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Sir John Tomlinson

From his 1984 Mercedes to his basket weaving and art collection, the great bass John Tomlinson gives Sean an insight into his life, work and musical influences at his Sussex home.

From the moment Sir John Tomlinson collects Sean from Lewes station in his 1984 Mercedes (the same one he used to drive to Bayreuth every summer), it's clear that this great bass is as warm and welcoming as his voice suggests. He reflects on his upbringing in Oswaldtwistle where Handel and Gilbert and Sullivan were formative musical influences; and on how he's found relaxation during a hectic international career which has taken him from Mozart's operas to playing Wager's Wotan and pioneering roles for Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Thomas Ad猫s in more recent times. Sir John's art collection and regency home, which has been kept almost in its original state from flooring to kitchen sink, offer fascinating insights into the life and work of one of this country's greatest singers.

1 hour

Last on

New Year's Day 2018 13:00

Music Played

  • George Frideric Handel

    'O ruddier than the cherry' from Acis and Galatea

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: David Parry.
    • Great Operatic Arias.
    • Chandos.
    • 1.
  • George Frideric Handel

    'Why do the nations so furiously rage' from Messiah

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: The English Concert & Choir. Conductor: Trevor Pinnock.
    • Handel: Messiah.
    • Archiv.
    • 17.
  • Richard Wagner

    Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge from Das Rheingold

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Fetspiele. Conductor: Daniel Barenboim.
    • Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 21.
  • Richard Wagner

    Leb wohl, du kuhnes, herrliches Kind! from Die Walkure

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele. Conductor: Daniel Barenboim.
    • Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 12.
  • Gaetano Donizetti

    'Oh faithful Talbot!' from Mary Stuart

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Performer: Janet Baker. Orchestra: English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.
    • Donizetti: Mary Stuart.
    • Chandos.
    • 6.
  • Richard Wagner

    End of Act 3 Duet from Die Walkure

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele. Conductor: Daniel Barenboim.
    • Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 11.
  • Arthur Sullivan

    The Mikado's Song from The Mikado, Act II

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: David Parry.
    • Great Operatic Arias.
    • Chandos.
    • 14.
  • Harrison Birtwistle

    'God's Name!' from Gawain

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Conductor: Elgar Howarth.
    • Harrison Birtwistle: Gawain.
    • Collins Classics.
    • 16.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    'When a maiden takes your fancy' from The Abduction from the Seraglio

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: David Parry.
    • Great Operatic Arias.
    • Chandos.
  • Richard Wagner

    Wotan's Farewell from Die Walkure

    Performer: John Tomlinson. Orchestra: Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele. Conductor: Daniel Barenboim.
    • Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen.
    • Warner Classics.
    • 12.

Broadcast

  • New Year's Day 2018 13:00