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The Presidents Concert
3/14 Möller Municipal Organ "Mini-Mo"
with OU Orchestra and Choirs
April 2009

Bop! For Theatre Organ and Orchestra ~ Marvin Lamb
Shenandoah ~ American Folk Song
Dancing Tambourine ~ W C Folia & Phil Ponce
Oklahoma ~ Rogers & Hammerstein
Peace Like A River ~ Traditional
Rejoice in the Lamb ~ Benjamin Britten
Cantique de Jean Racine ~ Gabriel Fauré

After the 3/14 Municipal Möller was playable in February, work continued on refining the instrument and working out a few bugs that surfaced. Under Dr. Schwandt's instruction, students were instructed how to navigate a theatre pipe organ console. Playing a unit organ was alien to them having only performed on the University's Fisk mechanical action classical instrument. March and April saw the instrument used heavily for practice in preparation for the end of April when the Möller was heard during eight concerts. These excerpts are from the Choral Concert, the Symphony Orchestra Concert, the President's Concert and other performances. Please remember that these are live recordings made with the house recording system.

The First Recorded Sounds
3/14 Möller Municipal Organ "Mini-Mo"
February 2009

Deadwood Stage
If You Were The Only Girl In The World

A major milestone in the AOI Mini-Möller project occurred February 11, 2009 as the last ranks were installed. AOI students, staff and volunteers gathered that evening for an impromptu concert by theatre organist Richard Hills who was visiting OU. While work remains before the first major concert, it was an exciting time for all involved who have contributed thousands of hours over the last year. Read more...

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Opus 5819 in Philadelphia
4-4/86 Möller Municipal Organ Opus 5819

'Oklahoma' Medley ~ Tom Hazleton

In 1992 the American Theatre Organ Society held their National Convention in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the instruments showcased was the Philadelphia Convention Hall Möller. Played by Thomas Hazleton, it was the last time the instrument would be heard in public concert. Perhaps visionary, one of the most remembered selections played by Mr. Hazleton was Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!'. The instrument sat silent for another ten years before finding its way to the University of Oklahoma.
Read more...

The 1812 Overture ~ Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Sixteen cannon shots are written a two-minute segment of the Festival Overture "The Year 1812" in E flat major, Opus 49, more commonly known by its abbreviated name 'The 1812 Overture'. Written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the works is a stirring orchestral tribute commemorating Russia's 1812 defense against Napoleon's advancing Grande Armée at the Battle of Borodino, during the French invasion of Russia. This sixteen minute roll player rendition doesn't include the cannon shots but it definitely makes use of every rank in the Möller.

American Fantasy ~ Victor Herbert

American Fantasy is regarded by those who have heard most of Opus 5819's rolls as one of the most exciting in the collection. It is Victor Herbert's collection of American favorites woven together. The definitely collection exercises all aspects of the Möller.

Echoes from the South ~ Medley

This roll features a collection of southern classics including:

  • "(Way Down Upon the) Swanee River," is a song written in 1851 by composer Stephen Foster.
  • "Oh! Susanna" is another well known Stephen Foster song (written in 1847). It is often associated with the California Gold Rush and is occasionally (incorrectly) called "A Banjo on My Knee".
  • A short rendition of "Dixie", ends the roll. "Dixie", also known as "I Wish I Was in Dixie", "Dixie's Land" among other titles, is perhaps one of the most distinctively American musical songs of the 19th century.

Audio files are Copyright (P) 2009 by American Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma. All rights reserved. These recordings may not be used, reproduced or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or the use of any information storage and retrieval systems, without prior permission in writing from the American Organ Institute.





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