In a stunning musical spectacle that blended cinematic flair with historic engineering, the iconic “He’s a Pirate” theme from Pirates of the Caribbean was recently performed on the world’s largest pipe organ, captivating audiences online and beyond.
The monumental instrument the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall holds the title of the largest pipe organ in the world by number of pipes, with more than 33,000 individual pipes filling the vast main auditorium. Built between 1929 and 1932, this gargantuan organ has earned multiple Guinness World Records designations, including for largest and loudest musical instrument ever constructed.
Recently, talented organists have taken advantage of this one-of-a-kind instrument to bring new life to beloved musical themes and none more thrilling than “He’s a Pirate,” the rousing main theme from Disney’s blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean film series composed by Klaus Badelt with Hans Zimmer as producer. The piece familiar to millions around the world gained fresh power when played through the vast ranks of pipes at Boardwalk Hall, soaring through the cavernous space with thunderous resonance.
The performance has been shared widely on social media, delighting fans of both film music and organ enthusiasts, and highlighting the enduring appeal of live organ music in a digital age. Videos of the rendition show the instrument’s massive console — with its dozens of stops and keyboards in action as “He’s a Pirate” fills the hall with its adventurous energy. The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ remains a celebrated cultural treasure and a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship. Performances like this one not only honor the instrument’s rich legacy but also bring new audiences to appreciate the power and versatility of pipe organ music from classical standards to iconic film scores.
