The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, a venerable institution nestled in Troy, New York, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and acoustic perfection. More than just a performance venue, it’s a landmark steeped in history, boasting a legacy of hosting world-renowned artists and enriching its community for over a century. This article delves into the captivating story of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, exploring its mission, history, architectural significance, and the legendary acoustics that make it a celebrated destination for music lovers worldwide.
A Mission to Enrich and Inspire
At its heart, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall operates with a clear and compelling mission: to enrich the community and ignite a passion for the creative arts. This mission is brought to life through a commitment to fostering diverse, engaging, inclusive, and transformative cultural experiences. The Hall achieves this through a vibrant program of performances, collaborative projects, community events, and educational initiatives.
This commitment extends to its core values, emphasizing the celebration of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall actively encourages and supports artistic expressions from all walks of life, ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. This dedication to inclusivity is reflected not only in its programming but also in its workplace and community engagement, striving for equal opportunity and valuing diverse perspectives.
Exterior view of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, showcasing its historic architecture.
From Bank’s Vision to Music Hall Legend: A History Unveiled
The story of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall begins with the Troy Savings Bank itself, founded in 1823. As the bank prospered and outgrew its original offices, the Board of Trustees decided in 1870 to construct a new, grander building. In a remarkable act of civic generosity, the bank resolved to include a music hall on the upper floor of this new edifice, a gift to the community that had supported its growth for decades.
Architect George Browne Post was entrusted with this ambitious project. Construction commenced in July 1871, and by April 1875, the magnificent six-story building was complete, costing $435,000. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, perched above the bank offices and commercial spaces on the lower floors, was ready to open its doors.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the Music Hall ascend to international prominence. It became a must-play venue for the world’s most celebrated musicians. Luminaries such as Lillian Nordica, Henri Vieuxtemps, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Myra Hess graced its stage, captivating audiences with their artistry. This golden era continued through the pre-World War II years, with legendary figures like Vladimir Horowitz, Yehudi Menuhin, and Artur Rubinstein adding to the Hall’s illustrious performance history. For any great musician touring America, an appearance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was a highly sought-after engagement.
However, the mid-20th century brought challenges. As Troy’s industrial strength waned, so did its capacity to sustain the arts at previous levels. The rise of radio, cinema, and television offered new entertainment options, shifting cultural landscapes. Recognizing the threat to this cultural treasure, community leaders rallied to save the Hall.
In 1979, a dedicated group of citizens formed the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Revitalization Committee. Working in partnership with the Troy Savings Bank, and with support from the New York State Council for the Arts and the Howard & Bush Memorial Foundation, this committee laid the groundwork for the Hall’s resurgence. This culminated in the creation of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation, a not-for-profit organization leasing the Hall from the bank. In the 1979-1980 season, the Hall officially reopened with a performance by the Benny Goodman Band, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
In 1989, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s significance was nationally recognized with its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Today, the Troy Savings Bank continues its commitment to the community through ongoing restoration and renovation, while the Music Hall Corporation tirelessly works to maximize the potential of this treasured venue. Hosting events over 150 days a year, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall looks forward to a future as brilliant as its celebrated past.
Architectural Grandeur: The Hall’s Design and Detail
The architectural design of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a story in itself, shaped by both aesthetic vision and budgetary realities. George B. Post’s design was selected partly because his innovative use of metal to mimic stone was the only proposal that fit within the bank’s financial constraints. Post, a student of Richard Morris Hunt and an admirer of Beaux Arts and French Renaissance styles, infused the building with elaborate detailing characteristic of these movements.
Construction began in 1871, resulting in a monumental six-story structure that dominated the Troy cityscape upon its completion in 1875. The Music Hall itself is impressively proportioned, measuring 106 feet in length, 69 feet in width, and soaring to a height of 61 feet.
Originally, grand granite stairs spanned the building’s width, inviting concertgoers into the Hall’s ornate interior. In 1923, modifications altered the Second Street entrance to its current configuration, serving both the Bank and the Music Hall. Inside, box offices flanked a central stairway leading to the Parquet and Dress Circle seating. Side iron staircases, designed by Post and constructed by Architectural Iron Works, provided access to the upper and lower boxes, balcony, and gallery areas.
