I first heard Moonlight in Vermont played on Reuter No. 92, 9 ranks, 1923, and originally installed at First Presbyterian Church in Alva, OK. FRED W. NEUMAN bought it and moved it to his home at 616 14th Street, also in Alva about 1965. There he added a Vox Humana, widened the vibrato and sped it up considerably, and tinkered around with it enough that it sounded somewhat like a Theatre Organ. Fred had his own arrangement of Moonlight in Vermont, very much like this one. Us boys used to stand around the organ, singing from the large-print music sheets he had made. (in 1966 I dont think I even knew where Vermont was). Fred introduced us to so much that is good about life. But theres more: Reuter No 92 is the instrument Marilyn Mason practiced on as a young student!! And she has played it at both locations!! I remember she said it was a wonderful instrument on which to practice Bach Trio Sonatas (I must learn one if those someday). Reuter No 92 still lives at Freds house, needing some love. I have been asked to write its specifications and these interesting tidbits so that this information can be archived with the Organ Historical Society. (I hope I get to that someday). Lastly, I would like to announce the upcoming Inaugural Recital of a recital series honoring Dr Marilyn Mason at her home church, First Presbyterian of Alva, OK. A student of the American Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma will be selected by Jeremy Wance, who with Rod Murrow of Alva is planning the event. The date is soon to be announced. Steve Neuman : want you to know about this too. Now to listen again to Moonlight in Vermont. (Loved Willies version on the Stardust album)
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:59:31 +0000
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