Hello everyone. My goodness - thank you all so much for your very kind comments on our concert! I do believe this is one of the very finest organs of its kind, and it's a true privilege to play it every day. I never get tired of this instrument and its very special character. It has been amazing to share the experience with so many of you. Thanks to Richard for making this possible, and for capturing the sound of the organ in such a great way. What an incredible channel and what an amazing community!
It was SUCH a pleasure to record you John, and I can't wait for you to appear again on BIS. As you'll see by the comments below, your audience really enjoyed your playing!👌
Sono onorato d'avere di aver ricevuto, da un organista del suo livello, un riconoscimento circa la mia umile opinione, sia sulla letteratura organistica di Bach, che sulle sue interpretazioni. Grazie mille!!
We were extremely fortunate to hear these and other wonderful pieces played by John over many years as chorister parents. To hear our children sing in the choir as he accompanied them, especially the psalms, several times a week was our heaven! Superb musician.
Since visiting England in 1998 for my son's wedding, this is the second time I have heard this wonderful organ. The choir was practicing in their robes with this wonderful organ supporting the singers. It was an inspiring experience. This recital brought back wonderful memories. Thank you.
I am not able to express my admiration as I would like due to the narrow limits of my English. But, I hope to communicate to you my gratitude for this fantastic opportunity.
🇮🇹👏👍 Complimenti all'organista, per la perfezione esecutiva del brano! Ritengo inoltre che tale brano, sia tra i migliori scritti da J. S. Bach. Un lavoro ad uncinetto fatto con le note!
John Challenger’s fingers and feet are dancing their way through this Bach work. In so doing, Challenger causes Bach and his music to dance too. Thanks to you and to Richard who is bringing this magnificent recital to us.
Beautiful organ. Beautiful technique. Beautiful playing... not just playing notes BUT playing MUSIC. Thank you.. a pleasure to watch up close and listen..
Sarum (also titled Sarum: The Novel of England) is a work of historical fiction by Edward Rutherfurd, first published in 1987. It is about the earliest days of Salisbury and the cathedral. A wonderful book ! !
Charming young man and fantastic player! I agree, Harrison & Harrison did an impeccable job on this magnificent machine. The regular attenders for services there must feel truly spoiled now. My sincere appreciation to all who had a part in bringing this beautiful performance to us.
An absolutely breathtaking recital in all respects. A kaleidoscope of moods, all convincingly conveyed , with complete technical assurance throughout. I liked the flexibility and telling use of space. The panache with which the Vierne was delivered was riveting.
John, as well as you played this program, the Durufle' will fall right into your lap! You are a brilliant player and a wonderful person. God Bless all of you at BIS.
Amazing John! I was floating.......somewhere! Basically John, I'm speechless and it's occasions like this when I don't know what to say so it's better to say nothing and simply contemplate on such wonderful playing.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE! I have No musical talent... I am in awe of anyone that can master such a complex instrument. Just awesome..Many thanks...From Fairbanks Alaska
An astonishing recording of a masterful performance. Mr. Challenger pours his whole mind and soul into his hands and feet to effectively convey the genius of these classic compositions to our grateful ears and hearts; Soli Deo Gloria!
There's nothing like hearing an old pipe organ in a stunning place like Salisbury. I've been there a few times and have heard the organ there as well. I've also heard the organ at Notre Dame, and half a dozen other churches in Paris and London. This place ranks right up there with any place in the world when it comes to acoustics.
Simply fabulous ! In particular the Franck & Vierne just showed off the tonal range of the Willis . John Challenger's playing was faultless & Communicated a first class performance for me !
A brilliant recital on this newly restored organ, by an extremely accomplished master of the instrument! Thank you for making my evening! You talked of Brahms and sitting in the midst of The Berlin Philharmonic, in your case. Back in 1984, I had the honour of sitting behind the London Philharmonic, taking part in a wonderful recording of The German Requiem, at Abbey Road in London, as a new member of the London Philharmonic Choir, a time I shall never forget!
