THE DAM BUSTERS MARCH - MARGARET HALL at the Wurlitzer

[@postwar46]

Eric Coates who was the composer of this piece, which made a musical event that strung the guts of every airman involved. John Hopgood was one of them, a young gentleman from Surrey who went, and never came back. There were 53 others. We should never forget their spirit and total effort they made for a free land. The music says it all. Thanks for posting

[@lewstone1934]

These organs always bring out an emotional reaction in me. I could hardly keep my eyes dry at Thursford on the many occasions I went with my mother in the late 1980s to early 2000s. Perhaps I am an old soul returned to this earth in a new body, and part of me remembers this instrument from early last century in a previous life? It's bizarre. They disappeared long before I started going to the cinema in the 1970s... Margaret - you are up there with Reginald Dixon and Robert Wolfe! Brilliant performance.

[@marcelogonzalez181]

the best of the world.

[@marcelogonzalez181]

I´from Chile. A very small country but one that is very polite

[@syhooverman5418]

As a lover of cinema organ music im ashamed to say that ive never heard of Margaret Hall before today. Shes brilliant.

[@davidking4059]

don’t be ashamed. Nevermind. Yes, she’s outstanding. Makes the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end. I was going to organ concerts here in Melbourne, Australia until covid came along. Hope to getting back to them

[@Alex462047]

I can't imagine you'd ever get bored playing a Wurlitzer, what with all the stop combinations and all. Fantastic performance, very well and effectively played.

[@daveluttinen2547]

Les Munro, the last of the Dambuster pilots passed away August 6, 2019. I listened to this to honor his memory. Lovely playing - and what is not to love about the bad old days?

[@bardolffumbleclot8590]

Oh boy... This takes me back to my Teen years. I used to play this myself, with "633 Squadron" added in the middle just for added Air Power. Granted I didn't have a Wurlitzer but my Lowrey Holiday had just enough to give it justice :D

[@danshasky7057]

The arrangement of "Those Good Old Bad Old Days" was brilliant!

[@davidclark4469]

From 1999 to about 2003 I was the #2 projectionist at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. I heard Cecil Whitmire play many times and also watched classic silent films to the accompiament of an excellent organist from Atlanta. I think his name was Carter. I'd like to hear her play that march on "Big Bertha", the Wurlitzer installed at the Alabama when it was built in 1927...at the end of the silent era. At the time I worked there I was told that it was one of only three surviving, in the nation, which are still in the theaters for which they were built. The Alabama's Wurlitzer is bigger than the one she played, and is completely restored.

[@jacobwoods8738]

David Clark Ronald Carter likely was the organist. Big Bertha is a rarity and a splendid organ, but happily more than 3 organs survive in their original homes. Maybe if that specific type, Paramount Publix 1, only 3 survive, Just in the South we have Big Bertha in Birmingham, the Fox Moller in Atlanta, the Tivoli Wurlitzer in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Wurlitzer in Knoxville, the Tampa Theatre Wurlitzer in Tampa, and the Bristol Paramount Wurlitzer in Bristol, TN, and all of these are still in their original homes. The Tivoli, Tenessee, and Alabama Theatre organs have all been enlarged (in that order from least to most enlarged, but still remain). There is a trend of additions here in the States.

[@davidclark4469]

Good to know. Thank you!

[@martinjohnston4274]

Fabulous performance... just faboulous.

[@davidking4059]

just love this! Play it over and over

[@john3775]

The Wurlitzer is such an expressive instrument when it's played as superlatively well as this. Superb use of the glockenspiel as here gives amazing tonal depth.

[@Video7Rose]

This is superb! Having read all the other comments, I think it's a shame that Margaret Hall stopped performing! It's time for her to make a comeback, and this time, I believe, she will be well received! Don't hide your light under a bushel, please!

[@perariansen2573]

What gusto and brilliance, Margaret! A joy to hear!

