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Nicholas Martin at the Ossett Compton Organ

The fantastic Nicholas Martin at the 3 manual, 13 Rank Compton/Christie Theatre Organ in Ossett Town Hall.

User Comments

Ossett Organ commented on 28 Aug 2012

Thanks for your comment, The console is from the Compton New Victoria London, it is unique in that it is the only original one with three full stop jams. Wurlitzer consoles are generally a lot wider to house the setter boards, our setter is located in the console home on stage.

Ossett Organ commented on 28 Aug 2012

We did have an issue with the filming of this video but did want to include it. The Organ will be in use for the Ossett Town Hall open day from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday 8th September. We would welcome anyone interested on stage to have a closer look.

jazzboyfin commented on 16 Aug 2012

Err, was this recorded in widescreen and is now being played back in 4x3? It looks like it as it's all tall and thin.

janine bryant commented on 30 Sep 2013

Does this Compton have the "melotone" sounds in it? Mr. Martin I do enjoy your playing!

Adrian Rose commented on 06 Sep 2012

As well as the format being different,the audio is only on one channel-to the left.

Guss Mileson commented on 24 Jun 2015

It seems to have a lot of stop keys for 13 ranks but looks good just the same.

AnOrganCornucopia commented on 15 Aug 2012

Interesting - Compton tabs in what appears to be a Wurlitzer console shell?

jazzboyfin commented on 24 Sep 2012

All you need do is alter the aspect back to 16x9 and re-render it

AnOrganCornucopia commented on 17 Aug 2012

Looks like that to me too!

Joe Depace commented on 24 Jul 2012

WOW..NICE.

The Music Of Cole Porter - Robert Wolfe at Blackpool Opera House.

Played by the outstanding Robert Wolfe on the original 3/13 Wurlitzer theatre organ of the Opera House, Blackpool. To read more about Robert, follow the link ...

User Comments

DFDalton1962 commented on 26 Nov 2014

Fantastic performance. A lot of times, these theater organs come off to me as cacophonous and unmusical, just creating great torrents of monotonous noise - sounding little better than a dozen circus calliopes playing together in different keys. But this gentleman is a true musician. This organ sounds great when played with such sensitivity and restraint - loud, fast, and colorful where it needs to be, sure, but still with each part clearly discernible. This is one of the few theater organ videos I've seen on youtube where I feel like I'm actually listening to good music, not just watching a showoff making noise on an organ.

Cannock Chase Organ Club commented on 25 Jun 2012

Robert has toured many times in the U.S and Australasia, as well as being resident organist at the Thursford Collection for over 30 years. The organ is still on its original relays and leathers. The only changes made have been a new tuba mirabillis and gamba, both copies of the originals (this was done in the 50s, when the originals were added to the Tower ballroom Wurlitzer, the bechstien piano was also moved to the tower organ). So it still sounds as it did when it was installed in 1939.

Gourockian1 commented on 05 Jul 2013

I heard Robert play many years ago at Thursford, when he was barely 20 and enjoyed him so much that our family went and heard him play at all the recitals he performed that day. I bought one of his tapes which he autographed after a friendly chat. In 1996, we emigrated to Florida and some years later, I went to hear him play at the Kirk in Dunedin. I took along the old tape and showed him the autograph. He was amazed, remembered our chat so long ago and kindly agreed to autograph it again.

janine bryant commented on 02 Jun 2013

I have a Lazerdisc recording of this artist and this organ---and it is my favourite. The musician is consumate and this organ is a treasure of authenticity. The UK takes greater care of her theatre organs than the US. We just happily chop up historic instruments and modify them in ways that leave little to remember the original by here in America. We should be more careful and vigilant in preserving the pipe organ in all its forms.

Jonas Clark commented on 23 Aug 2013

If you'd like to try one, most places have a Theatre Organ Society. If you're in the US, you can find your local chapter through the American Theatre Organ Society. Areas in the UK usually have Cinema Organ groups too. Get in contact with folks in your local chapter, and they can probably get you some time sitting at a console and trying your hand.

TheMysticalOrgan commented on 27 Feb 2012

Absolutely brilliant! What a marvellous organ too... the voicing is exquisite, particularly in the reeds. It's funny how you can see the whole console rocking in the faster bits, when Wolfie bounces on the bench... is the console on a lift?

michael reynolds commented on 02 Nov 2014

This man really knows the use of stops, and understands the tonal characteristics and couplings. His dexterity is amazing, I love to watch Him dance with His feet as He plays, He knows how to put on a show as well!

Jonas Clark commented on 24 Jun 2012

What a thrilling sound! The organist (I'm new to this guy'splaying) puts fantastic jazzy bits and wonderful flow and effects into this, and the organ sounds grand, everything works so well together!

Eddie Earle commented on 14 Feb 2012

A medley of Cole Porter! A true musical genius, as is the magnificent Mr Wolfe. Brilliant video Ross, best seat in the house (well, apart from the one Robert is gracing obviously...)

Wurlitzer28 commented on 23 Feb 2012

Love to hear Robert play! We have visited Thursford (sp?) many times to hear him. Not only a very talented person but just about one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Theatreorgannut commented on 17 Feb 2012

I really enjoyed this performance at the Opera house. Robert is a master and also very friendly and approachable. A great guy to know. Many years of pleasure from his music.

Cannock Chase Organ Club commented on 27 Oct 2013

The first is "In the Still of the Night", Easy to Love, It's De-Lovely, Lets Do it, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Lets Misbehave, Anything Goes, Everytime We Say Goodbye.