This was a stupendous undertaking, and was really well executed. Richard, I can tell that you have really expanded your editing skills, it was really professionally done! Thanks to both of you for the amazing presentation!
Top rate performance... and recording. I often think of the music and the sound of world cathedrals and concert halls as the height of human civilization. Height, durable through performance but fragile at the hands of fashion.
Richard, you mentioned that you also made a video of John Challenger demonstrating the various stops on the newly-restored Father Henry Willis Organ at Salisbury Cathedral - where and how can we find and access this video - or have you not yet had the time to prepare and post it? I am in complete agreement with the resounding number of other commenters here who unreservedly praise the success of this joining-together of superb player, fine organ and timeless repertoire which John Challenger expertly chose for his recital. Richard, your Easter 2022 Organ Recital video is superb in every respect - sonically, visually and in the down-to-Earth friendly way in which John Challenger speaks to us as he introduces his music! There is nothing pretentious or phony in any way about this entire presentation - it's music for the ages shared with us in the best-possible manner.
Thanks Jos! The organ demo will be online this coming week. I haven't even had the chance to start putting it together yet, but it'll be worth the wait.
The stunning professional audio and video by Richard combined with John's incredible talent and musicianship made for a relaxing and inspirational evening of listening following playing multiple Holy Week and Easter services. Thank you.
Tremendous recital and great choice of program. The Bach E-flat P&F is my favorite and it was outstanding. could listen to you all day. In fact, I am listening on my cell right now as I am typing this message. I also enjoyed the Franck very much. My ex also played several compositions on this program. I could feel the excitement in your performance as well as your love for the instrument. Please post more. Thank you for this blessing.
Cracking recital thanks JC 👏👏 Your Elgar & Franck recordings there are brilliant & I return to them so very often - thanks for those too 😊 Top recording here RMcV - love your work
A most enjoyable concert. It was great to hear the restored organ, especially as that has happened since I visited Salisbury Cathedral on my last trip to England before Covid struck. John Challenger certainly showed the organ off to its best advantage. My favourite was the Vierne Symphony.
I had the enormous pleasure of hearing the Prelude and Fugue in E flat by Bach played by Richard Seal back in 1980 when I was on an RSCM adult choral course at Salisbury directed by Alan Spedding, then DoM at Beverley Minster. It was an evening recital that fell during the week of the course. A beautiful instrument indeed, and one I always love listening to.
Just wonderful! Love to see John by himself in the organ loft - page turning and all the other brain-bending tasks the organist must do in performing the music!
Harrison’s have indeed made a good job of the restoration work. I had the privilege to play the organ a couple times in the the 1980’s and I am pleased that Harrison’s were entrusted this work. I am glad the Swell was left alone together with the Tierce Mixtures. The Bach St.Anne Prelude & Fugue was played at an acceptable tempo and not hurried, as is very often the case.
Greetings from the midlands of Ireland! I first came across this stunning instrument with the 1960's EMI Great Cathedral Organs series and the late, great Christopher Dearnley putting this beauty through its paces. Tonight's recital was just FABULOUS and what a treat to hear the organ sounding so utterly magnificent after the H and H rebuild. Thank you for your brilliant playing and thank you, Richard, for making this available to the multitudes. Hugely appreciated. Thank you so much and Happy Easter!
Oh, what a gift. Thank you, Mr. Challenger, for this marvellous performance, and to Richard for presenting it so beautifully. A happy Easter to you both.
Thank you so much John, a wonderful recital bringing back memories of you at the wonderful St Johns, also thank you Richard great questions and well answered by John .
Wonderful recital! Thank you John & Richard. 👏👏👏👏 Excellent program & chat. I chuckled at the Hereford & Beethoven discussions. Obviously I like Hereford & I too am careful who I tell a particular composer rarely speaks to me either. 😅 I remember John played for the vaccination crowd last year, kudos for that! 👏👏 Thanks again and bravo!! 🎹🎶
What an amazing experience. Thank you for this. John’s performance is out of this world, coupled with stunning videography an amazing sound production. The work which went on behind the scenes to make this possible is just incredible to think about. Thank you so much for this.