[@michaelparkinsonnotsir]

I love this performance of the Dambusters March. The composer, Eric Coates was born in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, England. I am proud to to write that I am a member of the Eric Coates Society which is still in existence today. Michael Parkinson

[@bensintes3745]

Dear Margaret , I absolutely love your playing, I too play the organ and dont give a rats arse what anyone else thinks of my playing. You are amazing ..... all the best ....

[@jeanclark7425]

Absolutel;y amazing pl;aying

[@john3775]

fantastic Margaret Hall plays the dam busters so well that it sounds as though it was written for the Wurlitzer.

[@mainaccount131]

Super excellent with very good interesting video. My favorite

[@nodrogawson963]

That was a brilliant outstanding performance.loved it.

[@mainaccount131]

Delightful. Always a pleasure

[@adrianmlridgewayarcmlramll1965]

Lovely playing and the correct tempos throughout, just excellent! Thanks for sharing!! Bermuda!!

[@Parker6432]

HI Adrian, More will follow once I replace my video/combo machine. Margaret has always been a favourite performer in Australia, and many of us are trying to will her back to the console. She was treated rather 'shabbily' by her older peers back in the 90's, and the pressure resulted in her leaving the 'bench'. I agree with you Adrian... I was 26 when I first heard Margaret play at 16. We spent 6 years as a couple, but now are best friends - and that's the best part of it all! I will never stop supporting her musical career.

[@myszka1uk]

Absolutely brilliant. I love the Wurlitzer sound and this lady had chills up my spine. Never heard of her before and came across this clip by accident. I would love to see her in concert.

[@gordonwilliams5394]

Fantastic playing. Gordon.

[@tissynoho2512]

A great piece of music, skillfully played. Ever since I discovered Margaret's rendition of the Dambusters March a few weeks ago I play the clip each day. I actually put it through my large P.A. system in the studio. I could feel the notes in my chest. I imagined being there. I love the build up to the end when all the stops come out, the studio shakes. I love it. Thanks Margaret, you are something special, please come back. Thank you John for posting this video. I would have loved to have been at that concert.

[@roverp6v8]

I played that very same Dambusters March on the Wurlitzer at the Southward Car Museum in New Zealand, it's a massive adrenalin hit when you're at the console of such an awesome, amazing and powerful organ such as these. Now if I can find a way to fit one in my home I'd be happy :)

[@isopath1]

Did you took the piano through too?

[@Alex462047]

I had the great privilege of hearing our accompanist, Leonie Lawson, have a crack at the Southward's Car Museum Wurlitzer during the Auckland Boys' Choir North Island tour many, many years ago. That was unforgettable.

[@andyg6312]

Just awesome...

[@laurencegresty8350]

That ectro beat,so cool And a good groove ❤❤🥰🥰🤗

[@1witto]

Just love it! Makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Hmm....interesting about Eric Coates writing this AFTER the war. I guess I'd assumed it was written during the war. Congratulations Eric Coates

[@davedyson4750]

Margaret that was sensational. Have been visiting Thursford since old George opened on a Sunday afternoon playing organ music on a record player. I have listened to and enjoyed many organists at Thursford I wish I could have seen you live. That was the best Dambusters ever. Thank you so very much.

[@TakersMissy]

I LOVE theater organs and want SO BADLY to learn how to play one well! (I took piano lessons for 12 years and while there are a few transferable skills, the pipe organ is stlll a whole different beast!)

[@Musician-Lee]

Having grown up as a child with the drone of Merlin engines roaring across the sky and the Dambusters Raid only recently accomplished, this march always stirs my emotions, I am surprised to have only recently come across this version and Margaret Hall does an amazing job, So much so, that when I am fortunate enough occasionally to play the Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer I have been trying to create the same registrations. Thank you Margaret, what a stirring and memorable piece.

[@richardskola3570]

These wonderful instruments are masterpieces of musical creation. I love to hear these masters of the instrument play them. It is a tragedy that some are still being lost and destroyed.

[@davidbrookes9430]

Great- one of my favorites.

