Paul James
The aim of my guide is to help people identify some of Gigli's best records.
There are many different Gigli records available so how would you decide if you were only buying one or two? Which LPs should you consider? To determine which LP to buy I would recommend that you browse some of the listings of Gigli on YouTube . It can also be helpful to look at the songs that are listed on the ‘best of Gigli’ compilations. Keep in mind however that while the ‘best of’ compilations are a great ways of becoming familiar with Gigli songs, there are still some outstanding Gigli songs that these compilations overlook.
I discovered in building an extensive collection of Gigli records that some of my acquisitions were ‘hits and others misses. A list of some of the best sounding records follow.
I have compared reissues to first pressings and many of the reissues have comparatively poor sound quality. (A first pressing is a vinyl record that was made from the first batch of lacquers in the production process and cut from the the original master recordings.)
There are some reissues that have better sound quality, this one by Seraphim is quite good.
As most Gigli Records do not go for high prices I would advise finding a first press record in Very Good to Mint condition as an alternative to buying a reissue. The main benefits for reissues is the possibility of getting a near mint/ brand new pressing. It is true that reissue box sets can represent good value as you are getting a lot of Gigli songs in one go.
Unless you have done a 'back to back' comparison one might think a new copy rather than an older first pressing would equally good, and maybe even better as it is likely to have less surface noise. The biggest surprise to me is comparing the same record label, same catalogue number for the first pressing with a later version. I have heard differences that were not slight, it is not about 'splitting hairs'. The older first pressing was considerably better. I do understand there is often greater need to clean and prepare an older record. Besides the time factor of decades of dirt settling on the record, even if you cannot see it with the naked eye, it is quite likely that the record has some mould on it. (Though even brand new records have contaminants on them and should ideally be cleaned before use.) Some sellers may provide a professional cleaning service., if you want to hear Gigli at his very best it is essential that the record has been properly cleaned.
Another option are CDs. I would not usually recommend CDs however Jeff Day (whose ears I trust) has had good results with the Nimbus Records 'Prima Voice transfers for 78s, see: https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/the-78-experience-feeling-the-music-marston-records-naxos-and-nimbus-records-prima-voce-and-hermes-labels/
Fortunately Nimbus Records have four Gigli CDs and cover young Gigli as well has his later recordings.
Some critics noted that Gigli made more technical faults as his fame increased over time, so they may favour the younger Gigli songs. I think the focus on some technical faults which are more about style than true technical faults is overblown. Gigli's expressiveness is usually first rate and on some songs it is peerless. Given his long recording career there are many Gigli songs to discover. As with records there are a small number specialist CDs for example the one by Cetra titled Incontri Memorabli Maria Callas & Beniamino Gigli.
Another resource for Gigli that may be overlooked is the Bel Canto Society. They have several Gigli CD for sale and also a DVDs of one of his films. https://www.belcantosociety.org/
For 12-inch records, the first pressings by EMI/Odeon are outstanding.
For 10 inch records, those by HMV and Odeon are also excellent. It may be more difficult to find a 10 inch pressing in excellent condition, yet the effort finding them is worthwhile. One of my special records features Gigli and his daughter Rina who was also an Opera singer. Rina is often overlooked which is a shame as she is a first rate singer in her own right. I treasure this record.
The early 10 inch Odeon records of Gigli are becoming harder to find. The reward however is a greater level of 'you are there ' believability in the listening pleasure.
I am grateful that I own some of these 10 inch pressings. If you look hard you still may be able to find some.
Last yet certainly not least there are some speciality records. The following record is a private pressing, it was pressed independently not using a major record label. Such records may not provide the ultimate sound quality as they may lack the recording equipment of the major labels. However, private pressings allow you to access to the performance songs that cannot be found elsewhere. Such special pressings allow the collectors to access performances that they would not otherwise be able to enjoy.
Another special record is one of Gigli In Rio. Gigli particularly loved Rio and collectors may often seek out this record which is becoming scare.
Another special record is his San Remo concert with Maria Callas.
The Gigli at Carnegie Hall LP is sought after and often sells for higher prices if in good condition.
However I prefer his recording at La Scala,
