CD - C. Armstrong Gibbs - 4CD Set

Cecil Armstrong Gibbs (he disliked the name Cecil so was known as Armstrong) was a prolific and versatile composer of the first half of the twentieth century. He studied under Sir Adrian Boult and Ralph Vaughan Williams. His contemporaries were Herbert Howells, Sir Arthur Bliss and Sir Arnold Bax. Known principally for his solo songs Gibbs also wrote music for the stage, sacred works, three symphonies and a substantial amount of chamber music. He gained wide recognition during the early part of his life. He continued to compose and conduct up until his death in May 1960.

Putting this project together we were surprised by both the quantity and consistent quality of Gibbs' output. The popular songs fully deserve their treasured position, but now we could easily match them with a new selection – The song cycle Joan of Arc, The Cherry Tree, On Duncton Hill, The Tiger-Lily, In the Highlands and The Witch might be concert winners given a chance. In them we find the same simplicity and sensitivity to text. It has been remarked more than once that performers will find the best songs among the settings of de la Mare, this rather easy simplification holds less well when, as in this collection, we can assess Armstrong Gibbs output in a more complete form.

A fine survey of a little known but deserving corner of English song

"First, and foremost, these discs encompass a considerable undertaking. Nearly 4 hours of music, covering some 2/3 of Gibbs' entire song output, and representing not just a significant recording achievement but a musicological one too."
"...a very pleasant.. attractive series of songs, sensitively realised by Charlotte de Rothschild, Nathan Vale and Adrian Farmer."
"...de Rothschild's silvery soprano and Vale's light vibrato make for a relaxed yet not superficial recital, which I am sure will give much pleasure."

Amazon - 2022-04-055 stars - Amazon