Extremely underrated?

[AMDguy]

Hi All,
I am still relatively new to the organ, and I have not listened to some of the composers mentioned in other threads, but the British organist, Jonathan Scott is not mentioned anywhere (at least that I can find). He does organ/piano duets with his brother, Tom Scott, but his organ solos are incredibile (his transcription of the 4th movement of Saint-Saens Symphony no. 3 is amazing). I am curious as to others thoughts, especially in comparison to Gert van Hoef.

https://www.youtube.com/user/scottbrothersduo

[timnc]

Yes, there are some contemporaries such as Hector Olivera or Diane Bish that are much more commonly known, but notoriety does not and should not in any way diminish how we rate other lesser known organists. I have not heard of Jonathan Scott. Thanks for posting. It is a good reminder for us to look out for talent we have not heard before—or “heard-of” but not considered. I will certainly check him out.

[lizny]

I found Jonathan Scott just a few weeks ago and have been working through his youtube videos. I adore his Pachelbel, I play it over and over and tend to forget to breath somewhere around 3:50. Watch the hands closely in the Tannhauser overture, around minute 2:50. Hilarious - and stunningly beautiful. I'm afraid I'm turning into a bit of a fangirl.

[richj]

Hi All,
I am still relatively new to the organ, and I have not listened to some of the composers mentioned in other threads, but the British organist, Jonathan Scott is not mentioned anywhere (at least that I can find). He does organ/piano duets with his brother, Tom Scott, but his organ solos are incredibile (his transcription of the 4th movement of Saint-Saens Symphony no. 3 is amazing). I am curious as to others thoughts, especially in comparison to Gert van Hoef.

I find Jonathan Scott to be the more polished performer of the two, but Gert van Hoef often more exciting (and a bit daring!). Especially in the Finale of Symphony #3 by Camile Saint-Saëns recording you refer to.

Gert van Hoef uses Jonathan Scott's arrangement, but makes some very interesting changes. I have a brief comparison of the two recordings here:

https://organforum.com/forums/forum/...416#post662416

Since writing those comments about his choosing stops that bring out instrumental color, I've discovered another example in his performance of the organ transcription of the JS Bach Sinfonia from Cantata #29. I posted about that here:

https://organforum.com/forums/forum/...-29#post663938

All of this is my own subjective opinion, of course!

regards,

- richard

[Pipeorganbuilder]

I have been enjoying the music of Jonathan and his brother Tom for the last two years and found them very refreshing. Their videos are always top notch. Thanks for mentioning them.

Michael

[AMDguy]

One of the reasons that I prefer the Scott brothers to Gert Van Hoef is because I think that the quality of the Scott brother's recordings are much better (audio wise, but video also), and I just enjoy them more... I also really enjoy their piano duets. I have not really listened to many other composers (Oliveria, Bish, etc.), so I will go and listen to some of their music...

I also listened to the Gert Van Hoef recording of Scott's arrangement for Saint-Saens no. 3, and I like some of Gert Van Hoef's registrations better, but I do feel that Scotts recording "pops" a bit more and I like how his tempo is a bit more consistent. I mentioned it above, but I do feel that the audio quality of all the Scott brother's recordings is totally unmatched, all of the bass is there, and it is just clearer to my ear, through my sound system (Sony DAV-C990; yea, its old, but it works great, and a big upgrade from the 19 watts that I had before). Maybe the audio quality is the reason why I like Scott's recordings so much better than everyone else (I am a stickler for audio quality)... anyone else share a similar opinion?

Also: I know it is somewhat unrelated, but while we are on the topic of Camille Saint-Saens (if you cannot already tell, his 3rd Symphony is my favorite piece of music; ever.) if you want a truly amazing version of the finale of his 3rd symphony, then check out this (listed below) version by the Auckland Symphony. make sure you have a speaker system that is capable of a lot of bass, and turn it way, way up. The bass in this version is unlike any other I have ever heard, anywhere, truly monstrous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW-7S9fjyfU

[richj]

One of the reasons that I prefer the Scott brothers to Gert Van Hoef is because I think that the quality of the Scott brother's recordings are much better (audio wise, but video also), and I just enjoy them more...]

No argument here! Having a professional recording technician in the family has its benefits.

Maybe the audio quality is the reason why I like Scott's recordings so much better than everyone else (I am a stickler for audio quality)... anyone else share a similar opinion?

The opposite, actually.

I recall the LP release of Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition in the Sofia Bulgaria piano concert by Sviatoslav Richter. It was in the dead of winter, coughing can be heard, and the placement of the microphones was not ideal. Yet, it remains one of the most stupendous performances of that piece, and that LP recording received the Winner, Grand Prix du Disque in 1960 (coughing, not ideal audio quality, and a few wrong notes and all!).

That was very early in my music career, and I think because of that (and other not-always-ideal live recordings when in college) that I am somewhat forgiving about the quality of the recording if the performance is engaging.

-richard.

[timnc]

I find it difficult to compare organists to each other unless there is an apparent lack of technique. Stylistically, my subjective ear changes from time to time (maybe age, maybe mood). Although, as over-done as it is, Bach's Toccata & Fugue in Dm is still a long time fav. I like Karl Richter's performance (recorded in the 60's) best--the timing, tempo, and all around expression just seem to please my ear. Other than that, I waffle back and forth on everything else.

[timnc]

Ok, I just watched Jonathan Scott's performance of his own arrangement of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture on youtube--on the Bridgewater Hall organ in Manchester UK. Just "WOW." Extremely brilliant organist and musician.

[jbird604]

Amazing! How did I now know about these guys? Love the Tannhauser at 2:50 where a thumb becomes a third hand!

[AMDguy]

I got into the organ a few months ago, and decided to learn to play, and in the process of scouring the internet (I am teaching myself), found these guys. They really do have some great music... I am also addicted to their piano duet of The Arrival of Queen Sheba.