Absolutely magnificent performance on this amazing instrument. John brings out all the tonal beauty of this instrument in every piece, with brilliant nuance and sensitivity to musical line balancing! Thank you for an outstanding performance of some of my favorite organ pieces. Let's not forget the wonderful recording as well. The video imagery was really nice and gave the most wonderful views of the cathedral and John's fingering and pedaling! The recording itself is wonderfully clear, great stereo separation, and crisp with no distortion. (and this over TH-cam with their digital compressions... really great job!) Kudos to Richard and other recording engineers for a beautiful capture of John's brilliant performance. BRAVO!! Thank you, this was a real treat.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate that. Recording engineers = me! I did everything apart from play the organ. I’m particularly pleased with the sound of this recording. Check out the Gloucester recital - that’s such a different sounding organ!!
What a wonderful recital, with John Challenger's masterful performance combined with Richard's video and audio skills. Thank you for such a marvelous experience. Another great addition to the BiS library!
Enjoyed every bit Richard. Your videography was next level . Wonderful visuals of Salisbury Cathedral.. Wonderful playing by John . I always loved hearing BWV 552 . Thanks for playing it.
Magnificent performance, John Challenger! You are truly talented! Your registrations on this perfectly sounding organ along with your pedal work are awesome! I also love your choice of music. The photography showing beautiful Salisbury Cathedral are appreciated too. Listening in Canada.
So absolutely correct in your choice of repertoire, and then your phrasing, registrations, dynamics, and total artistry. Favorite organ? Your choices are quite understandable, but the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia is superior to all. Happy Easter!
What a stunning recital at Easter! It’s great to have the organist announce the numbers and to have the very personal discussion afterwards. A Virginia, USA appreciator
I was fortunate to play with a touring handbell choir there in the summer of 2002. Such fond memories! Bravo on an amazing recital! Happy Easter, indeed!
An excellent performance very well suited to the instrument! The Franck piece is in my opinion one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written for the organ. Sounds very well on this particular instrument. Then again, after two months of Hauptwerk between the Salisbury sample set and Rotterdam, I must say that the solo reeds on this organ are among the finest for sure. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recital with us!
Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona, USA where we are preparing for the celebration of the Easter Vigil after sunset. The "sounds and sights" of this video are superb. Thank you very much! A Blessed Easter celebration.
A beautifully played exciting recital. Having been ordained in Salisbury Cathedral in 1968 and 1968, I have a feeling of 'ownership'. The restored organ sounds wonderful. Thank you for giving me so much pleasure. From Busselton, Western Australia/
A MARVELOUS performance, Mr. Challenger! And the video sweeps of the Salisbury Cathedral were breath taking. The final section of Q&A was delightful & so interesting. Happy Easter to you both!
Wonderful recital John. Thank you. PS: On a practical note: Seeing you play white notes between black notes without fear of catching the black notes, I can't help but wonder how much easier my organ playing life would be if my fingers were slender like yours! 🙂
John a most enjoyable program. I'll be coming back several times for further listening. I really loved your choice of repertoire, breadth of knowledge and seemingly effortless playing. Colonial Dave down in the Antipodes.
Such fantastic playing John! I had the privilege of having a go at the Salisbury organ in 2018. You were kind enough to get me acquainted and even give a lesson on the organ. I look forward to the next opportunity to play on that fantastic instrument. My regular instrument in Nairobi is in the UK at the moment for a full restoration by Michael Farley and I can't wait to have it back. Regards, Joe
I had that piece from Franck ringing in my head for quite awhile, but couldn't remember who was the composer or where have I heard it before, thank you, for playing it!
Hello everyone. My goodness - thank you all so much for your very kind comments on our concert! I do believe this is one of the very finest organs of its kind, and it's a true privilege to play it every day. I never get tired of this instrument and its very special character. It has been amazing to share the experience with so many of you. Thanks to Richard for making this possible, and for capturing the sound of the organ in such a great way. What an incredible channel and what an amazing community!
