Oral history conducted by Sharon Eisenhour, February 19, 1991.

Format:

Manuscript

Author/Creator:

Frost, Thomas T.

Language:

English

Genre:

Oral histories.

Physical Description:

2 audiocassettes : analog, stereo, Dolby processed

77 leaves

Contained In:

Eugene Ormandy Oral History Collection.

Place of Publication:

February 19, 1991.

Biography/History:

Executive producer for Columbia Records; produced recordings of Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy conducting, 1960-1968.

Summary:

Frost discusses aspects of the recording industry, including recording studio techniques, locations for recording the Philadelphia Orchestra, the "packaging" of artists (with Eugene Ormandy and the Phila. Orch. as an example), the effect of union regulations on recording sessions, the pros and cons of the older style of exclusive contract between artist and record company, the impact that sales of a recording have on its ability to stay in print, and the use of "commercial" repertoire by classical artists (with examples such as the recording, The Glorious Sound of Christmas, by Ormandy and the Phila. Orch.). In this context, Frost offers opinions about Ormandy's working relationship with Columbia Records, his methods in the recording studio, ability as a conductor accompanying soloists and his musicianship in general. Opinions and anecdotes are offered about other artists, including Igor Stravinsky, Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Georg Solti, Murray Perahia, Yo Yo Ma, Rudolf Serkin, Peter Serkin and Emil Gilels.

Notes:

Copyright held by the interviewee and the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

Recorded in New York, New York.

Forms part of: Eugene Ormandy Archive.

Access Restriction:

Access: Written permission of interviewee required.