Being an erstwhile Manchester concert goer, I have memories from the 1960s of the Free Trade Hall Compton organ. I guess that in 1951 the choice of the Compton was in keeping with the modern ethos of the post-war reconstruction of the Hall, but it aroused surprise that the perfectionist Sir John Barbirolli had opted for an electronic rather than a pipe instrument. Post-war austerity may have had something to do with the decision too.
The very prominent wooden reflector above the stage housed the organ speakers along with the hall PA speakers, visible with an admirable design clarity as a series of round grilles in the reflector. See the attached photo of the hall interior. It was intriguing to contemplate just what drive units were behind those grilles. My impression was of a disappointingly dull sound, particularly when heard alongside the live Halle orchestra. Unfortunately, the Compton was also capable of punctuating Sir John Barbirolli's concerts with a variety of distracting electronic crackles and bangs, suggesting a dire need for maintenance.
The eventual solution was to replace the electronic organ with the pipe organ from the Odeon Cinema down the road. It would be interesting to know what happened to the unlamented Compton.
The Free Trade Hall, having been superseded by the Bridgewater Hall, is now a hotel (sans organ!)
Martin
The very prominent wooden reflector above the stage housed the organ speakers along with the hall PA speakers, visible with an admirable design clarity as a series of round grilles in the reflector. See the attached photo of the hall interior. It was intriguing to contemplate just what drive units were behind those grilles. My impression was of a disappointingly dull sound, particularly when heard alongside the live Halle orchestra. Unfortunately, the Compton was also capable of punctuating Sir John Barbirolli's concerts with a variety of distracting electronic crackles and bangs, suggesting a dire need for maintenance.
The eventual solution was to replace the electronic organ with the pipe organ from the Odeon Cinema down the road. It would be interesting to know what happened to the unlamented Compton.
The Free Trade Hall, having been superseded by the Bridgewater Hall, is now a hotel (sans organ!)
Martin
BVWS Member
