Last night, Oh what a night

[gvasale]

The old industrial city of Worcester, Ma., last night had an event at "our" old, but somewhat newly (2008) restored vaudeville theater, the Hanover Theater, (originaly **Poli) renamed after a local insurance company.

The event was the showcasing of a restored theater organ, as they described it as "The Mighty Wurlitzer." It brought tears to my eyes, and a giddy feeling somewhat but not entirely reminscent of other important "first times."

There were three vocalists who performed along with organ accompanyment, and several selections from the "popular" music genre. The highlight being Laurel and Hardy's silent movie "Liberty" with the Wurlitzer (forgive me for saying it this way) nocking the snot out of the theater. WOW!

This is one situation where our beloved Altecs can only play second fiddle.

I know the event is passed, but I'll find and link the article in the local paper.


Anytime an event like this takes place, it is not to be missed! http://www.telegram.com/article/20101031/NEWS/10310614

[Altec Best]

The old industrial city of Worcester, Ma., last night had an event at "our" old, but somewhat newly (2008) restored vaudeville theater, the Hanover Theater, (originaly **Poli) renamed after a local insurance company.

The event was the showcasing of a restored theater organ, as they described it as "The Mighty Wurlitzer." It brought tears to my eyes, and a giddy feeling somewhat but not entirely reminscent of other important "first times."

There were three vocalists who performed along with organ accompanyment, and several selections from the "popular" music genre. The highlight being Laurel and Hardy's silent movie "Liberty" with the Wurlitzer (forgive me for saying it this way) nocking the snot out of the theater. WOW!

This is one situation where our beloved Altecs can only play second fiddle.

I know the event is passed, but I'll find and link the article in the local paper.


Anytime an event like this takes place, it is not to be missed! A new song

Hey Greg, Very cool isn't it. I hope you took some pictures of the theater and just document that old stuff that is disappearing rapidly. :2thumbsup:

I love seeing those old organs, 2400 pipes, pencil sized to 16 feet tall. WOW ! It takes a true craftsman to maintain those old pipe organs, who we are losing forever.Please tell me you have some more pictures of the inner workings of that organ AWESOME !!!!

Thanks for posting that Greg much appreciated ! Regards ~ John

[gvasale]

John: Alas, I was not prepared to do any photography, not withstanding my brother-in-law volunteers there. The link I provided has some photos that were done by a T&G staff photographer. They had a live feature with the showing of one of the banks of pipes with a man who was part of the restoration crew giving a "tour" and some interaction with the organist at the keyboard. Quite a show. I do believe it was recorded, but I don't know any details. I wish I could go to every event featuring this beast (lovingly stated.)

As you well may know, there ain't anything like it. Truly awesom. Now, I'd like to "see" so to speak, some heavy classical organ programs there.

Quote from the organist " J.S. Bach said It (the organ) is the easiest instrument to play. You only need to press a particular key at the correct time and the organ does the rest"
Or something like that.

link to video of organ Most recent

[Art J.]

Congrats on the great experience. Great to see a new organ fan.
My family has been into the organ world like forever.

If you really want to be blown away, take the short drive to Methuen
and hear one of the most unique organs in the country. They are having open house
the first weekend in December.

Home ? Methuen Memorial Music Hall

[bowtie427ss]

Congrats on the great experience. Great to see a new organ fan.
My family has been into the organ world like forever.

If you really want to be blown away, take the short drive to Methuen
and hear one of the most unique organs in the country. They are having open house
the first weekend in December.

Home ? Methuen Memorial Music Hall

And for those that can't make the drive to Methuen, there are some very well done recordings available that will unveil the testicular fortitude of your system, or lack thereof.

[gvasale]

To those who added replys, they were warmly received. Not to be redundant, pipe organs are GREAT.

I have some CBS recordings of E. Power Biggs, and I seem to recall somewhat vaguely a photo of the Methuen organ somewhere.

My biggest gripe with the classical music recordings available today is the very slow progression of updating the old analog recordings to modern digital (all digital, not analog remastered.)

One can argue vociferously about the merits or lack of in this respect, but the changes available wrt dynamic range, overall noise reduction and lack of "user wear" are definite plusses.

Last year I found Arron Copeland's organ symphony had been released on cd and it was worth waiting for. So many LPs to update, my Beetoven, Mahler, Shoshtakovich, & Vaugh-Williams symphonies are well under way.

The next biggest gripe is that I feel home audio and the enjoyment of music for a great many people is no longer what it was. I-podz and the ilk have converted the enjoyment of music to continuous background noise of stuff I wouldn't touch with someone else's 10ft pole. Hope no one is offended.

[Altec Best]

link to video of organ Most recent

Very cool indeed.In the video you see all the instruments that the organ controls drums,cymbals,bells awesome !!

Thanks for posting Greg ! You too Art ! :2thumbsup:

[bfish]

...This is one situation where our beloved Altecs can only play second fiddle...

Ain't nothin' like the real thing baby!