Classical Musician. The preeminent organ player of the 20th century, he gave recitals on practically every important organ in the world, and was the first non-German artist to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany, and gave what was considered a daring concert recital at New York City, New York's Fillmore East Concert Hall, where, in 1970, he gave an all-Bach program combined with a light show on the Rodgers Touring Organ. He expanded upon a practice he had begun years earlier of speaking to the audience from the stage, discussing the music and bringing a new dimension to his concerts. For nine years, "Heavy Organ" toured across the country to various cities, colleges, and festivals. Virgil Fox is credited with bringing the music of Bach to young people with an innovative and exciting style, although he often drew adverse criticism from some of his colleagues in the organ world and from those music critics who found his approach too flamboyant. His final performance took place on September 26, 1980, at the opening concert of the Dallas, Texas Symphony's season. His life ended in 1980, following a four-year fight with cancer.
Classical Musician. The preeminent organ player of the 20th century, he gave recitals on practically every important organ in the world, and was the first non-German artist to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany, and gave what was considered a daring concert recital at New York City, New York's Fillmore East Concert Hall, where, in 1970, he gave an all-Bach program combined with a light show on the Rodgers Touring Organ. He expanded upon a practice he had begun years earlier of speaking to the audience from the stage, discussing the music and bringing a new dimension to his concerts. For nine years, "Heavy Organ" toured across the country to various cities, colleges, and festivals. Virgil Fox is credited with bringing the music of Bach to young people with an innovative and exciting style, although he often drew adverse criticism from some of his colleagues in the organ world and from those music critics who found his approach too flamboyant. His final performance took place on September 26, 1980, at the opening concert of the Dallas, Texas Symphony's season. His life ended in 1980, following a four-year fight with cancer.
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