Don
Morton
"It's
wonderful!" says Mr. Morton. —Home
Organ vs. Cars and Other Fabulous Depreciating Assets—
Don
Morton has the pleasure of playing three three-manual Allen
organs regularly, each with an antiphonal organ and MIDI Division:
one in his church (Hollis Presbyterian Church, Queens, NY),
one in the church where he is the regular guest organist for
concerts (Corona Congregational Church, Queens, NY), and one
in his home.
Don said, "It's wonderful! The
sound is so pleasing. I really enjoy using the MIDI Division.
I use the tympani, the spanish
trumpet, and the harp in the 'Seven
Last Words of Christ' by Dubois. The congregations really like
it, too."
With its extensive stoplist of independent stops, Mr. Morton's
home organ is larger than many church organs--and he can play
the organ year-round in a comfortable and convenient environment.
"Not having to go out to church to practice is a big advantage,"
continues Mr. Morton. "There
are no extreme cold or hot temperatures
to endure while practicing in churches
any more." In addition, there is no time lost in commuting
and there is no inconvenience in adjusting to the other people's
schedule.
One of the options that Mr. Morton chose for his home organ
was reverse-colored keys. He adds, "I
have traveled in Europe a great deal and played several of the
historic and grand cathedral organs in Germany and France. I
really liked the look of the reverse-colored keys that
I saw there and was amazed to learn that Allen offers this unusual
option."
Many other options are available from Allen, including special
console finishes (except on the smallest instrument), walnut
sharps for the keys and pedals, and tracker touch.
Mr. Morton continues, "I always
wanted to excel at the organ. As my mentor and friend the late
Dr. Levy Elzy, professor of economics at Medgar Evers College,
Brooklyn, and organist, told me, 'The only way to become
really proficient is to have an instrument at home and to do
all of the organ literature you can't have less than three manuals.'
He was right: with my three-manual organ, it's possible
to do everything.
"My Allen at home has been a real joy. I could have spent
the money on cars or other fabulous depreciating assets, but
I love music more. It does something to me. Music keeps me healthy,
both mentally and physically."
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