For me, the country kid inside me gives way to the big city boy that I knew I was, and I can't think of Christmas without imagining the Radio City Rockettes doing their annual Christmas shows. While I am in a New York State of mind, I also mentally tour the Lord & Taylor store to see the massive Wanamaker pipe organ. I am featuring both in this blog, so if large, powerful musical machines aren't your cup of tea, scroll past to the Rockettes!
For those of you who are uninitiated to the world of massive keyboard instruments, the Wanamaker pipe organ is often argued to be the largest pipe (theatre) organ in the world. It is nothing short of massive, and will leave any organ enthusiast in tears!
Trivia #1) What was the original purpose of this huge pipe organ? Why would anyone want such a thing?
Answer: It was originally made for the 1904 World's Fair in St. Lous!
Some general Wanamaker pipe organ information:
An organ performance at Wanamaker:
A CHRISTMAS performance on the Wanamaker organ:
(the organ starts playing "O Christmas Tree" at 0:36 in the video)
Another point of view:
Lastly, Trivia Question #2) Where did the Radio City Rockettes original hail from?
Answer: St. Louis, MO, of course! St. Louis produced the largest pipe organ in the world, as well as one of the most famous dance teams.
General Rocketts info:
The Dance of The Wooden Soldiers:
General commercial featuring the Rockettes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EZdYY7TfD0&feature=related
The Famous, and hideously synchronized Santa Claus dance w/ bell choir:
(these are the girls dressed like Santas - they are not men, but they are convincing!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWtvFlyvh-o&feature=related
- Michael
Mr.Toad's Wild Ride! Caution: May contain various ramblings referring to my hobbies and life, in general.
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