Outstanding organ and your playing matches it. The Bach Fugue in E Flat was performed so well and at a reasonable tempo which allowed me to hear every note. That was what my late organ teacher referred to as “True Bach playing”. Very well done Heather, I am pleased you have a decent organ to play every Sunday
Hi Heather, I am an organist and Roman Catholic myself in England, but I have unfortunately resigned due to the increase in modern music which is either played on guitars or CDs etc. having made me more or less redundant! Also I had a substandard extension organ to play which the Priest declined to do anything about. The city which I am based in has very little in the way of decent pipe organs in good order. Many are in such a bad state of repair that they have been replaced by digital/electronic instruments or keyboards etc. making the performance of organ music almost impossible. Definitely none of them are suitable to perform a recital on. The interest in organ maintenance or restoration amongst clergy and church committees is very slight due to the modern worship songs and music, most of which is not suitably scored for organ accompaniment anyway. I am a trained organist but in a city without a decent organ to play . Best wishes David Craggs
I'm delighted that Brent reviewed this organ. The concert I attended several months ago was wonderful, and Heather showcased many of these voices that afternoon. Her program was brilliantly comprehensive; it included soloists on their instruments, and encouraged teenager and congregational participation. Vierne's comforting Berceuse is rarely performed, so that was a real treat. As an organist, I knew to sit about 2/3 of the way back and enjoyed an optimum experience.
As soon as I saw the title of this video, I thought of Dr. Marie Kremer. What a wonderful lady she was and Heather was lucky to have her as a mentor and teacher. I remember Marie from my college days at St. Louis U and last saw her just a few years ago. Lovely instrument, Great playing.
I knew Dr. Marie Kremer with her Louis IX Chorale in 1972 and I was a budding violinist. I played in a doctoral concert of Bob Hutcheson. They sang along with the choruses of St. Louis U plus soloists including Willard Cobb. We played Bach Jesu meine Freude motet and BWV 131 Aus der Tiefer and it was a life changing experience in my music path in life. Much praise to her and the many I met in association with her.
What a lovely organ. This does seem a fair bit bigger than the M.P. Moller organ that my church has. It doesn't get played often, but when it does, I enjoy hearing it.
Interesting how the Great stops are on the left and the Swell is on the right, where on most US instruments the Great is on the right. Beautiful Cornet, the Great Trumpet is nice and tart. The organist has so many wonderful hymn tunes and literature under her fingers, playing off book. Delightful!
I drove past St. Monica Parish every Sunday for a decade or so with my family on our way to our parish, Holy Cross Lutheran, a bit farther west in Creve Coeur. I have never been inside St. Monica, though. This was very interesting.
Martin Ott placed an instrument in Asheville some years ago and I met him at the inaugural recital. I spoke to him briefly as he was in the pew behind me--and frankly he was a jerk. He was rude an impolite to I and my friends with me--why I don't know. What a contrast. I also met Walter Holtkamp (who was in the seat in front of me) at the inaugural concert for the new instrument at the university of Alabama. Mr. Holtkamp was congenial, polite and very friendly. Just saying.
Incredible organ, wonderful organist, great builder - but DEADLY UGLY church. I sincerely hope, given the liturgical-bent visually denoted by the place, and given the other history Heather mentioned, that these people actually appreciate what a treasure they have in this instrument and in this organist.
Having held keys for a lot of tunings, I can only say that it requires some nimbleness for sure. On the other hand, the flues are rarely touched, as the organ stays in tune remarkably well. Also, the swell grates were originally screwed on from the inside, and Martin changed that in 2017 so they can be much more easily removed if tuning those front ranks is required.
Delightful organ and organist. So much talent and insight. Love it when people have such long histories with their church
Thank you
Outstanding organ and your playing matches it.
The Bach Fugue in E Flat was performed so well and at a reasonable tempo which allowed me to hear every note. That was what my late organ teacher referred to as “True Bach playing”. Very well done Heather, I am pleased you have a decent organ to play every Sunday
Thank you. It is an honor and a blessing to serve my parish and to play this instrument. Pretty great music, I think!
