Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Contrasting Sounds from the Organ World

Nigel Ogden presents a programme of popular organ recordings with some entertaining pieces from the organ world.

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 17 Oct 2013 23:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

More episodes

Previous

The Best Sounds Around from the Organ World

Next

You Asked for It!

See all episodes from The Organist Entertains

Music Played

  • We Saw The Sea

    Composer: Berlin Arranger: N/A

    • Modern Mood Music.
    • MMM 002.

  • Phil Kelsall

    Berliner Luft

    Composer: Lincke Arranger: N/A

    • N/A.
    • CDAP 003.

  • St Louis Blues

    Composer: Handy Arranger: N/A

    • Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Records.
    • REC 137M.

  • Nice N' Easy

    Composer: Bergmann, Keith, Spence Arranger: N/A

    • Merlin Productions.
    • MP 110.

  • Too Marvellous For Words

    Composer: Whiting, Mercer Arranger: N/A

    • Merlin Productions.
    • MP 110.

  • Louise

    Composer: Whiting, Robin Arranger: N/A

    • N/A.
    • CDHLW 1007.

  • Beyond The Blue Horizon

    Composer: Whiting, Robin Arranger: N/A

    • N/A.
    • CDHLW 1007.

  • Buddy Cole

    I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

    Composer: Berlin Arranger: N/A

    • Jasmine Records.
    • JASCD 185.

  • Luke Bond

    Handel In The Strand

    Composer: Grainger Arranger: Stockmeier

    • Regent Records.
    • REGCD 386.

The Regal Kingston wurlitzer Part 2

The company known as Union Cinemas was formed in 1928 and after several years of acquiring existing theatres, the Regal, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Kingston-on-Thames came under their banner in 1936. Their newly appointed Musical Director was already a well-known organist in the form of Harold Ramsay who had been with Bernstein Theatres and had become very much associated with the Granada, Tooting and its famous Wurlitzer. He was one of those players who had a particularly recognisable signature tune for his broadcasts because he used part of a piece of music which was very popular at the time, Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

When Union took over the Regal, Kingston, the Wurlitzer received some attention as well as the theatre - a grand piano was added which was playable from the organ console and the console itself was fitted with an illuminated glass surround with an in-built mechanism which went through a colour change cycle every few minutes.

Union Cinemas developed quite a reputation for lavish cine-variety shows which include live acts on stage as well as the films and top music hall stars of the time were booked to appear including the likes of Gracie Fields and Tommy Handley. It was also at what by now had been re-named the Union, Kingston that Harold Ramsay presented his famous Radio Rodeo programmes which were broadcast in front of a live audience.

Whether Union Cinemasspent too excessively on their live shows isn't particularly clear but the fact is that in the last quarter of 1937 they ran into severe financial difficulties and in due course they were taken over by Associated British Cinemas. More about ABC's part in the story

Broadcast

  • Thu 17 Oct 2013 23:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2