well and be safe!
Thank you so much for your kind hearten words. Boston has also been on my mind, particularly those four victims who lost their lives. I'll eventually film a tribute video to them as I did for Sandy Hook, when I get my camcorder fixed and returned in the next couple of weeks. You take care, and peace to your heart and spirit.
@art5537 Hey buddy, hope that you're on the mend. This summer was the worst in my life as I too was hospitalized four times, and was sick the entire month of May. I wasn't able to play due to a torn meniscus that was very painful, blood clots in the other leg, and gout flare ups. Life wasn't fun this summer at all. But I'm back and playing! Rest and get better my friend. We'll talk soon, and thanks for the kind words.
It's not only a great hymn, but the first one I learned to play and my all time favourite!
@MrMusicandmath You are kind indeed, thank you!
LOL!! that's an analogy! Thanks, stay in touch.
In such large cathedral with that much lively acoustics, try slightly detaching each notes while keeping the pedal legato throughout.
Thanks buddy! Hope all is well, haven't heard from you in some time.
It's a very beautiful hymn! I'm sad that I can't find a sheet music with this hymn :(
It's in the public domain and should be easy to find. It's also in most if not EVERY hymnal in America and the UK I'd think.In America, it shouldn't be hard at all to find THIS hymn of all hymns. Good luck, and I'm sorry that I can't suggest a better starting point for you.
Considering the reverberation in St. John's, I think your tempo was ideal!
SteveHouston
Thank you Mr. Hudson as generally speaking (just watch my other videos, you'll regurgitate over my lousy timing) my tempo stinks as I don't sing or even hum along as I play sadly as that would certainly help. I guess the acoustics of that massive room helped some. Thanks again.
Thank you, and you didn't hear it as I was asked to use it very sparingly, so I did as requested. If you look at "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven" video also recorded in this session, I used it on that one and it's spectacular and LOUD! From the console as you'll hear, it quite powerful some 500' away. Also in the video "Praise to the Lord" I used it I think. I made use of the 8' Tuba Major/4' Tuba Clarion instead. I used to live up the street from SJD and would be there all of the time.Thanks
Thanks! Was Richard Westonburg still the organist there in 1976? He was the first to let me play it in 1974 after he became organist once Alec Wyton retired. I've been playing it since '74 under every organist there except the current organist Kent Trittle. It's my all time favourite organ and favourite building in NYC. How I LOVE that church!
Wish i could do it! :)
Yes Peter you're correct as I (shamefully) don't read music. I can read the treble clef, but that's about it. That's why I insist that I'm an amateur, because I AM. As always, thanks for your comments and superb videos.