James Bowman
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Biography
Countertenor James Bowman CBE was born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England on November 6, 1941. One of operaâs most celebrated countertenors, he was most associated with the role of Oberon in Benjamin Brittenâs A Midsummer Nightâs Dream. James Bowmanâs forte may have been in opera, but he also performed contemporary and early music later in his career. His musical journey began as a choir boy at Ely Cathedral. Promoted to head chorister, he had to take a sabbatical when his voice changed. He later returned as a bass but made his countertenor debut in 1959 at a school congregation. In college, he became a member of both the New College and Christ Church choirs. After an audition for Benjamin Brittenâs English Opera Group in 1967, he earned the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Nightâs Dream, which he performed many times throughout his career. In 1970, he was the first countertenor to perform at the Glyndesbourne Opera Festival. His opera career led to him performing at some of the worldâs most prestigious venues including the Sydney Opera House, the San Francisco Opera, La Scala (Milan, Italy), the Vienna State Opera, the Santa Fe Opera, and many others. With a keen interest in early music, James Bowman began performing with the Early Music consort of London in 1965, which led to a decade-long long association with the ensemble until their dissolution after the death of their leader, David Munrow, in 1976. James Bowman would continue to perform with former members of the Early Music Consort after Munrowâs death. He also performed with the Westminster Abbey choir and early music choral group Pro Contione Antiqua. James Bowmanâs association with contemporary music led to him premiering the works of Richard Rodney Bennett, Geoffrey Burgon, Alan Ridout, and others. In 1992, he was honored with the lâOrdre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government as well as receiving the Medal of Honor of the City of Paris. In 1997, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during the Queenâs Birthday Honours. As a recording artist, James Bowman has appeared on over 180 recordings including Bach: Matthäus-Passion (1970), The King Shall Rejoice & Other Chapel Royal Anthems (1977), Vivaldi - Pergolesi: Salve Regina (1988), James Bowman Sings Handel Heroic Arias (1991), Songs for Ariel (2005), Allegri: Miserere - Renaissance Polyphony & Consort Songs (2010), and Music from the Courts of Europe â London (2019). James Bowman retired from concert performances in 2011 but would still perform recitals on occasion. He died on March 27, 2023, at the age of 81.
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Albums
Top Tracks
- Track Popularity
- On the brow of Richmond Hill, Z 405: On the brow of Richmond Hill, Z 405 by The King's Consort
- Ariodante HWV 33: "Arrida il cielo alla giustizia" - "Ferma, signor" - "E Dalinda dov'è?" featuring Samuel Ramey
- Motets à deux voix, 1668: Peccator ubi es?, dialogus Angeli et Peccatoris by James Bowman
- Humfrey: By the Waters of Babylon featuring Robert Tear
- Humfrey: Hear O Heav'ns featuring Robert Tear
- Humfrey: O give thanks unto the Lord featuring Robert Tear
- Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. "Erbarme dich" featuring James Bowman
- Blow: Sing unto the Lord, O ye Saints featuring Robert Tear
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT ONE: Welcome wanderer! ... I know a bank (Oberon)
- Farewell, all joys, Z 368: Farewell, all joys, Z 368 by The King's Consort
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT ONE: Fair love, you faint with wand'ring in the wood (Lysander by Richard Hickox
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT ONE: Well, go thy way (Oberon/Puck)
- Let each gallant heart, Z 390: Let each gallant heart, Z 390 by The King's Consort
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT ONE: Be it on lion, bear, or wolf, or bull (Oberon/Demetrius/H featuring Richard Hickox
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT ONE: How now my love? (Lysander/Hermia) by Richard Hickox
- Quis Me Statim by James Bowman
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, ACT THREE: When my cue comes, call me (Bottom) by Richard Hickox
- Ode for Queen Mary: Now does the glorious day appear Z332: Our dear Religion, with our Law's defence featuring Julia Gooding
- Sylvia, now your scorn give over, Z 420: Sylvia, now your scorn give over, Z 420 by The King's Consort
- How vain the toils that mortal men do take
- A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 64, Act Two: On the ground, sleep sound (Fairies) featuring Norman Bailey
- Carmina Burana: Reie - Swaz Hie Gat Umbe - Chume, Chum Geselle Min - Swaz Hie Gat Umbe featuring Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Delight is dead by Paul Esswood
- Sol da te Mio Dolve Amore
