J.S. BACH 'Great' Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 - Paul Jacobs, Organ

Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs performs Johann Sebastian Bach's blazing "Great" Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 on the Hazel Wright Organ at Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA. "Hazel" is the fifth largest organ in the world, with more than 17,000 pipes and nearly 300 ranks. It combines the 1962 Aeolian-Skinner instrument from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City with the 1977 Ruffatti organ originally built for the Garden Grove Community Church (later the Crystal Cathedral).

Thumbnail: Priscilla C. Scott.

[Hailstormand]

When seeing his feet dancing at the pedals I keep thinking of the possibly apocryphal story about how a contemporary of Bach was so incensed at the fact that some rich man wanted to give Bach a gold ring for each of Bach's fingers after a particularly grand performance, the fellow said: "DON'T FORGET HIS FEET!"

[carinatiotuico]

The most remarkable organist in the world the only one who received a Grammy.
His name is Another Bach!
I can not believe it so perfect. Paul you are touching souls and hearts, I really love your concerts and I miss them!❤❤❤❤❤

[serf]

Love the sound! Bach is smiling down on you! Thank you!

[stefanodeluca-jlsi]

Grazie per averci regalato questa bellissima e perfetta esecuzione. S.D.G. Stupendo e grandioso Organo Ruffatti

[Barpoint]

A phenomenal reading! The vitality, the registration, and the overwhelming handling of the big pedal point at 2:55 and its resolution - which I note with no surprise is the most replayed section of the video.

[TRUE_FAITH]

The Incomparable Mr. Jacobs is at it again! Stunning piece ! Can't wait for more!!!

[friedrichExplorer]

This is one of the best performances, well perhaps the best😊

[Vince_uk]

This skips along brilliantly excellently played.

[charlesdavis]

You're the most perfect, clear-cut, fifty karat diamond I've ever seen. I think you are making History right now... related to being one the 21st Century's finest.

And ignorant me... just discovered you about three weeks ago. I'd like to hear some of your compositions and/or improvs.
Congratulations on a long and prosperous career.
Best wishes. CVD

[stefanocorti]

Dear Mr. Jacobs, thank yoy for these outstanding videos. Wonderful performance and beautiful footage in 4K...I hope to find more music from this Ruffatti organ !!!!❤

[phwbooth]

Bach at his very, very best. Good performance, again in late nineteenth-century style.

[radiogirl]

Sir, I am speechless. This is one of my favorite pieces by Bach whom I consider to be the greatest composure in history. What an incredible performance! Bravo! 👏

[lawrencetaylor]

Wow. As a beginning keyboard player trying to play Bach, Bravo.

[edheffron]

Brilliantly musical--your playing always is. Thank you so much.

[carinatiotuico]

My best friend and a Grammy Artist Orgamist who touches souls and hearts called Another Bach

[james.flores]

Excellently executed. Memory work is amazing!

[Tribsaboy]

Wonderful! Come and play on one of Europes Cavaillé Coll organs to get the full experience.

[TomasiAndre]

Mr Jacobs, first of all, thank you very very much for this beautiful interpretation of yours. Everything is really impressive and you've added many layers of color through your registration and perfect tempo. I have a strong emotional connection with this piece and, from the many videoclips I have watched from various organists playing this wonderful fugue, yours is my choice as the best record ever. I am an organist myself in São Paulo, Brazil, and I wish i could play as majestic and technically accurate as you do, truly inspiring. Bach is my favorite composer and the complexity and elegance of his work just emanate from your fingers giving us the impression that everything is effortless, pure sprezzatura. By the way, consider your pose at the end of the video stolen, it is just the perfect ending for any keyboard piece being recorded on camera. Thanks once more, from a huge fan of yours all the way from South America.

[twood]

Just an excellent performance of this might Fugue! I could listen to Mr. Jacobs playing on this organ all day!!! Especially if his playing was BACH !

Thanks for taking the time to enhance our lives through your magnificient playing of BACH. I do sincerely appreciate it.

[jeffjensen]

FLAWLESS As Usual. Best EVER VERSION. Love Your Registration Choice! I Am Curious If The AO Skinner Organ Also Was Refurbished As Well. I Know The Rufatti Organ Was Completely Redone. Well Let Me KNOW AWSOME PLAYING As Always. NEVER Tired Of Getting My Organ Fix Each And Every Day Listening To Paul Jacobs & Other WELL KNOWN Concert Organist.