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Classical Organists Opinions of Theatre Organs

AllanP

New member
At a Christmas party today, the question arose that it appears that some of our classical organ friends really appear to intensely dislike theatre organs (without ever having heard one). My first organ teacher is a neo-baroque fan who typifies this attitude.

This forum is primarily a classical organ forum. Does anyone have any explanation for the attitude expressed above? Is this related to the dislike for the "romantic" style of organ design?

I have run into this view point in the past. Is it possible that organists are becoming more flexible today?
 

Contratrombone64

Admiral of Fugues
I think theatre organs are wonderful ... I like the fact that the pipe work is completely hidden, unlike their church or civic relatives. My only gripe is that they always tend to have an over the top tremulant which never seems to be switched off ...
 
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Corno Dolce

Admiral Honkenwheezenpooferspieler
I love the Theatre Organ. But I have yet much more to learn about it. I purchase Dave Junchen's book on the Wurlitzers and it has been a wonderful piece of reference material. I shall be purchasing some more material about the Theatre Organ so that I may become really conversant in the subject.

Back in my youthful days, I always went to hear the organ at Radio City Music Hall - attended their Christmas show and many other pagents. Whenever the organist kicked in the 64' Resultants, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Dick Liebert and Raymond Bohr were on the staff of organists back then. The acoustics of the Music Hall have changed quite significantly after the renovations - they are poorer imo - so sad!!! :cry::bawl::shake::banghead::scold:
 

methodistgirl

New member
I got to hear only one theatre organ while I visited Pheonix Ariz. when
I was a teenager and in my twenties. It was huge. It makes the one
I play look like a little Hammond instead of a pipe organ. I saw a
hammond as a pipe organ once and played a small one that I learned to
hate while I was still a kid. The silly thing had a graphic equalizer on it
instead of stops and sqawked like a chicken if not adjusted just right.
But theatre organs I like as long as they don't look like they just came
from the circus and look nice.
judy tooley
 

Corno Dolce

Admiral Honkenwheezenpooferspieler
Hi gang,

Radio City Music Hall is one of the triumphs of Art-Deco Architecture. It was and still is considered the showplace of the Nation. Before people had television, the show broadcasts from Radio City brought countless hours of entertainment to the masses.

Cheers,

Corno Dolce
 

NEB

New member
Actually I do indeed like theatre organs, And I'm in awe of those people who can really play them well in the various styles they're intended for because I can't - never learnt how, and it's too late for me anyway!
 

Corno Dolce

Admiral Honkenwheezenpooferspieler
Hi NEB,

I would think its never to late too learn the Theatre Organ if you put your heart into it.

Humbly,

Corno Dolce
 

Krummhorn

Administrator
Staff member
ADMINISTRATOR
Love this stuff ... Fortunate for me, we have a IV/79 Wurlitzer just 110 miles away in Mesa, Arizona - (pics and specs) that I travel to see at least 4 times each year. Two of their regular organists, Charlie Balogh and Lew Williams, do a splendid job of exploring the entire resources of this magnificent organ ... and yes, they do play things with the trems off, too. Lew always performs the Mulet Thou Art The Rock in his evening set at least once. He also does things like The Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke) using the horizontal trumpet mounted on the back wall. Going there after Christmas one night with my Son while he is here for the holidays.
 
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