| Roosevelt Opus 421: a Masterpiece Re-awakened |
| NEW YORK CITY--Jonathan B. Hall, FAGO, will present a keynote address and brief recital on the historic Roosevelt pipe organ, opus 421, at Saint James Roman Catholic Church in lower Manhattan on Columbus Day, October 13, 2008, at 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public. A highlight of the evening will be the awarding of an Historic Citation from the Organ Historical Society. This citation is made for organs of exceptional historic merit. It will be presented by Dr. Lawrence Libin, President of the Society. Hall will be the featured speaker, and will talk of the legacy of the Roosevelt brothers Hilborne and Frank--first cousins to President Theodore and closer relatives to (later) First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and among the finest and most innovative organ builders in American history. Hilborne Roosevelt will be his particular focus, though the construction of this organ was overseen by his younger brother and successor Frank. Hall will then play a short recital on the portions of this organ that are presently playable. The instrument, installed in 1889 and slightly modified in 1895, is about half-playable. The program will highlight the potential of the instrument and, it is hoped, inspire the long and admittedly costly process of restoration. Joining Dr. Hall will be Bill Powers, a noted classical saxophonist, whose magnificent tones will add another layer of musical richness to the event. Following the evening's program, including the citation award, there will be a brief and cheerful reception. Miss Tali Mahanor serves as the organist of Saint James and is the visionary behind this event and its ambitious agenda. A noted authority on Steinway pianos, she is rapidly becoming just as expert in the arcane world of historic pipe organs. Jonathan Hall has done extensive study on the history of American organ building, and is frequently found performing on historic and period musical instruments. He possesses a genuine sympathy for them. As the proud new owner of a vintage Steinway grand piano, he and Tali Mahanor have much to say to one another! |
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| majestic and full of optimism--like the renaissance men who built her--Roosevelt Opus 421 awaits full restoration. Join us in this worthy project! |