Sir Alexander Gibson

[Gordon]

The Philharmonia discography I have only goes to August 1987 and lists just 6 sessions with Alex Gibson. The first 2 are for Rossini and Verdi overtures recorded on 10th and 14th April 1962 and July 4th 1962. Neither were published [at least as at 1987 the date of compilation].

On 18/9th April 1966 they were at Watford recording Mozart VCs 5 and 7 with Szeryng [set mentioned above] for Philips.

In March 1969 Gibson conducted for Orozco in Chopin, again unpublished.

In November on 10-12th 1969 the Mozart concerti with Szeryng continued at Barking with No 3 and the Sinf Conc K364 published by Philips. The remaining concerti were recorded at Barking and Walthamstow in early January 1970.

Some of the recordings mentioned in posts above, eg SS Carnival of Animals, do not appear in the discographies consulted so some of them must have been made with the NPho/PO after 1987 or with other orchestras.

[Roslynmuse]

I'm pretty sure the Saint-Saens was with the SNO and would guess it was recorded around 1977.

[Roslynmuse]

PS - CFP40235 (the catalogue number given above for Peer Gynt) is actually an Elgar disc conducted by George Weldon including Cockaigne.

[Petrushka]

I was in Vienna in 1986 and happened to find myself at a cafe seated next to a Scottish couple by the name of Campbell. We got talking and they told me that they knew Alexander Gibson very well and he had, in fact, been best man at their wedding!

[Pabmusic]

Gordon, what a useful discography. Thanks!

[cloughie]

PS - CFP40235 (the catalogue number given above for Peer Gynt) is actually an Elgar disc conducted by George Weldon including Cockaigne.

the CD is CDCFP5003

the LP history is:


Regal SREG 2026 UK 1961
World Record Club TW 119 Australia
World Record Club T 246
Music For Pleasure MFP 57010

[Roslynmuse]

the CD is CDCFP5003

the LP history is:


Regal SREG 2026 UK 1961
World Record Club TW 119 Australia
World Record Club T 246
Music For Pleasure MFP 57010

[Gordon]

PS - CFP40235 (the catalogue number given above for Peer Gynt) is actually an Elgar disc conducted by George Weldon including Cockaigne.

Thanks for that update. That cat no is given for both the Elgar and Grieg recordings so there is obviously an error in the RPO discography which was compiled by Michael Gray, Peter Sermon [RPO viola] and Philip Stuart. A note on the document cautions that some cat numbers may be doubtful!! We seem to have found one so I shall let Philip know.

It does look as if it [the Grieg] was re-issued as MFP57010

http://www.discogs.com/Grieg-Music-From-Peer-Gynt/release/3418745

[Keraulophone]

Surely the most famous Gibson recording was the original LP called Witch's Brew, which included amongst other items Arnold's Tam O'Shanter Overture, a superb Mephisto Waltz and Danse Macabre. This RCA disc was an audiophile's delight and became very collectable. I once saw a mint copy on sale at £200.

Apart from the Australian Eloquence reissue on CD, this is also available for lovers of vinyl sound on Analogue Productions - AAPC 2225 - 200 Gram Virgin Vinyl - 75308822, mastered By Willem Makkee, which is a much better sonic experience than the Decca 'World of' reissue.

It was the first Tam O'Shanter I'd heard and it remains my favourite.

[Barbirollians]

Thanks to makropoulos for the opera extracts recommendations . The Don Giovanni extracts are outstanding and John Shirley-Quirk sings superbly albeit he does sound rather more of a gentleman than the Don !

[makropulos]

Thanks to makropoulos for the opera extracts recommendations . The Don Giovanni extracts are outstanding and John Shirley-Quirk sings superbly albeit he does sound rather more of a gentleman than the Don !

I'm really glad you like them. Did you get the Rosenkavalier as well (I think it's in the same set?)
I wish I'd heard more of Sir Alex in the opera house, so these extracts are particularly welcome.

[Alison]

May one ask if you're working on any more books, Makropulos?

[pastoralguy]

It's a pity EMI hasn't created an Alexander Gibson big box. I have some 45rpm singles of 'pop' classics recorded by Gibson and the SNO on the Waverly label from the late 50's and early 60's that are very well done. I believe EMI bought Waverly's tapes when they went bust.

[makropulos]

May one ask if you're working on any more books, Makropulos?

Hi Alison - thanks for asking. At this very moment it's lots of small things (booklet essays and the like), but I've got a couple of ideas and hope to start a new one later in the year.

[makropulos]

It's a pity EMI hasn't created an Alexander Gibson big box. I have some 45rpm singles of 'pop' classics recorded by Gibson and the SNO on the Waverly label from the late 50's and early 60's that are very well done. I believe EMI bought Waverly's tapes when they went bust.

That's a good idea. EMI/Warner could certainly do an Icon box. I'm not sure about the status of those Waverley recordings - I don't think EMI included the Waverley/SNO Boult Elgar 2 in the Boult Elgar box?