In Memoriam James Bowman (1941-2023), part 3. On March 27, 2023, the English countertenor James Bowman passed away. In three programs, we will showcase music that Bowman recorded. This final part highlights his role in medieval and Renaissance music.
James Bowman was one of the pioneers of singing in the falsetto register. His voice type is known as “countertenor”, but also as alto or altus. He covered a wide range of repertoire, from medieval to contemporary music. He frequently sang music by his compatriot Benjamin Britten. In early music, he was active in cantatas, oratorios, and operas.
This program highlights his role in medieval and Renaissance music. In 1967, the recorder player David Munrow founded The Early Music Consort of London, of which Bowman was a member from the beginning. With this ensemble, he made many recordings, especially of secular repertoire.
We will hear excerpts from two albums, “The Art of Courtly Love” and “The Art of the Netherlands,” from 1973 and 1976, respectively. The third section is dedicated to John Dowland, whose songs Bowman often sang.
The Early Music Consort of London with James Bowman (on the right) (source: BBC)
Guillaume de Machaut (ca. 1300-1377)
1. Mes esperis se combat
2. Quant j’ay l’espart
Johannes Simon Hasprois (active 1378-1428)
3. Ma douce amour
Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474)
4. Donnés l’assault
5. Vergine bella
The Early Music Consort of London, conducted by David Munrow
(cd: “The Art of Courtly Love” – Virgin Classics 5 61284 2, 1996)
Hayne van Ghizeghem (ca. 1445-1476/97)
6. De tous bien plaine
Johannes Ockeghem (ca. 1410-1497)
7. Ma bouche rit
Josquin Desprez (ca. 1440-1521)
8. Benedicta es coelorum regina
The Early Music Consort of London, conducted by David Munrow
(cd: “The Art of the Netherlands” – Virgin Classics 5 61334 2, 1997)
Robert Spencer and James Bowman (source: RTE Archives)
John Dowland (1563-1626)
9. Come again! Sweet love doth now invite
10. Go, crystal tears
11. Can she excuse my wrongs
12. Awake, sweet love
13. Sorrow, stay
14. Tell me, true love
James Bowman, countertenor. Robert Spencer, lute
(cd: “Lute Songs” – Saga Classics SCD 9004, 1991)
Addition:
John Dowland
15. Captain Candish’s Galliard
Robert Spencer, lute
(cd: “Lute Songs” – Saga Classics SCD 9004, 1991)
