Justin plays: The Grand Barton Theatre Pipe Organ

First installed in the Indiana Theatre at Indianapolis when the theatre opened in 1927. Now in the Warren Central Performing Arts Center. The late Dessa Byrd played this organ when the theatre opened. I interviewed Dessa in her home basement studio almost 45 years ago. I photographed this organ when it was buried under the corner of the Cinerama screen in the Indiana Theatre. I wish I could find that picture. This instrument is very responsive in the Warren Performing Arts Center. The Circle Theatre, where Dessa also played, is now home to a new Wurlitzer. Read about the Circle here: http://cinematreasures.org/theater/349/
Still photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35613416@N07/sets/72157622484245538/
Video and stills from a Nikon P5000 point-and-shoot with a tiny on-camera microphone.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Barton
• Theatre
• Organ

[mooneypete]

Hi Justin, We have a 1927 Grand Barton organ in the Capital Theater in Madison, Wisconsin, that accompanies silent movies twice each year.

You can find information about the shows on your web browser by entering : "duck soup cinema overture center"

[maplewoodsp]

@mooneypete Please understand that this is not Justin's YouTube page. I have not spoken with him since I made the video. Justin may drop by and see the comments that have been directed to him, but I would not hold my breath. Cheers.....

[furrypeanut1]

I have played this organ and I'm only 14. It ha a sound unlike any other I've ever heard. The acoustics are perfect. any deviation of location would spoil it.

[maplewoodsp]

@furrypeanut1 Remember that it was from a very nice theatre, and I imagine it was very good in the original location. I saw it inn the theatre, but I never heard it make a sound.

[maplewoodsp]

@furrypeanut1 Remember that it was from a very nice theatre, and I imagine it was very good in the original location. I saw it in the theatre, but I never heard it make a sound.

[Marshall7302]

is that a winded console? and original relay? That sounds great.

different looking decor on the console. Other then that it looks similar to the lay out on the barton in the Redford Theater in Detroit. Thanks for joining my page Maplewoodsp I will soon have video of me at the original console from the Fisher wich is the defunked Detroit Theater Organ Society whos looking for a new home for the organ i will be going there tomarow to shoot more video

[maplewoodsp]

I don't think it has wind at the console, and the relay is the ultra-modern stuff. I was at the DTOS in 1967, and I have a number of good audio tapes from that convention. Fantastic organ!!! I have lost my favorite of Don Baker playing that instrument.

[bobnrainy]

This guy is great!

[steamrocks]

What is the Size of this Barton? Tibias sound almost WurliTzer-like, and there must be a Gottfried or Dennison Posthorn in there, very snappy. How many ranks? I'm guessing 17.

[clubfoote1960]

You left me speechless,

That was so beautiful, and I am a lover of show tunes,

Congratulations!

[HanaleiBaby]

Terrific! I'd love to hear more Justin. Have you played any other Barton's?

[HanaleiBaby]

Justin, sounds terrific. Have you played any other Barton's?

Terry S.

Oshkosh, WI

[ArtDecoLuvr]

@Marshall7302 Actually, it does still have wind in the console, but the relay is electronic (Z-Tronics), and a Trousdale combination memory system replaced the setter boards.

[furrypeanut1]

@maplewoodsp Most people that have heard it in both locations swear it sounds exactly as it did in the Indiana Theatre. I dont know for sure, but it definitely sounds nice as is.