James Bowman (1941-2023)

**Bryn** · 28-03-23, 08:28

Originally posted by Simon Biazeck View Post

The English countertenor, James Bowman has died.

https://cremation-obituary.com/2023/03/james-bowman-obituary-cbe-english-countertenor-has-died/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdAxY4IE2SY

A sad loss. Strange, though, that an obit that starts off with "Death Cause" then fails to indicate what that may have been.

**DracoM** · 28-03-23, 08:39

Mighty loss.

**smittims** · 28-03-23, 08:40

As I recall him, he really 'moved-on' the concept of the counter-tenor voice from the older 'gentlemanly' image of Deller and co.

I remember seeing him on stage as a powerful 'Tamerlano'.

**CallMePaul** · 28-03-23, 09:19

Originally posted by DracoM View Post

Mighty loss.

Agreed. I saw him perform in the 70s with the Early Music Consort of London and have a number of his recordings including (on LP so rarely played) the Willcocks/ King's Messiah where he sang all the alto numbers, which I think was the first time a countertenor had done this on record. He will be missed.

RIP James

**cat** · 28-03-23, 10:00

Originally posted by Bryn View Post

A sad loss. Strange, though, that an obit that starts off with "Death Cause" then fails to indicate what that may have been.

That site uses AI to auto-generate obituaries solely to garner ad money. I'm sure in a day or two proper obituaries will be published in the broadsheets etc.

**gurnemanz** · 28-03-23, 11:03

Originally posted by CallMePaul View Post

Agreed. I saw him perform in the 70s with the Early Music Consort of London and have a number of his recordings including (on LP so rarely played) the Willcocks/ King's Messiah where he sang all the alto numbers, which I think was the first time a countertenor had done this on record. He will be missed.

RIP James

I saw him twice - at opposite ends of his career. First when I was student, also with the Early Music Consort, at Durham Music Festival 1970 and not again until over 40 years later in a concert at New College, Oxford.

RIP

**Master Jacques** · 28-03-23, 11:38

I'm shocked by the news, although I knew that James Bowman had not been in the best of health for some time. He has - quite simply - been one of the most important and cherished singers of "our time".

**silvestrione** · 28-03-23, 11:46

I hear him immediately in my head singing 'Fine Knacks for Ladies' by Dowland...

**MickyD** · 28-03-23, 11:47

There was a nice tribute on France Musique this morning, with an extract from his sublime AAM disc of the Vivaldi Stabat Mater. Another special disc is of the Queen Anne Birthday Ode with the AAM - the opening 'Eternal Light Divine' movement is just wonderful.

**Barbirollians** · 28-03-23, 11:50

Sad news - time to get out the Pergolesi Stabat Mater with JB, Emma K and AAM/Hogwood

**hmvman** · 28-03-23, 11:55

Sad news indeed. RIP, JB

**Bryn** · 28-03-23, 12:03

A shame that the Glyndebourne DVD of A Midsummer Night's Dream is no longer in the catalogue. Fortunately, used copies are available at sensible prices.

**Simon Biazeck** · 28-03-23, 12:10

I'm sure this has been shared elsewhere on the forum, but it is so engaging and a fitting tribute to this great singer and colleague.

James Bowman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3hF4X3f6Bw

The legendary counter-tenor talks to Wild Plum Arts about Benjamin Britten, new music he has sung, and more besides.

~SBz.

**french frank** · 28-03-23, 12:41

Originally posted by Simon Biazeck View Post

I'm sure this has been shared elsewhere on the forum, but it is so engaging and a fitting tribute this great singer and colleague.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3hF4X3f6Bw

A wonderful, warm character coming over there. One of my early LPs:

James Bowman (1941-2023)

James Bowman (1941-2023)

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