Hi Heather, I am an organist and Roman Catholic myself in England, but I have unfortunately resigned due to the increase in modern music which is either played on guitars or CDs etc. having made me more or less redundant! Also I had a substandard extension organ to play which the Priest declined to do anything about.
The city which I am based in has very little in the way of decent pipe organs in good order. Many are in such a bad state of repair that they have been replaced by digital/electronic instruments or keyboards etc. making the performance of organ music almost impossible. Definitely none of them are suitable to perform a recital on.
The interest in organ maintenance or restoration amongst clergy and church committees is very slight due to the modern worship songs and music, most of which is not suitably scored for organ accompaniment anyway.
I am a trained organist but in a city without a decent organ to play .
Best wishes
David Craggs
Love the stops on this organ, and beautifully balanced too. It's a real pleasure to have Martin come by to tell us more about this organ.
Wonderful, Heather. Always great to see your face and hear your playing!!!!
I'm delighted that Brent reviewed this organ. The concert I attended several months ago was wonderful, and Heather showcased many of these voices that afternoon. Her program was brilliantly comprehensive; it included soloists on their instruments, and encouraged teenager and congregational participation. Vierne's comforting Berceuse is rarely performed, so that was a real treat. As an organist, I knew to sit about 2/3 of the way back and enjoyed an optimum experience.
As soon as I saw the title of this video, I thought of Dr. Marie Kremer. What a wonderful lady she was and Heather was lucky to have her as a mentor and teacher. I remember Marie from my college days at St. Louis U and last saw her just a few years ago. Lovely instrument, Great playing.
I knew Dr. Marie Kremer with her Louis IX Chorale in 1972 and I was a budding violinist. I played in a doctoral concert of Bob Hutcheson. They sang along with the choruses of St. Louis U plus soloists including Willard Cobb. We played Bach Jesu meine Freude motet and BWV 131 Aus der Tiefer and it was a life changing experience in my music path in life. Much praise to her and the many I met in association with her.
Great to hear the story of this unique instrument. Thanks to Brent, Heather, and Martin for sharing!
Fantastic rendering of one of my favorite Bach pieces. Thank you!!!
Beautiful interpretation of the fugue. Thank you!
Have to agree Such Clean and elegant playing!!!
Wonderful organ! Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely organ. This does seem a fair bit bigger than the M.P. Moller organ that my church has. It doesn't get played often, but when it does, I enjoy hearing it.
Interesting how the Great stops are on the left and the Swell is on the right, where on most US instruments the Great is on the right. Beautiful Cornet, the Great Trumpet is nice and tart. The organist has so many wonderful hymn tunes and literature under her fingers, playing off book. Delightful!
I drove past St. Monica Parish every Sunday for a decade or so with my family on our way to our parish, Holy Cross Lutheran, a bit farther west in Creve Coeur. I have never been inside St. Monica, though. This was very interesting.
Swell 8' Principal is lovely! Reminds me of 19 th century Geigen Diapason
thought for a moment Bach's Figue in E flat, was a dubstep to the tune of O God Our Help In Ages Past
Ott built some nice instruments.
Martin Ott placed an instrument in Asheville some years ago and I met him at the inaugural recital. I spoke to him briefly as he was in the pew behind me--and frankly he was a jerk. He was rude an impolite to I and my friends with me--why I don't know. What a contrast. I also met Walter Holtkamp (who was in the seat in front of me) at the inaugural concert for the new instrument at the university of Alabama. Mr. Holtkamp was congenial, polite and very friendly. Just saying.
Incredible organ, wonderful organist, great builder - but DEADLY UGLY church. I sincerely hope, given the liturgical-bent visually denoted by the place, and given the other history Heather mentioned, that these people actually appreciate what a treasure they have in this instrument and in this organist.
Martin Ott: NOT my favorite organ. Boisterous and very harsh sounding.
Good grief - I don’t see any walking boards - how on earth at the front pipes on those chests tuned?
Having held keys for a lot of tunings, I can only say that it requires some nimbleness for sure. On the other hand, the flues are rarely touched, as the organ stays in tune remarkably well. Also, the swell grates were originally screwed on from the inside, and Martin changed that in 2017 so they can be much more easily removed if tuning those front ranks is required.