[@wurlitzer895]

Fabulous organ and great playing! Such a shame about OH&S' ridiculous attitude re the lift. . We're saddled with similar nonsense here in the UK and it's spoiling so much. Really enjoyed the video; thanks for posting. Peter

[@RonN448]

Even though I had never heard of her before watching this video, I, too, wish Margaret would return to the bench. There aren't very many female organists around anymore--not that I've heard of, anyway. This lady was a true "gem." I think we, in the United States would welcome her enthusiastically!

[@michaelhawken7861]

Just fantastic ......

[@QHarefield]

Bravo! Superb.

[@mainaccount131]

Absolutely superlative

[@philipinchina]

Excellent.

[@mainaccount131]

Truly delightful

[@gregoswald45]

I just found these videos of Margaret Hall's concert. I noticed the date of the concert was about 25 years ago. I she still performing? I also viewed other performances on the Capri Wurlitzer and she was far and above the best performer on this instrument. This Wurlitzer looks quite similar to the 260 Special located in Cincinnati, Ohio formerly in the RKO Albee Theater, reinstalled in the defunct Emery Theater and now in the Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom.

[@conniefoster9733]

This lady is brilliant! I really hope somebody shows her the comments under here, maybe it'll convince her to come back. (I'd not come across her before, just read John Parker's comment...)

[@ralphblunt3967]

Great sound !!

[@mainaccount131]

Super excellent

[@Monkeygirl0250]

This tune never sounds better than when it's played on the wurlitzer

[@charade97]

Let's not forget that it was Eric Coates who wrote this march for the film 'The Dam Busters' released on May 10th 1955, starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave.

[@sandisyri7055]

John Falloon

[@sandisyri7055]

John Falloon jam3eesbonbmove y ,m james,bondmmovey

[@johndowie2699]

John Falloon said j

[@nodrogawson963]

Brilliant performance. Eric Coates would have been very proud to hear that I am sure.

[@mainaccount131]

Margarett at her excellence

[@100prestige]

Very well played indeed with good registrations too

[@Princey-lyn]

Great playing by Margaret dont know if she was ever over in the UK for concerts,but theres very little information on her on the web.The organ sounds a million dollars too and yes ,such a waste having a console lift and not using it. Adrian Rose

[@Parker6432]

Thanks Adrian... I was the organ builder responsible for the Orion (ex Capitol Theatre) refurbishment back in 1988. Margaret did visit the UK in the late 1980's and although playing no public concerts, did manage to play a few of the instruments - Kilburn being one.

[@danshasky7057]

As far as I know the console lift is (and was intended to be) a cargo lift.

[@AstridDenhaene]

♥️

[@arthurtwoshedsjackson6266]

W O W !

[@5thdegreekempo]

AWSOME thanks

[@Parker6432]

Hi wurlitzer895 - Thanks for your kind comments

[@theatlanteanlads8298]

Rare as, wonder if there is a studio version.

[@jonkino]

Wow, that performance of the Dambusters was incredible, what theatre was that in, the sound of that organ was just amazing .

[@craigkeller1966]

It's in the Orion Centre, Campsie (Sydney) Australia. A 3/17 Wurlitzer that started its life in the Capitol Theatre at Haymarket nearer the centre of Sydney. www.tosa.net.au

[@Princey-lyn]

Andwhilst on ,what became of the Ritz Richmond organ from the mecca where she used to play?And whatsb the state of play of the State Sydney WurliTzer?

[@Parker6432]

Hi Lyn, The ex Mecca / Ritz Richmond organ was sold in the early 1990's before the Mecca Theatre was 'quadrupled' Latest info is that is was purchased by a serial 'hoarder' of theatre organs, and has been severely water damaged in storage. The Mecca Theatre Kogarah is now an item of the past - demolished! The owner of the theatre consolidating the theatre site and three others to erect a high-rise - he is presently in prison for the next 6 1/2 years. The State Theatre organ is a saga in it's self and too long to explain here

[@TramcarTrev]

Yep I remember the Mecca, crowded to capacity....

