I am absolutely thrilled to be able to resurrect a very important recording, in fact probably one of the greatest achievements ever by a provincial orchestra led by a then, unknown conductor, for a label known for its dubious recording practices...at best.
In 1951, Record Corporation of America (the other RCA) engaged the relatively obscure conductor, Victor Alessandro, to record the first complete (more or less) edition of Debussy's mystery play, Le martyre de Saint Sebastien from Oklahoma City....of all places! Featured with the Oklahoma City Symphony and Chorale were the excellent Frances Yeend, a longtime member of the MET and NYC Opera, with vocalists Anna Kaskas and Miriam Stewart. One might call this whole enterprise a brazen adventure but here's what Gramophone had to say in January of 1952:
"This recording provides one with a thrilling experience and one which I am unshakably convinced would be renewed with repeated playings after one had got to know the play well, and then restudied with the music in connection with its dramatic informant....The steady solemn passages seem to suit Victor Alessandro better than some other moods ; but he certainly allows Debussy power of evoking atmosphere full scope. The Oklahoma orchestra is remarkably good ; the tone is warm the balance of departments satisfying, the chording (especially in woodwind and brass) quite exceptional.... The choir has a large number of fine qualities, not least being firmness of intonation and persistence of tone. Their singing is always smooth, and consonants are not allowed to jerk the legato.... The soloists seem to be well cast and more than competent. I cannot praise the reproduction too highly—easy and even, this recording is of good range, full of colour, and always pleasant to listen to. I found the whole production one of the most impressive gramophone issues I have ever met."
Indeed, this was a triumph for Maestro Alessandro and Frances Yeend (pictured above). Victor Alessandro became an extremely important musical presence in the southwest for many years after. A native of Waco TX, he served first as music director in Oklahoma City and then as longtime director, until his death actually, of the San Antonio Symphony. Alessandro's twenty six year tenure saw the San Antonio orchestra's rise from being a competent orchestra to one of major importance in the southwest part of the United States. Frances Yeend's career was almost entirely focused around the two great opera companies in New York City and later, as a teacher and pedagogue. Yeend is best remembered as a flexible and hardworking singer, someone that had a wide repertoire and the talent to convince the listener in whatever role she took on.
As with many of these Allegro Elite issues, there are compromises on technical and pressing qualities. However, this performance makes up for deficiencies because it is a great sense of occasion. I'm sure the folks in Oklahoma were all absolutely thrilled with this once in a lifetime recording opportunity. I would have been!
A note: I do have a cd issue of Alessandro and the Oklahoma City SO performing what might be the first integral edition of all the Hungarian Dances of Brahms. I could do a "rip" if there is interest. It won't displace Dorati from nearabouts the same period but it does have its own unique merits.
DOWNLOAD
