| Roosevelt Opus 421 + Organ Historical Society = Memorable Evening |
| NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 14--Jonathan B. Hall, FAGO, sixth-generation native of this quirky little island, gave a rousing speech last night at Saint James Catholic Church on James Street near the Brooklyn Bridge. The topic of the speech was the Frank Roosevelt organ, opus 421, that has stood in this historic church since 1889. The church itself dates to 1836. The Halls' long experience of New York now extends to the study of its historic pipe organs. The New York Times accurately described Hall as a historian of American organs. He has played for the Organ Historical Society locally and nationally and has played and recorded on early American instruments under his own auspices for years. Some of his best-received recitals have been on the 1830 Appleton at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His comments having met with loud and sustained applause from the large audience, Hall walked up to the organ balcony and played a short recital on that portion of the organ that presently is playable. This portion of the evening was abetted by classical saxophonist Bill Powers, with whom Hall concertizes worldwide. A most gracious, gratifying standing ovation greeted both musicians and their noble instruments. Hall turned and applauded the organ itself. Afterwards, the reception--held in the organ loft--was one of the best in anyone's memory. It is hoped that the ongoing restoration project will be substantially assisted by this carefully thought out program. It is beyond doubt that Dr. H.--and many of his good friends, coming from as far away as London!--enjoyed it immensely. |
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