In Memoriam James Bowman (1941-2023), part 1. On March 27, 2023, the English countertenor James Bowman passed away. Since the 1960s, he was one of the most important and influential countertenors. In three programs, we will showcase music that Bowman recorded over almost three decades. Today, the focus is on passion and mourning music.
In De Tuin van Oud on Thursday, April 6th at 8 pm, part 2 of this triptych will follow. It will feature the Stabat Maters of Pergolesi and Vivaldi.
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
- O solitude, my sweetest choice Z.406
- O dive custos Auriacae domus Z.504, “On the death of Queen Mary”
- Timon of Athens, the man-hater Z.632, Hark, how the songsters of the grove James Bowman, countertenor (1 to 3). Michael Chance, countertenor (2 and 3). The King’s Consort conducted by Robert King (cd Countertenor duets by Purcell and Blow, Hyperion Records CDA 66253, 1991)
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) From Matthäus-Passion, BWV244:
- Part 2: 52. Altaria “Können Tränen meiner Wangen” James Bowman, countertenor. Concentus Musicus Wien conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt (cd Johann Sebastian Bach – Matthäus-Passion, Teldec 2292-425092, 1988)
François Couperin (1668-1733) 5. From Trois Leçons de ténèbres pour le mercredi saint: Première Leçon James Bowman, countertenor. Mark Caudle, viola da gamba. Robert King, organ (cd Leçons de Ténèbres, Hyperion Records CDA 66474, 1991)
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) 6. Salve Regina in f minor James Bowman, countertenor. Ensemble Instrumental Jean-Walter Audoli conducted by Jean-Walter Audoli (cd James Bowman – Vivaldi Pergolesi Salve Regina, Arion ARN 68026, 1988)
Addition: Henry Purcell
- Sound the trumpet (from Come, ye sons of art, away Z.323) James Bowman and Michael Chance, countertenor. The King’s Consort conducted by Robert King (cd Countertenor duets by Purcell and Blow, Hyperion Records CDA 66253, 1991)
Special thanks to: 
Photo: James Bowman sings at Leeds Town Hall, 1972 (Picture: Getty)
