The Sound Of Silents
At the height of the silent era, movies were the largest source of income for instrumentalists.
Musical accompaniment for silent movies ranged from a full orchestra – normally reserved for blockbusters – smaller instrumental ensembles, a pre-recorded score, piano or organ.
It was in the latter category that the famous Wurlitzer organ came to play a huge role. Wurlitzers were basically one-man orchestras capable of imitating all the instruments of an orchestra.
With up to four manuals (keyboards) and a huge array of stops, these instruments were built to include a range of sound effects like train and boat whistles and car horns. Still, it needed musicians with the talent to interpret the movie and synchronise the music with the events on screen.
This is where the likes of Richard come in on a “normal” pipe organ, able to coax sounds out of the pipes which are both imaginative and realistic.
Blackpool Tower Ballroom provides its Wurlitzer Experience, which gives you the chance to play this wonderful instrument, lovingly restored to its original 1935 state.
There are no silent movies to accompany, though, but you’ll have fun!