Mmmm. Big Organs.

Several years ago while idly roaming the streets of Boston, I happened to be drawn into an old church by the sounds emanating from within. The organ was being serviced, and the technician appeared to be buttoning up when I arrived. What fascinated me about this particular installation is that while the mechanicals appeared to be entirely original, the console had been retrofitted with electronic controls, similar to a MIDI piano. So the tech would load a song, start the instrument playing, and then go off to fiddle with whatever piece he happened to be testing.

Interesting mix of technologies.

 

My dad had a friend who's dad was a pastor back east when he was growing up, he'd let my dad play the organ during the week, usually Beatles, Rolling Stones, Doors, or Cream. I bet it'd sound awesome. Nothing to do with classical, just thought I'd "pipe" in with my organ story.

 

Vivaldi"s Winter, preferably by The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is one of my personal favorites.

 

Oh yeah too bad that every time I listen to it I cant get out of my head how it was brutalized as a sample in that ******* song "like a boy"

 

Sorry, I'm in one of my classical moods and can't get away from Gould, so I resurrect this thread. Any of you care for Gould's work? I think most of his stuff is brilliantly executed. Something about this piece I really love.



Something about the part from 1:36-1:42 sends chills down my spine.