This series of video recordings are stunning. The ability of today's recording technology to capture the nuanced voicing and timbres of the Wanamaker organ are phenomenal. It really showcases all the thought that John and Rodman Wanamaker, Till, Baecker, Couboin, and many others evisioned for this symphonic masterpiece.
The enormity, power, and complete tonal range of this instrument aside, one of the things I am amazed at is the expressive range of the swell shades. Just a small thing I noticed, but it makes a huge difference.
I love a lot of classical music played on the Wanamaker Organ, especially orchestral transcriptions such as Mr. Conte's Wagner compositions, and hope that someday a CD of his Wagner performances will be released. Also, Mr. Conte's transcription of Richard Strauss' Moonlight Scene is sublime. For those who are fans of this magnificent treasure, it is impossible to fully appreciate it unless you have made a pilgrimage to hear it in person. It may have never sounded better, with all of the restoration work that also included improving the acoustics of the Grand Court. Meet me at the Eagle!
Be still my soul…. I’ve been yearning to hear Finlandia on the Grand Court Organ again. Thank you so very much! Can’t wait for Wanamaker Organ Day in September!
I hope there are more videos that you will post here. I just found you and can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this channel. This is so uplifting and motivating to listen to.
Thank you Mr. Conte for sharing your musicianship and your skill at transcription. We devotees of organ performance also owe great thanks and recognition to Macy's commitment and continuing investment in this glorious instrument!
Thank you so much for sharing these marvelous pieces on CZcams. What a treat for those if us who love organ music. Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch mentioned your instrument in one of his concerts. He commented on the large sting section, of the Wanamaker Organ. I would enjoy visiting PA to hear and see this instrument in person.
The tannhauser overture is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. There is nothing in the world that can compete with the sound of this organ, the strings are incredible. Can you please play the whole tannhauser overture (arr. Lemare) at some point? it would sound incredible on this instrument.
@@thewanamakerorgan Thank you! and thank you for bringing this incredible instrument to the world, especially through the internet, so everyone can catch a glimpse of what it sounds like.
Would love to hear the organ accompany a choir singing Pilgrims Chorus. Thanks for posting. Hope to get back to Wanamaker's again to hear the organ in person.
This is amazing. Don't know if/when we'll ever get to Philly, but should we get to do so we'll definitely have to stop and "shop" during the organ program (then shop for real afterwards). In the mean time, these recordings are really good - kudos to the audio engineer for capturing this magnificent instrument in as much grandeur as possible.
This series of video recordings are stunning. The ability of today's recording technology to capture the nuanced voicing and timbres of the Wanamaker organ are phenomenal. It really showcases all the thought that John and Rodman Wanamaker, Till, Baecker, Couboin, and many others evisioned for this symphonic masterpiece.
The enormity, power, and complete tonal range of this instrument aside, one of the things I am amazed at is the expressive range of the swell shades. Just a small thing I noticed, but it makes a huge difference.
I love a lot of classical music played on the Wanamaker Organ, especially orchestral transcriptions such as Mr. Conte's Wagner compositions, and hope that someday a CD of his Wagner performances will be released. Also, Mr. Conte's transcription of Richard Strauss' Moonlight Scene is sublime. For those who are fans of this magnificent treasure, it is impossible to fully appreciate it unless you have made a pilgrimage to hear it in person. It may have never sounded better, with all of the restoration work that also included improving the acoustics of the Grand Court. Meet me at the Eagle!
Be still my soul…. I’ve been yearning to hear Finlandia on the Grand Court Organ again. Thank you so very much! Can’t wait for Wanamaker Organ Day in September!
I hope there are more videos that you will post here. I just found you and can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this channel. This is so uplifting and motivating to listen to.
Brilliant thumbing.
Thank you Mr. Conte for sharing your musicianship and your skill at transcription. We devotees of organ performance also owe great thanks and recognition to Macy's commitment and continuing investment in this glorious instrument!
Saw this guy perform this exact song a few months ago. Spectacular to hear in person.
Bravo! And thanks for the Strauss -- can't wait to hunt and do it up.
TRUELLY WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing these marvelous pieces on CZcams. What a treat for those if us who love organ music. Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch mentioned your instrument in one of his concerts. He commented on the large sting section, of the Wanamaker Organ. I would enjoy visiting PA to hear and see this instrument in person.
Please do come visit us. You can schedule a tour at wanamakerorgan.com
Absolutely magnificent. I’m glad CZcams was able to recommend this channel to me.
Glad you enjoy it!
Well done!
Finnlandia...greatly played. Always remembers me of Scandanivia and special persons I met over there !!!
Thnks!!!!
You're welcome! We're really glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful! Great musician. I hope to see more concerts in 4K !! Maybe another concert season in the next future featuring Maestro Conte!
We would love to upgrade to 4K; if anyone reading would like to sponsor that jump, contact the Friends!
The tannhauser overture is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. There is nothing in the world that can compete with the sound of this organ, the strings are incredible.
Can you please play the whole tannhauser overture (arr. Lemare) at some point? it would sound incredible on this instrument.
We keep a running list of requests and will gladly add this to it!
@@thewanamakerorgan Thank you! and thank you for bringing this incredible instrument to the world, especially through the internet, so everyone can catch a glimpse of what it sounds like.
Completely Enchanted!!!
Would love to hear the organ accompany a choir singing Pilgrims Chorus. Thanks for posting. Hope to get back to Wanamaker's again to hear the organ in person.
That Pilgrim’s Chorus is just a fantastic opener! Amazing from start to finish!
Finlandia on 1 organ! I'm a fan. Never thought I'd hear that piece on such a majestical big instrument. Well done 😊
Fabulous!
Awe-inspiring. Humbling. Thrilling. ... Thank you for sharing your talent and showcasing this magnificent instrument!
Sr. Peter Richard, muito obrigado por nos oferecer este concerto, não me canso de o ver, um grande abraço do Jorge Baptista, aqui de Portugal.
Much thanks again for this masterful program
This is amazing. Don't know if/when we'll ever get to Philly, but should we get to do so we'll definitely have to stop and "shop" during the organ program (then shop for real afterwards). In the mean time, these recordings are really good - kudos to the audio engineer for capturing this magnificent instrument in as much grandeur as possible.
Finlandia is the piece for all those people who go "why are there SIX manuals?"
Very beautiful!!
Did somebody in housewares die? I heard funeral music!