It was SUCH a pleasure to record you John, and I can't wait for you to appear again on BIS. As you'll see by the comments below, your audience really enjoyed your playing!👌
Great recital :)
Sono onorato d'avere di aver ricevuto, da un organista del suo livello, un riconoscimento circa la mia umile opinione, sia sulla letteratura organistica di Bach, che sulle sue interpretazioni. Grazie mille!!
Oh John, now you did it! when I hear you and Richard play, I just cry! PERFECT! THANK YOU!
We were extremely fortunate to hear these and other wonderful pieces played by John over many years as chorister parents. To hear our children sing in the choir as he accompanied them, especially the psalms, several times a week was our heaven! Superb musician.
Since visiting England in 1998 for my son's wedding, this is the second time I have heard this wonderful organ. The choir was practicing in their robes with this wonderful organ supporting the singers. It was an inspiring experience. This recital brought back wonderful memories. Thank you.
I am not able to express my admiration as I would like due to the narrow limits of my English. But, I hope to communicate to you my gratitude for this fantastic opportunity.
🇮🇹👏👍 Complimenti all'organista, per la perfezione esecutiva del brano! Ritengo inoltre che tale brano, sia tra i migliori scritti da J. S. Bach. Un lavoro ad uncinetto fatto con le note!
John Challenger’s fingers and feet are dancing their way through this Bach work. In so doing, Challenger causes Bach and his music to dance too. Thanks to you and to Richard who is bringing this magnificent recital to us.
The skill of the organist and the play of the instrument was sublime. Thank you for the sharing.
Beautiful organ. Beautiful technique. Beautiful playing... not just playing notes BUT playing MUSIC. Thank you.. a pleasure to watch up close and listen..
Sarum (also titled Sarum: The Novel of England) is a work of historical fiction by Edward Rutherfurd, first published in 1987. It is about the earliest days of Salisbury and the cathedral. A wonderful book ! !
Thank you! (All)
Charming young man and fantastic player! I agree, Harrison & Harrison did an impeccable job on this magnificent machine. The regular attenders for services there must feel truly spoiled now. My sincere appreciation to all who had a part in bringing this beautiful performance to us.
Thank you very much to Richard and John for a wonderful concert and virtuoso performance of works superbly selected in the program. Thank God!
An absolutely breathtaking recital in all respects. A kaleidoscope of moods, all convincingly conveyed , with complete technical assurance throughout. I liked the flexibility and telling use of space. The panache with which the Vierne was delivered was riveting.
John, as well as you played this program, the Durufle' will fall right into your lap! You are a brilliant player and a wonderful person. God Bless all of you at BIS.
Amazing John! I was floating.......somewhere! Basically John, I'm speechless and it's occasions like this when I don't know what to say so it's better to say nothing and simply contemplate on such wonderful playing.
Brilliant recital & excellent recording. Beautiful church interior.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE! I have No musical talent... I am in awe of anyone that can master such a complex instrument. Just awesome..Many thanks...From Fairbanks Alaska
A splendid recital, and a real joy for Eastertide! Thankyou! Fr. William Fitzgerald O.Praem., St. Michael's Abbey, Silverado, California.
An astonishing recording of a masterful performance. Mr. Challenger pours his whole mind and soul into his hands and feet to effectively convey the genius of these classic compositions to our grateful ears and hearts; Soli Deo Gloria!
There's nothing like hearing an old pipe organ in a stunning place like Salisbury. I've been there a few times and have heard the organ there as well. I've also heard the organ at Notre Dame, and half a dozen other churches in Paris and London. This place ranks right up there with any place in the world when it comes to acoustics.
Simply fabulous ! In particular the Franck & Vierne just showed off the tonal range of the Willis . John Challenger's playing was faultless & Communicated a first class performance for me !
Thank you for that. So beautyful
Happy Easter from Italy!
