What was the last new tune you heard on an organ?
What was the last tune on an organ you had not heard before that really impressed you? What was it called and who was the arranger? It was so long ago, but I still marvel at Kevin Meayers' "Force of Destiny" Ov for 98 in 2003. I don't think I have heard anything since classical or pop that was so impressive :(

hmmm. It's either "Force of Destiny" or "Die Fledermaus Overture" also done by Kevin on the A&R 98k Marenghi. Further down the imaginary list is the swing version of Fucik's "Florentiner Marsch" on the Vicky Verbeeck. However, this I think doesn't stand repeat listenings and the novelty wears off. For me it's a little too "cut-n-paste" repetitious. I'm sure the big Verbeeck are capable of far far more advanced performances in the years to come than much of what we hear them playing today. Feeding in Amarillo and Pirates of the Carribean is a cute crowd-puller but I do really feel that a proper "Force of Destiny" on, say, the Victory Verbeeck really exploring the instrument's capabilities would have crowds thronging around more readily even if the piece was less familiar. Trust me on this! I'm not knocking the existing repertoire and arrangers here. Organs only play music owners inherit or order to their own tastes. Making hours of pleasant music readily available for these monsters is no small task. BUT : it might be nice to hear just one or two showpiece books someone like Kevin took an inordinate amount of time and craftsmanship over to meld music to mechanism 100%. Anyhow, those are my thoughts : maybe they're a little too highbrow and idealistic - but there no good reason not to be that way from time to time. There's no prizes for lowbrow after all! LOL! your sincerely, being a bit of a musical snob this evening Adam :lol:

Kevin did an outstanding classical waltz book a couple of years ago, but I can't remember the title! It sounded a bit Russian, Any ideas? I think it was for someone else & he'd only just finished it, so it was played at Amersham on the Ex Bailey Gavioli. Robert :org:

The John Smith 20er format roll of the Hank Williams "country" song Please Release Me, which I punched a couple of weeks ago. I will not claim to be "arranger," but I'm the guy who beat it into the 20 note scale. That is part of my desire to bring "relevant" music to our organ rallies in the American boondocks. It makes a good grind organ number. More seriously, the best new musical arrangement I've heard this year is Dave Wassson's arrangement of the concert band suite of music from The Wizzard of Oz movie. He debuted that on TRUDY at Lake Winnie in late May, and it is particularly striking in the Trudy & Friends concert at which several real people play band instruments along with the organ. I have watched the crowd several times and locations during the performance of this number in amusement parks and on the street, and it actually turns heads of the great unwashed masses (i.e. those who would not seek out a fair organ) whenever it is played.

Belle of New York, Gaudin (110 Key Arrangment), 112 Key Gavioli, 2006 MOOS AGM.

Hello everyone, Most recently the Blues Brothers Medley really caught my attention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIJCbdPrcNY&feature=related nice clean, simple arrangement of fun tunes, well chosen for the scale & type of organ. As well as being impressed with the organ, both tonally & as a concept. The perfect example of arrangement + organ + visuals. Rob.

Hmm it's gonna have to be Jan Kees de Ruijter's 'Queen Medley' for me.. such a fantastic arrangement with super links!

Masquerade, thats the one Jezzer! There is a really good 'West Side Story' medley by Jan Kees on the 121key Decap at St Albans. I also really liked the 'Hair' medley from Romke De Waard played on 'De Grote Gavioli. Perhaps medleys can be the best showcase of a good arranger? Discuss! Robert :org:

Speaking of the Thursford Founder's day, I was really blown away this year by the 112 keyless Carl Frei. Although I've heard parts of this book before, we were treated to the long medley arranged by Carl Frei which includes several songs from Snow White as well as others such as Anchors Aweigh and Mina de Rumbakonigin. Absolutely stunning! I know this organ was very well recieved this year by the enthusiasts there. What a shame that Thursford do not seem interested in producing new recordings of their mechanical organs. I know that if they were to make a cd of the Carl Frei, they would be flying off the shelves! (and I would want this entire medley included on there!)

Re 'Hair' medley, it wasn't on 'De Grote Gavioi', I was having a senior moment! There is loads of music on the Thursford Carl Frei, that rarely seems to get played. Come to think of it, there's loads on all the organs that rarely get an airing. Robert :org:

My favorite is the ex-Kinter 80-key Bruder, playing a melody on "Phantom of the opera". It is on youtube and I would be most thankful if someone would link the video. The Organ is located in a collection in Florida, America(very Very far from where I live). I hope the organ survied the tropical weather"Fay". -Justin Senneff

I'm always listening to new tunes, so it's a bit difficult to keep track of. One recently heard tune is "La Danza," third tune on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS9bv_YMMmE I first heard it last weekend on John Prtljaga's beautiful homebuilt street organ. (video coming soon!) Any information on this tune? Part of it makes me think Superman's coming!