by Bert Shapiro
Two award winning documentaries about the King of the Instruments
DVD1: Organistas
Winner of a Directors Award at the prestigious Black Maria Film Festival.
In this impressionistic view behind the scenes into the fascinating world of
the pipe organ, master musicians reveal why they are passionate about the
"King of Instruments". World renowned designers and craftspeople
show how the sophisticated, rarely-seen skills of “voicing” and molten-
metal forming are used to make the organ “speak” with a unique sound.
The film uses music ranging from Bach to the contemporary master Stephen
Paulus. Their glorious sounds are heard and “seen” in magnificent churches,
chapels, concert halls and private homes. Also included is rare filming of
a tiny instrument built about 1680 being played in a private office in
London, performed especially for the film.
"....it is one of the most amazing films I have ever seen on pipe organ building......."
"....one is taken on this roller-coaster ride, footage is a joy in itself...."
DVD 2: Creating the Stradivarius of Organs
"Unlike other instruments, the organ is designed, built and voiced for a specific space. This film beautifully highlights the unique symbiosis between the instrument and the building and the instrument and the performer. I salute this inspiring tribute to the King of Instruments at St.Ignatius Loyola."
Joseph Colaneri, Staff Conductor, Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, NYC Director, Opera Program, Mannes College of Music, NYC