Rumors surfaced several years ago that a recording of the Æolian-Skinner had been made in 1984, just prior to its rebuild by Reuter. We discovered upon further investigation that Dr. Steuterman, longtime Organist-Choirmaster, had requested several organists in town to record the instrument as a means of preserving its original sound. The organ was, after all, Dr. Steuterman's baby. He oversaw its design and installation in 1935 and presided over it until his retirement in 1971, and probably for some time following.
One lone cassette tape, almost 20 years old, survived. Memphis organists Allan Robinson, Paul Hicks, David Ramsey and Walton Griffin came together late one evening before the removal began to create this record of history. Hear once again several selections from that tape.
Sonata, op. 28, 1st movement, Edward Elgar
played by Allan Robinson
Meditation from Trois Improvisations, Louis Vierne
played by David Ramsey
Solemn Melody, Walford Davies
played by Walton Griffin