87 key Gavioli organ - Mike Dreelan

A selection of music played on Mike Dreelan's 87 key Gavioli filmed playing at Bon Accord steam rally at Castle Fraser near Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland on 15 June 2024.

Built in 1898 as an 87 key instrument, the organ was imported to America in the early 20th century and was rebuilt in the 1920s by the B.A.B Organ Company of Brooklyn, New York. For many years the organ was operated at Almonesson Lake amusement park, New Jersey until it closed. It passed through the hands of a couple of enthusiasts before being imported to Britain and was subsequently purchased by Mike Dreelan.

The organ underwent a major restoration by A.C Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd, which included converting the organ back to its original 87 key Gavioli scale. Despite this one change made during its life, the organ itself is completely original and still operates by bellows. The original carved facade was repainted by Rosa Painton (USA).

The organ is housed in an impressive trailer and is heard at occasional events in Scotland. I hope you enjoy the selection of music. My thanks to Lucas Allen of Mechanical Music Travels for editing my films into this one selection.

00:00 Amour et Printemps (Emile Waldteufel) arrangement by Carl Frei
04:00 Krasno Selo march arranged by Louis Blache for Chiappa Ltd.
07:14 March composed and arranged by Gustave Requier
10:49 Mon Revé (Emile Waldteufel) arrangement by Carl Frei
21:04 Lambeth Walk (Noel Gay) arrangement by John Cocchi
24:30 Coeur de France arrangement by August Schollaert
27:49 Song of the Thrush arrangement by Marenghi et Cie
31:52 Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld (Jacques Offenbach) arrangement by Gustav Bruder
40:13 La Touterelle (Eugene Damaré) arrangement by Louis Blache