The Hall’s interior was further adorned with intricate frescoes crafted by G. Garibaldi of New York City, embellishing the walls around the stage and ceiling. While frescoes above the stage were later covered by the installation of a large organ in 1890, much of the original fresco work remains visible today.
Acoustic Perfection: A Serendipitous Symphony of Design
Remarkably, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall achieved its legendary acoustics almost by accident. Built before the formal discipline of architectural acoustics existed, George Post’s design initially received mixed reviews regarding its sound quality. However, the serendipitous addition of a substantial Odell concert organ in 1890 is often credited with transforming the Hall into an acoustic marvel.
While the organ undoubtedly contributed, the truth is that the Hall’s exceptional acoustics are rooted in a combination of design elements. Its narrow “shoebox” shape naturally promotes early sidewall reflections, crucial for creating a sense of sonic envelopment. The high ceiling and ideal seating capacity of 1180 contribute to both intimacy and optimal reverberation. Original padded wooden seats minimize sound absorption, and the shallow under-balcony design ensures even those in the rear seats experience the full acoustic richness of the room. Thick plaster surfaces enhance middle and low-frequency sounds, while ornamental details act as acoustic diffusers, distributing sound energy evenly throughout the space.
The Odell organ itself, magnificently restored in 2006, plays a dual role, serving as both a musical instrument and an acoustic diffuser. The cove between the organ and stage further enhances musician communication while projecting sound effectively to the audience.
By 1925, the Hall’s acoustic reputation was firmly established. Troy historian Rutherford Hayner noted its importance to the community, stating that it provided a “rallying point musically” and allowed Troy to enjoy “so much of the world’s best music and musicians” compared to cities of similar size.
Today, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s acoustic excellence extends beyond orchestral and chamber music to amplified events. Acoustic curtains along the rear walls and hand-painted absorptive panels on stage offer adaptable acoustics without compromising the Hall’s visual appeal. With a steadfast commitment to preserving sound quality, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has evolved into a premier venue for a diverse range of musical performances and recordings.
Ultimately, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s acoustic allure is inseparable from its visual and historical charm. The concert experience is a holistic one, engaging both ear and eye. Even with identical acoustics, a less visually stunning and historically resonant space could not replicate the unique magic of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
The Majestic Odell Organ: A Sonic Centerpiece
A defining feature of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is its magnificent Odell organ. This instrument is not only the largest nineteenth-century concert organ in North America still in its original condition, but also a prime example of the “golden age” of American organ building.
Constructed in 1882 by J.S. and C.S. Odell of Yonkers, New York, it was initially installed in the New York mansion of millionaire William Belden. The Troy Savings Bank acquired the organ in 1890, moving it to the Music Hall, where it has remained a centerpiece ever since. Remarkably, aside from basic maintenance which ceased some years ago, the organ is largely untouched from its original installation, with even much of the leather believed to be original.
The sound of the Music Hall organ is truly breathtaking, characterized by a wealth of rich foundation stops, vibrant reeds, and powerful pedal registers that resonate throughout the building. It embodies the romantic organ building style perfectly suited for the grand organ works of composers like Mendelssohn, Franck, Widor, Vierne, and Reger. The instrument is also exceptionally well-equipped for performing organ parts in orchestral masterpieces such as Saint-Saens’ “Organ Symphony,” Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra,” Mahler’s second and eighth symphonies, and Respighi’s “Church Windows.”
Organ connoisseurs widely regard the Music Hall instrument as one of the most significant historic American organs. Many prominent organists have expressed their strong desire for its full restoration, ensuring that its magnificent voice continues to resonate for generations to come.
Conclusion: Experiencing the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is more than just a concert hall; it’s a cultural landmark that embodies history, architectural beauty, and unparalleled acoustics. From its inception as a gift to the community from the Troy Savings Bank to its current status as a National Historic Landmark, the Hall has consistently served as a beacon for the arts. Whether you are a lover of classical music, a fan of modern performances, or simply an admirer of architectural grandeur, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall offers an unforgettable experience. Visiting this historic venue is not just attending a performance; it’s stepping into a living legacy of artistic excellence and community enrichment.
