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Alec Robertson

1892 – 1982

English music critic, writer and broadcaster

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About Alec Robertson

Lived 1892 – 1982 (aged 89). Alec Robertson was a British music critic, organist, choir director and broadcaster.

Alec Robertson, MBE (3 June 1892, Southsea – 18 January 1982, Midhurst) was a British writer, broadcaster and music critic. He wrote music criticism for Gramophone for more than 50 years, beginning with the magazine's very first issue in 1923. He later served as that magazine's music editor from 1952 to 1972. Ho joined the Gramophone Department of the BBC in 1940, and worked as producer of music talks on the Home and Third programmes, retiring from the BBC in 1952.

In 1950, Robertson succeeded Ralph Hill as editor of Music, the annual Pelican book series, having previously written a record review column for its predecessor, Penguin Music Magazine. He also wrote for The Catholic Herald, and The Tablet.

He appeared as a castaway on the BBC Radio programme Desert Island Discs on 3 June 1957, and again on 3 June 1972.

Robertson was educated at Bradfield College and the Royal Academy of Music. He was named a fellow of the latter institution in 1946. In 1972, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Royal Academy of Music, Bradfield College
Employers
British Broadcasting Corporation
Also known as
Alexander Robertson, Alexander Thomas Parke Anthony Cecil Robertson

People in Alec Robertson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Alec Robertson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Alec Robertson?

English music critic, writer and broadcaster

When was Alec Robertson born?

Alec Robertson was born on 3 June 1892.

When did Alec Robertson die?

Alec Robertson died on 18 January 1982.

What was Alec Robertson's occupation?

Alec Robertson was a music critic, organist, choir director and broadcaster.

What nationality was Alec Robertson?

Alec Robertson was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Alec Robertson

· Wikidata: Q17418654

· DBpedia: Alec Robertson (music critic)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alec Robertson. https://biography.guide/alec-robertson/

MLA: "Alec Robertson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alec-robertson/.

Chicago: "Alec Robertson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alec-robertson/.

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