The echo organ in the back of the Great Auditorium. Paul Goldfinger © July 29, 2017. Click to enlarge.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net

On Saturday, July 29, we had the opportunity to speak to Gordon Turk about the “echo organ” which is officially called the Antiphonal division and is installed in the back of the Great Auditorium, high up.  It is actually an organ unto itself, but it has been used in Ocean Grove since 2008 as a special effect instrument producing echo sounds from the back of the room,  but also directional effects as it did today for Gordon Turk’s  weekly recital on the Hope-Jones organ where one of the pieces that he performed required flute sounds from various locations including the rear register.

The “echo organ” was installed in 2008 during the 100th anniversary of the fabulous Hope-Jones organ.

Gordon Turk at the Hope-Jones organ consul. Paul Goldfinger photo. © 7/29/17 Ocean Grove. Performing the Suite Gothique by Boellmann.

During today’s concert, as usual, Gordon introduced each piece in his typical upbeat style.  And while he was doing that he praised the organ itself.  Like Frank Sinatra, he praises everyone–the composer and the instrument, but never himself.

Today Gordon was especially emphatic as he described the amazing  classical event which will occur for the last Summer Stars of the season.  See the forthcoming Blogfinger Wassup  article above for details of the concert on Thursday, August 3.

At tonight’s recital,  Gordon performed  a specialty of his,  “Suite Gothique” by Léon Boëllmann, done in 4 brief movements.

Here is a recording of the second movement “Minuet Gothique” with Gordon playing the Hope-Jones organ in Ocean Grove:

After today’s organ recital, Gordon Turk met some admirers. Paul Goldfinger photo. 7/29/17 ©  Click to make the group of fans  bigger.