I'm an organist and Easter is a great liturgical moment for the organ
Pisitively positive positive comment because I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. What a treasure!
A brilliant recital on this newly restored organ, by an extremely accomplished master of the instrument! Thank you for making my evening! You talked of Brahms and sitting in the midst of The Berlin Philharmonic, in your case. Back in 1984, I had the honour of sitting behind the London Philharmonic, taking part in a wonderful recording of The German Requiem, at Abbey Road in London, as a new member of the London Philharmonic Choir, a time I shall never forget!
Congratulations John and Richard. Beautifully recorded and masterfully performed. Pure joy. Thanks for sharing.
A magnificent instrument brought to life by a magnificent organist .
Thanks for this.
Fabulous playing. Elegant, expressive, energized. Thank you!
This was a stupendous undertaking, and was really well executed. Richard, I can tell that you have really expanded your editing skills, it was really professionally done! Thanks to both of you for the amazing presentation!
Thank you for great Easter performance. That Jesus Saviour be praised!
Dazzling performance and spectacular video! Thank you to both John and Richard!
What a terrific organ and concert! Thank you for sharing your gift and for showcasing this instrument!
Top rate performance... and recording. I often think of the music and the sound of world cathedrals and concert halls as the height of human civilization. Height, durable through performance but fragile at the hands of fashion.
Excellent recital John, and thank you @Richard McVeigh for the brilliant production skill.
Richard, you mentioned that you also made a video of John Challenger demonstrating the various stops on the newly-restored Father Henry Willis Organ at Salisbury Cathedral - where and how can we find and access this video - or have you not yet had the time to prepare and post it?
I am in complete agreement with the resounding number of other commenters here who unreservedly praise the success of this joining-together of superb player, fine organ and timeless repertoire which John Challenger expertly chose for his recital.
Richard, your Easter 2022 Organ Recital video is superb in every respect - sonically, visually and in the down-to-Earth friendly way in which John Challenger speaks to us as he introduces his music! There is nothing pretentious or phony in any way about this entire presentation - it's music for the ages shared with us in the best-possible manner.
Thanks Jos! The organ demo will be online this coming week. I haven't even had the chance to start putting it together yet, but it'll be worth the wait.
The stunning professional audio and video by Richard combined with John's incredible talent and musicianship made for a relaxing and inspirational evening of listening following playing multiple Holy Week and Easter services. Thank you.
Tremendous recital and great choice of program. The Bach E-flat P&F is my favorite and it was outstanding. could listen to you all day. In fact, I am listening on my cell right now as I am typing this message. I also enjoyed the Franck very much. My ex also played several compositions on this program. I could feel the excitement in your performance as well as your love for the instrument. Please post more. Thank you for this blessing.
Cracking recital thanks JC 👏👏 Your Elgar & Franck recordings there are brilliant & I return to them so very often - thanks for those too 😊 Top recording here RMcV - love your work
What a wonderful machine handled so well by John Challenger.
The Salisbury concert was astonishing. What a great way to spend an evening. Bravo!
Inspirational!
A wonderful organist playing at a wonderful organ in a wonderful cathedral. Great performance! Greetings from The Netherlands.
Amazing Concert! Thank you for playing for the BiS community John!
A most enjoyable concert. It was great to hear the restored organ, especially as that has happened since I visited Salisbury Cathedral on my last trip to England before Covid struck. John Challenger certainly showed the organ off to its best advantage. My favourite was the Vierne Symphony.
I had the enormous pleasure of hearing the Prelude and Fugue in E flat by Bach played by Richard Seal back in 1980 when I was on an RSCM adult choral course at Salisbury directed by Alan Spedding, then DoM at Beverley Minster. It was an evening recital that fell during the week of the course. A beautiful instrument indeed, and one I always love listening to.
Just wonderful! Love to see John by himself in the organ loft - page turning and all the other brain-bending tasks the organist must do in performing the music!
Harrison’s have indeed made a good job of the restoration work. I had the privilege to play the organ a couple times in the the 1980’s and I am pleased that Harrison’s were entrusted this work. I am glad the Swell was left alone together with the Tierce Mixtures.