[@DOODLES-ok1wr]

i go to all the tosa concerts

[@PaulGibson-f7x]

My relative flew on the raid i think guy would have liked this he didnt want his men forgotten

[@TramcarTrev]

I think this is actually a better version than Reg Dixon's Its more intense and more Oh I don't know "military" with superb registrations... I'll have to get Margaret to play at the Tramway concert....

[@caspercat0]

I just cant stop watching Margarets clips.I know this sounds sexist,but theres not many female organists who would merit a second listen let alone 30 odd. Its an odd moment as she hits the button for the lift and there must be a delay as she thinks it hasn`t worked and goes for it again.But the console descending as she plays out is a real hair on the back of the neck moment(combined with the English Horn coming in the last few bars). Havn`t you any more of this concert,perhaps of her coming up?

[@danshasky7057]

That's because the lift button only turns on a light in the basement. A stagehand pushes the actual button.

[@gilloselton824]

You have to realize in this day and age, that an organ console lift is a very dangerous thing to use. Someone could easily break a nail pressing the up and down button!" Health and safety reterick SUCKS BIG TIME! :(

[@Parker6432]

:D I guess you are bullshitting :) This console is no longer allowed to rise/descend.... As a result the affect has been ruined and audiences have dropped - thus adding to the demise of the theatre organ

[@Parker6432]

Robin - believe it was as serious as he lost a toe... It was more than a scratch. OH&S would have had a field day with those organ lifts in the old days!

[@danshasky7057]

@@Parker6432 As long as you can get good talent in there, audiences will flock like migrating birds to your concerts: there are lots of American venues with stationary consoles that fill the house. After all, your audience is primarily organ buffs, not elevator enthusiasts.

[@Video7Rose]

Having the console rise and descend is, IMHO, just a theater trick, and totally unnecessary! People attend for the music, which is thoroughly rewarding by itself! I don't need to see the console appear or disappear to enjoy the concert. It must be other factors causing the demise of the theater organ, which is a great shame!

[@sandrosmusikautomaten3071]

Waht is the name of the song? 6:31

[@Parker6432]

Can't you READ???

[@danshasky7057]

"Those Good Old Bad Old Days". Margaret announces it at the beginning of the video.

[@ianbirnie96]

eric coates had already written the theme before he knew anything about the film he thought it might do.....

[@ul7185]

Grand March from The All New Bozo Show

[@Gail1Marie]

She plays with such verve, she makes other organists seem stodgy.

[@TramcarTrev]

I recon this version of Dambusters is probably even better than Sqn Leader Dixons.... just to my ear has more "pomp" more enthusiasm and imaginative use of the instrument...

[@Parker6432]

... and fortunately is a larger organ than Reggie's at the Tower Ballroom Blackpool.

[@gordoncrook7507]

I say Both can play for me live or per recording Gordon Exmouth uk

[@danshasky7057]

I never liked Blackpool Style.........

[@gordoncrook7507]

@@danshasky7057 Shame on you sir Gordon Exmouth UK

[@paulkersey7564]

As a lifelong fan of Reginald Dixon,it pains me to say this, but i think Margaret Hall's rendition of this piece is much ' richer' than Reg's version .....sorry Reg,though your'e still Blackpool's number 1.

[@Parker6432]

Thankyou Paul for your kind comments. We are al trying to get Margaret back on the bench to play again for us. She revived her act a few years ago , but it was a "oncer" sadly.

[@bonzo874]

the audience couldnt wait to leave shame

[@Parker6432]

Well considering the concert went overtime - and Margaret played an encore, I believe the 600+ audience went away VERY happy!

[@musicisitall]

bravó

[@TheSerfsTV]

Awesome videos. You guys really do produced some funky stuff. If you get a chance check out our channel too

[@jackminett768]

617th like

[@howardwarwick5563]

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