When I was much younger as an organ student my instructor took me to Wanamakers, now Macy's and the organist allowed us the chance to play the organ. Of course I selected Ave Maria and I was crying as I played this most magnificent organ. A lot of people were wiping their eyes... One of the greatest memories of my life and I thank the Wanamaker organists and my late instructor for letting me have a chance to play. As I traveled the world during my USN career and in private business I visited many churches and cathedrals and had the wonderful pleasure to play their organs and yep Ave Maria I always played, as it was my Mothers and Grandmothers fav. Sadly I cannot play my Hammond B3 nor my Conn organ due to disability but otherwise you would hear me 2 hours a day playing all of the hymns and songs of my day. Thanks to all and KZread for sharing so many wonderful vids that kids today should watch and learn and enjoy Pax+

@hepzebahsu

Жыл бұрын

My Dad had a Hammond B3 and I wish I had more recordings of him playing. We visited the Wanamaker organ console together many years ago - usually we just listened from downstairs. Don't live in the Delaware Valley anymore so appreciate these youtubes.

I'm a Philly kid (albeit now 72 years old). I have always loved the Wanamaker tradition with the organ and the Christmas light show (with John Facenda). I introduced my wife then our daughter to the light show and for years we went to the store on Black Friday to see Santa; have lunch in the Crystal Tea room then watch the light show (we also did a little shopping then home). In college I worked at Wanamakers ( mid to late 60s) during the Christmas season and always on the Main floor...as such I was constantly entertained by the talented organist and that wonderous instrument. I have always been grateful that Macy's has continued the tradition ...we are/have been so fortunate in this city and area to have such a wonderful institution.

and Merry Christmas All 2020!!

Breathtaking. If I ever return to the US, I'll make a stop there.

29,000 pipes and you can hear every one of them!

Christmas Organ!!

The first time I heard this great organ was in in the 1950's when Mary Voght was organist. Her playing left a lot to be desired but I loved the sounds. I still remember her playing "The Money Tree"...how droll is that. I loved it. Years and years later, I got to hear Keith Chapman play it and it was an awakening! He was a friend of Lowell Ayers who, along with his charming wife Reba, took us to Philadelphia to hear Keith play this fabulous instrument. I'm so glad that is it still one of the great instruments of the world.

Superb! The organ sounds grand...much credit to Macy's for keeping this magnificent musical instrument alive and well. And of course, kudos to Mr. Conte for his mastery of these vast tonal resources. Thanks.

I love that organ.

Next year, in Philadelphia!!!!! Yes, I must hear the next one live... Thank you, Macy's, for keeping this instrument alive and well.

@MarjorieEarlDean

4 жыл бұрын

Did you go?

also Thank you! Christmas Trumpeter!

Thanks for the vid. My brother John helped restore this musical masterpiece. Went there when I was a kid ,50's/60's when the Dancing Fountains were there at Christmas. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

great audio, especially for a Zoom H1. imagine what you could do with an H6 and some mics!

Прекрасная музыка!

I would be most grateful if some individual would post the titles (and the composer of each selection) of the pieces that Mr. Conte and Mr. Ennis played... Many thanks in advance....

Beautiful!!! Someone could tell me who's the music composer/title of the flugel /organ tune?? Thank you!

Where are the dancing fountains???

The audio on this is so weak -- detracting from the beauty this video could be. Have y'all ever had professional recording done with the organ ? Would be interested in owning that bit of music.

@cc17926

3 жыл бұрын

This is an amateur recording with amateur equipment. The best care was taken when recording and processing it, however this particular year I may have had an audio recording issue. I suggest checking my channel for the previous years which may sound much better for you.

@happyhome41

3 жыл бұрын

@@cc17926 Yes, I have, and they do. Thank you.

@cc17926

3 жыл бұрын

@@happyhome41 Excellent! Thank you for checking them out!

This organ is almost as old as Betty White....

What is that piece of music? Sounds like William Matthias Vero Carbum

I think these Christmas concerts would be so much nicer with a choir

Where does this take place?

@cc17926

6 жыл бұрын

Matthew Krieger This is at Macy's Department store in the John Wanamaker building, Center City Philadelphia

I'd love him to play chopsticks, really bring this organ to life.

where is this

@JBridges1092

7 жыл бұрын

Macy's in Philadelphia.

@luckyskittles5007

7 жыл бұрын

This is the John Wanamaker organ in downtown Philadelphia. It is the largest functioning organ in the world. Here is the history ..... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanamaker_Organ

@luckyskittles5007

7 жыл бұрын

Marie - Wanamakers was sold to Carter Hawley Hale (Nieman Marcus) in 1978. They might have kept the name until they sold to Hechts in the mid 80s. Next Macy's bought it and the name was officially change to Macy's. The organ is magnificent , if you can you should hear it. I haven't seen the light show for many years but it was a tradition (I am from Philly) . We used to take our daughter downtown to Wanamakers every Black Friday until she was a teenager to see Santa ; have lunch in the Crystal Tea Room ; watch the light show (with the dancing waters) and do a little shopping. It was a great tradition. Our daughter used to drag her boyfriends down to watch the light show when she got older.