The Bach St.Anne Prelude & Fugue was played at an acceptable tempo and not hurried, as is very often the case.
Greetings from the midlands of Ireland! I first came across this stunning instrument with the 1960's EMI Great Cathedral Organs series and the late, great Christopher Dearnley putting this beauty through its paces. Tonight's recital was just FABULOUS and what a treat to hear the organ sounding so utterly magnificent after the H and H rebuild. Thank you for your brilliant playing and thank you, Richard, for making this available to the multitudes. Hugely appreciated. Thank you so much and Happy Easter!
Beautiful playing! Really enjoyed the recital. also excellent production value!👍🏾🎹
Oh, what a gift. Thank you, Mr. Challenger, for this marvellous performance, and to Richard for presenting it so beautifully. A happy Easter to you both.
Thank you so much John, a wonderful recital bringing back memories of you at the wonderful St Johns, also thank you Richard great questions and well answered by John .
Wonderful recital! Thank you John & Richard. 👏👏👏👏 Excellent program & chat. I chuckled at the Hereford & Beethoven discussions. Obviously I like Hereford & I too am careful who I tell a particular composer rarely speaks to me either. 😅 I remember John played for the vaccination crowd last year, kudos for that! 👏👏 Thanks again and bravo!! 🎹🎶
Beautiful recital, John. Love the way that you play. Thank you Richard for recording this. Happy Easter everyone.
What an amazing experience. Thank you for this. John’s performance is out of this world, coupled with stunning videography an amazing sound production. The work which went on behind the scenes to make this possible is just incredible to think about. Thank you so much for this.
Happy Easter concert organ. Beautiful. Many thanks.
Absolutely magnificent performance on this amazing instrument. John brings out all the tonal beauty of this instrument in every piece, with brilliant nuance and sensitivity to musical line balancing! Thank you for an outstanding performance of some of my favorite organ pieces.
Let's not forget the wonderful recording as well. The video imagery was really nice and gave the most wonderful views of the cathedral and John's fingering and pedaling!
The recording itself is wonderfully clear, great stereo separation, and crisp with no distortion. (and this over TH-cam with their digital compressions... really great job!)
Kudos to Richard and other recording engineers for a beautiful capture of John's brilliant performance.
BRAVO!! Thank you, this was a real treat.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate that. Recording engineers = me! I did everything apart from play the organ. I’m particularly pleased with the sound of this recording. Check out the Gloucester recital - that’s such a different sounding organ!!
What a wonderful recital, with John Challenger's masterful performance combined with Richard's video and audio skills. Thank you for such a marvelous experience. Another great addition to the BiS library!
Enjoyed every bit Richard. Your videography was next level . Wonderful visuals of Salisbury Cathedral.. Wonderful playing by John . I always loved hearing BWV 552 . Thanks for playing it.
Magnificent performance, John Challenger! You are truly talented! Your registrations on this perfectly sounding organ along with your pedal work are awesome! I also love your choice of music. The photography showing beautiful Salisbury Cathedral are appreciated too. Listening in Canada.
So absolutely correct in your choice of repertoire, and then your phrasing, registrations, dynamics, and total artistry. Favorite organ? Your choices are quite understandable, but the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia is superior to all. Happy Easter!
Wonderful concert - wow! Love the beautiful setting, instrument & music selections. Also like Mr Challenger's red & blue socks!
What a buzz. Thank you John.
(and Richard for an awesome recording)
Ahhh.. Franck. As a violinist I have played his violin sonata with my best musical friend as my pianist.
Simply stunning from the Bach to the Vierne - both the organist and the instrument!!
What a stunning recital at Easter! It’s great to have the organist announce the numbers and to have the very personal discussion afterwards. A Virginia, USA appreciator
Exquisite performance matched by stunning visuals. Bravo and thank you !
Beautifully played, and the sound and video quality matched your artistry.
