Gordon Turk seated at the console of the Robert Hope-Jones pipe organ.

(image © by James G. Howes, July 8, 2007)

From the Ocean Grove

…a centenary celebration of the Robert Hope-Jones pipe organ in the world-famous auditorium of this picturesque New Jersey summer shore-side retreat.

Program Broadcast dates:

• Week of November 03, 2008

Links and Resources:

• Printable program listings

Special Interview Feature:

• Listen …Auditorium Organist Gordon Turk tells of the beginnings of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
• Listen …Gordon Turk relates the history and some unique aspects of this historic Ocean Grove gathering space and its pipe organ.
• Listen …Turk comments on the Ocean Grove organ’s earlier need for renovation.
• Listen …The Ocean Grove Organ grew and grew, but with a plan managed by Organ Curator John Shaw.
• Listen …An at-the-console demonstration by Gordon Turk of some original Robert Hope-Jones ranks from 1908.
• Listen …Hear individual sounds from the new Antiphonal/Echo division, constructed by the firm of A. R. Schopp’s Sons of Alliance, OH, installed in the balcony 300 feet away from the main organ!

Music played in the program

Part I

LÉON BOËLLMANN: Suite Gothique –Gordon Turk, Dorian DOR 90267

LÉON BOËLLMANN: Fantasie-Dialogue for Organ and Orchestra, Op. 35 –Gordon Turk, Rittenhouse Orchestra, Jason Tramm, conductor (recorded 7/30/08)

Part II

LOUIS VIERNE: Berceuse, from 24 Pieces en style libre –Gordon Turk, Dorian DOR 90267

JOHANNES MATTHIAS MICHEL: 2 Jazz Preludes (Swing Five/Erhalt uns, Herr; Afro-Cuban/In Dir ist Freude) –Carol Williams (recorded 7/23/08)

Part III

ALEXANDRE GUILMANT: Symphony No. 1 in d for Organ and Orchestra, Op. 42 (recorded 7/30/08; see above)

Filler–BOËLLMANN: Fantasie-Dialogue (see above)

 

Gordon Turk, Ocean Grove Auditorium Organist, talks with Michael Barone about the history of this historic 6700-seat hall and its lavish 176-rank instrument, and demonstrates the organ’s original Hope-Jones voices and the new Antiphonal Division. The orchestra concert recordings were made specially for this broadcast; a CD of organ solos by Gordon Turk is available on the Dorian label 90267

 

The Ocean Grove Auditorium Organ is featured in regular midday and evening concerts throughout the summer months.