Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with "The James Bowman Collection," a captivating compilation released on April 1, 1996, under the prestigious Hyperion label. This album is a testament to the extraordinary talent of countertenor James Bowman, showcasing his versatility and mastery across a diverse range of genres, including classical, opera, medieval, and choral music.
Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, the album features a meticulously curated selection of pieces, each highlighting Bowman's exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. From the hauntingly beautiful "Erbarme dich" from Bach's St. Matthew Passion to the triumphant "Eternal Source of Light Divine" from Handel's Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, Bowman's performances are nothing short of breathtaking.
The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "Why, Why Are All the Muses Mute?" and "On the Brow of Richmond Hill," demonstrating Bowman's ability to bring new life to both familiar and obscure works. His rendition of "O magnum mysterium" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to convey profound spirituality and reverence through his voice.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The James Bowman Collection" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album is a celebration of the human voice and the timeless beauty of classical music, and it stands as a testament to James Bowman's enduring legacy as one of the greatest countertenors of our time.
St Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. Erbarme dichJohann Sebastian Bach, James Bowman, David Woodcock, Robert King, The King's Consort
Solomon, HWV 67, Act I: Accompagnato. Almighty Pow'r (Solomon)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, The King's Consort, Robert King
Why, Why Are All the Muses Mute?, Z. 343: III. Britain, Thou Now Art Great, Art Great Indeed!Henry Purcell, Robert King, James Bowman, The King's Consort
The Choice of Hercules, HWV 69: No. 15, Air. Yet, Can I Hear That Dulcet Lay (Hercules)George Frideric Handel, Robert King, James Bowman, The King's Consort
Come Tread the PathsAnonymous, The King's Consort, James Bowman
Sono liete, fortunate, HWV 194: II. Crudeltà nè lontananzaGeorge Frideric Handel, Gillian Fisher, James Bowman, The King's Consort, Robert King
O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice!, Z. 406Henry Purcell, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169: V. Aria. Stirb in mirJohann Sebastian Bach, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Deborah, HWV 51, Pt. 2: No. 8, Air. Impious Mortal, Cease to Brave (Barak)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Now Does the Glorious Day Appear, Z. 332: VII. By Beauteous Softness Mixed with MajestyHenry Purcell, Robert King, The King's Consort, James Bowman
O magnum mysteriumGiovanni Gabrieli, The King's Consort, Robert King, James Bowman
Esther, HWV 50a, Scene 2: Recit. Now Persecution Shall Lay by Her Iron Rod – Aria. Tune Your Harps to Cheerful Strains (1st Israelite)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, The King's Consort, Katharina Spreckelsen, Robert King
Since First I Saw Your FaceThomas Ford, David Miller, James Bowman
Solomon, HWV 67, Act I: Duet. Welcome as the Dawn of Day (Solomon/Solomon's Wife)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort, Susan Gritton
Now That the Sun Hath Veiled His Light "An Evening Hymn", Z. 193Henry Purcell, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
The Occasional Oratorio, HWV 62, Act III: No. 3, Aria. Thou Shalt Bring Them In (Alto)George Frideric Handel, Robert King, James Bowman, The King's Consort
Leçons de ténèbres: IIIf. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, convertere ad Dominum Deum tuumFrançois Couperin, Mark Caudle, James Bowman, Robert King
Rinaldo, HWV 7a, Act III: Aria. Or la tromba (Rinaldo)George Frideric Handel, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
On the Brow of Richmond Hill, Z. 405Henry Purcell, The King's Consort, James Bowman, Robert King
Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74: I. Eternal Source of Light DivineGeorge Frideric Handel, Crispian Steele-Perkins, James Bowman, Robert King, The King's Consort
Te Deum & Jubilate, Z. 232: Te Deum: e. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to Keep Us This Day Without SinHenry Purcell, James Bowman, Choir of New College, Oxford, Robert King, The King's Consort