A wonderful program! Thank you John and Richard. I found the honest and thoughtful Quick Fire almost as interesting as the program, so well done!
I was fortunate to play with a touring handbell choir there in the summer of 2002. Such fond memories! Bravo on an amazing recital! Happy Easter, indeed!
Thank you so very much for this treat on Easter Eve! Well played--especially the Vierne Final!!! The best to you!
I absolutely loved it!
An excellent performance very well suited to the instrument! The Franck piece is in my opinion one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written for the organ. Sounds very well on this particular instrument. Then again, after two months of Hauptwerk between the Salisbury sample set and Rotterdam, I must say that the solo reeds on this organ are among the finest for sure. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recital with us!
Really enjoyed the recital! Loved his clean 'attack and release' playing.
Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona, USA where we are preparing for the celebration of the Easter Vigil after sunset. The "sounds and sights"
of this video are superb. Thank you very much! A Blessed Easter celebration.
素晴らしいコンサートをありがとうございました。会堂の響き、オルガンの輝かしい音、オルガニストの落ち着いた解釈に感銘を受けました。私の心は音楽で満たされ、無限の音楽が生まれていくかのように感じています。
FWIW- My fantasy wish is to transport JS Bach to modern times and find out what he thinks about Willis, Cavaille-Colle, or Aeolian-Skinner instruments
Wow! Wonderful performance. Mr. Challenger is a wonderful organist and the combination with this rightfully famous instrument is a wonderful pairing.
Superb performance! The organ sounds spectacular! Terrific restoration. I must return to Salisbury soon.
heavenly music thank you so much
Wow, thanks so much! Your performance brought me close to heaven!
A beautifully played exciting recital. Having been ordained in Salisbury Cathedral in 1968 and 1968, I have a feeling of 'ownership'. The restored organ sounds wonderful. Thank you for giving me so much pleasure. From Busselton, Western Australia/
Thanks for the comment, and I’m sure its nice to see your ‘home’ cathedral! 😊
Outstanding playing, sound and video! A real treat. Thank you and Happy Easter to you both 😊
Wow, incredible. Fun virtuosity and love, with gorgeous camera work. Going to listen to more of John Challenger for sure! Thank you.
Incredible musicianship! Thanks for this concert
A MARVELOUS performance, Mr. Challenger! And the video sweeps of the Salisbury Cathedral were breath taking. The final section of Q&A was delightful & so interesting. Happy Easter to you both!
That organ sure has a beautiful sound to it
A wonderful concert, instrument and organist, plus a magnificent Cathedral. Thank you- my faviourite playout -R. V. Williams.
A pleasure to listen to. Amazing organist!
Very fine performance; admirable! Some of my favorite pieces.
Wonderful recital John. Thank you.
PS: On a practical note: Seeing you play white notes between black notes without fear of catching the black notes, I can't help but wonder how much easier my organ playing life would be if my fingers were slender like yours! 🙂
terrific. Bravo
Thank you for this wonderful recital!
Lovely. Thanks you, gentlemen.
John a most enjoyable program. I'll be coming back several times for further listening. I really loved your choice of repertoire, breadth of knowledge and seemingly effortless playing. Colonial Dave down in the Antipodes.
Great. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful! Happy Easter! Keep up the good work to in spite more and more people with your music.
Thank you for a superb performance. Wonderful!
Such fantastic playing John! I had the privilege of having a go at the Salisbury organ in 2018. You were kind enough to get me acquainted and even give a lesson on the organ. I look forward to the next opportunity to play on that fantastic instrument. My regular instrument in Nairobi is in the UK at the moment for a full restoration by Michael Farley and I can't wait to have it back.
Regards,
Joe
Michael Farley (near Budleigh Salterton, UK) = 👍🙂 I got to know him in 2015. A fine chap, IMO.
Amen.
You've captured the sound so well in this recital, Richard - finally catching up with your videos from the past week!
I had that piece from Franck ringing in my head for quite awhile, but couldn't remember who was the composer or where have I heard it before, thank you, for playing it!