ORGAN LESSONS - HOW TO PLAY WIDOR TOCCATA - JONATHAN SCOTT

Here are the video links to Jonathan's How To Play The Pipe Organ Series mentioned in the video.
HOW TO PLAY THE PIPE ORGAN BOOK 1:
HOW TO PLAY THE PIPE ORGAN BOOK 2:
THE SOMETIME ORGANIST
THE CHRISTMAS SOMETIME ORGANIST

All these videos and digital books are also useful for anyone searching for organ lessons and tuition for beginners.

For more information about Scott Brothers Duo please visit:
More scores are available from:
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We hope you enjoy watching this video, and please do let us know if there are any pieces that you would like us to include in this series! We look forward to continuing to be a part of your organ playing journey.
Jonathan & Tom (Scott Brothers Duo)

ORGAN LESSON - HOW TO PLAY WIDOR'S TOCCATA
(from Symphony No. 5, Op. 42 No. 1)
Filmed at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK
Organ by Marcussen & Son (1996)

00:00 INTRODUCTION
00:56 GETTING STARTED
01:38 THE RIGHT HAND
06:33 THE LEFT HAND
08:47 HANDS TOGETHER
10:26 THE PEDALS
13:28 PUTTING IT TOGETHER
14:52 PRACTICE METHOD
15:48 FINGER SUBSTITUTION
16:28 PEDAL OCTAVES & TOE/HEEL SUBSTITUTION
17:35 HAND CROSSING
18:50 THE PERFORMANCE (REGISTRATIONS)
23:15 USING THE SWELL PEDAL
26:40 THE RECAPITULATION
31:52 COMPLETE PERFORMANCE OF WIDOR TOCCATA BY JONATHAN SCOTT

[brooksiefan]

Jonathan and Tom Scott achieved a mature mastership in their art that allows them both to interpret a broad repertoire with full authority but also to teach from broad experience, what make Jonathan's classes relevant to the minutest detail. All that is brought to video through the unique sensibility Tom has for building up beautiful images that illustrated every word and sound to perfection. A much cherished and unique opportunity. Thank you so very much maestri!

[waikanaebeach]

Johnathan plays with both technical excellence and feeling, a true master playing a masterpiece. Bravo!

[MenelionFR]

I wish I could have this superhuman as a teacher in person. Extremely well explained!

[paulkoza]

Gosh, Jonathan. This is the first time I hsve watched one of your instructional videos. I'm so happy to see that you are providing teaching and tips to current and future musicians. I consider you to be the best organist I've ever heard. I always thought you should be cloned, but passing your musical knowledge to aspiring organists is so much better. Thank you.

[John-hrbj]

Yes, I would appreciate more "organ lessons" from the great master.

[limitstoprogress]

Already, Johnathan, I can't figure out how you have time for all the wonders that you (and Tom) do, from concerts, to preparation, for further studies, and on top of that, doing masterful transcriptions! Now add on top of all that, these fabulous organ lessons! Where is your cape?

[timhulse]

I would love to hear your interpretation and tips on BWV #29. It's difficult to find audio of that piece that conveys the emotion and technicality that Bach intended. Incredible performance and extremely helpful exercises, thank you!

[paoloburo]

Grazie per questa fantastica lezione su un pezzo che amo molto.Tempo perfetto e chiarissima l'articolazione, esecuzione eccellente. Bravissimo!!!👏👏👏👏👏

[BaroqueBach.]

Great video! How about a lesson on Bach's 'Great' G minor fugue?

[gmfamcdonald]

Watching this detailed illustration of the intricate attention to so many nuances in the presentation of such excellence, gives me a much broader appreciation of Jonathan's complete dedication to his 'art' and I will marvel as I watch with 'new eyes', his other videos, which employ similar techniques! I learn so much, not only the growing repertoire of beautiful music, but its history, the composers and the precious place it holds in the human culture. Your contribution to this is monumental, Jonathan. Thank you for the joy you bring us!

[terryr.sublimeorganmusic]

Wishing you much success with this new endeavor. No doubt there are scores of musicians eager for a masterclass with you. Seeing the finger techniques was interesting & I needed a refresher in terminology.
I must, however, play Widor as I always have: open YouTube, select SBD playlists, find Widor, press play. 😉 Thanks for your dedication. ❤️❤️🎹🎶

[epincion]

Absolutely sublime. I was enthralled as Jonathan was explaining all the technical skills needed and the rhythm that Widor intended and the registrations to get the ‘best’ performance.
I was gobsmacked as it sunk in just how naturally talented Jonathan is but all the hours of practice he has put in to his technique over all the years since he started playing (teaching himself!) the organ at age 10.
Huge thanks to Jonathan and Tom

[OperaNut]

This is a fantastic resource and how generous of Jonathan to share his knowledge and experience in this way. The video concludes with a thrilling performance of the Toccata, demonstrating all the techniques and ideas discussed. Perhaps a Bach fugue could be the next in the series???

[vincentneale]

Excellent tips on excerises I always do my finger excercises before I practice to loosen up fingers wrist etc It is important as I feel relaxed to play afterwards which means more control and able to get expression etc. My Uncle Tom taught me to play our Church organ he was a very gifted oragnist I took over from him after he retired due to ill health I have been a Church organist now for 58 years and I would like to find a younger player to take over from me.

[mariadesa]

What an incredible, wonderful, generous and impeccable presentation! Jonathan, in addition to completely mastering the organ, is an excellent teacher! And Tom's video shows Jonathan's explanation perfectly. You two will certainly help many new organists! Congratulations! ❤❤👏👏👏👏

[johannessilver]

Thanks for this great lesson...This piece has been my favorite since childhood. Every Christmas morning I was able to hear it in our Cathedral in Tampere when diploma organist Matti Hannula (RIP) played it in the end of the service with the great Kangasala organ. I wondered how this awesome sound can be made. Later I understood more and now even more...Thanks!

[mandyofmarymac]

Everything you do is at the masterpiece level. The pieces flow so smoothly in your extremely capable hands. The dedication and hard work shows, and we are the benefactors. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and watching you go step-by-step through this work is fascinating. What really surprised me was how you balance your body while playing. I've wondered about the crossing of your arms over the keyboard. Now I know why. I find myself in the presence of genius here, and I am glad. Thank you two both so much for this seamless video. xx

[carolpredeth]

Oh, I wish I could play!! What a wonderful resource for organists wishing to add to their repertoire! So this is the project you were working on at the Bridgewater Hall recently! What an excellent resource & with the accompanying PDF it gives you absolutely everything you could possibly need to master this fabulous piece. I love to hear you play this Jonathan, you're a true maestro! Thank you both for providing this unique series. I look forward to seeing what other pieces the organists in our midst can learn, courtesy of the Scott Brothers. xx

[kenrickmervine]

Bravo and congratulations! Such an excellent breakdown of technical and interpretive aspects of the immortal Toccata. As far as other classes: Bach’s Great G Minor Fugue and Sinfonia to Cantata #29🎶🎹 Please keep up the great work!

[debsg]

Very good, Jonathan. It will help many people to play the organ and Widor better. This song is beautiful. 👍🙏