Keep in mind that Black Beauty was a fully analog organ. Almost impossible to keep in tune, and all the stops simulated by a nightmarish mix of oscillators and various hardware filters. So sound wise, it's actually pretty amazing for it's time.
It's a shame they didn't have today's digital technology back then. Those early Rodgers he used sounded awfully thin and "electronic" especially the wishy washy pedal sound. He certainly did amazing things with them. Imagine what he could have done with some of today's Allens, Johannuses or maybe even a custom Hauptwerk? Just my own opinion folks.
I remember having my very first organ lessons back in the late 1960s at en Episcopal church in Danbury, CT on an Allen -- one of those early tubes and oscillator types. There was a large room right next to the console which had racks of tubes and oscillators. While playing I could hear them clicking and clunking with registration changes. A large array of speakers was situated behind the old organ pipe facade. As I recall, the sound wasn't too bad but once I got the chance to play a real pipe organ I was hooked. Electronics paled in comparison.
Well one could imagine what Virgil would have done with the digital instruments of today by looking at the work of Cameron Carpenter. His M&O Touring Organ uses more than 1TB of memory for EACH STOP. That’s more than twice as much RAM that you would need to run the biggest sample set available for Hauptwerk, and his organ has more than 200 speaking stops. And taking his playing into account, he’s certainly nothing to cough at.
They did have digital technology from the late 70s but it was under patent and only Allen could use the technology. Virgil Fox later acquired a large Allen concert organ along with Carol Curley. Once the patent lapsed, all the electronic organ makers were able to use the technology.
I have been searching and searching for the Mike Douglas show episode where he appeared, I believe, with Liberace. I think they might have played a piano/organ duo of "Tea for Two". I think this was when Liberace was a bit envious of Virgil's rhinestone studded organ shoes. I wonder if this episode or clips of it are available?
+kraftpr I also remember him on Dick Cavett's show 'back in the day'. He was on Mike Douglas a few times. However, the ultimate example of the best of Virgil's playing was the recordings of Virgil playing the Sunday service at Riverside and accompanying the Choir. The church must have them stored somewhere and I'm sure individuals taped them. I believe they were broadcast every week over the radio. This was chiefly because of Harry Emerson Fosdick's sermons, but VF let everyone hear who was at the console no matter what or whomever was in the pulpit.
An amazing hero of my childhood. So blessed I got to meet him!!!!!
Ah! Virgil also was a master raconteur as well and, what style and sincerity. Yes!!
. : .
Superb playing!!
Keep in mind that Black Beauty was a fully analog organ. Almost impossible to keep in tune, and all the stops simulated by a nightmarish mix of oscillators and various hardware filters. So sound wise, it's actually pretty amazing for it's time.
It's a shame they didn't have today's digital technology back then. Those early Rodgers he used sounded awfully thin and "electronic" especially the wishy washy pedal sound. He certainly did amazing things with them. Imagine what he could have done with some of today's Allens, Johannuses or maybe even a custom Hauptwerk? Just my own opinion folks.
I remember having my very first organ lessons back in the late 1960s at en Episcopal church in Danbury, CT on an Allen -- one of those early tubes and oscillator types. There was a large room right next to the console which had racks of tubes and oscillators. While playing I could hear them clicking and clunking with registration changes. A large array of speakers was situated behind the old organ pipe facade. As I recall, the sound wasn't too bad but once I got the chance to play a real pipe organ I was hooked. Electronics paled in comparison.
Well one could imagine what Virgil would have done with the digital instruments of today by looking at the work of Cameron Carpenter. His M&O Touring Organ uses more than 1TB of memory for EACH STOP. That’s more than twice as much RAM that you would need to run the biggest sample set available for Hauptwerk, and his organ has more than 200 speaking stops. And taking his playing into account, he’s certainly nothing to cough at.
He didn't stay with Rodgers forever. Eventually he migrated to Allen some time in the 1970s as far as electronic touring organs went.
Virgil just borrowed the Rodgers, but used his own money to buy the Allen.
They did have digital technology from the late 70s but it was under patent and only Allen could use the technology. Virgil Fox later acquired a large Allen concert organ along with Carol Curley. Once the patent lapsed, all the electronic organ makers were able to use the technology.
Black Beauty! Awesome electronic organ for it's time.
I have been searching and searching for the Mike Douglas show episode where he appeared, I believe, with Liberace. I think they might have played a piano/organ duo of "Tea for Two". I think this was when Liberace was a bit envious of Virgil's rhinestone studded organ shoes. I wonder if this episode or clips of it are available?
+kraftpr I also remember him on Dick Cavett's show 'back in the day'. He was on Mike Douglas a few times. However, the ultimate example of the best of Virgil's playing was the recordings of Virgil playing the Sunday service at Riverside and accompanying the Choir. The church must have them stored somewhere and I'm sure individuals taped them. I believe they were broadcast every week over the radio. This was chiefly because of Harry Emerson Fosdick's sermons, but VF let everyone hear who was at the console no matter what or whomever was in the pulpit.
It's around- just search on RUclips.
Here: ruclips.net/video/kT4rZpYNxgo/видео.html
I've seen it on RUclips, so I know what you're talking about.
Yeah, you can tell that's really an analog organ.
I hate Rogers electronic organs. Allen organs were far better, but Virgil makes it sound OK.
It's always interesting to hear another person's opinion.