The first tenor to sing German at English National Opera
RIPJohn Dobson, who has died aged 92, was a stalwart of British opera companies for just under half a century.
After making his debut at Bergamo in 1946, he joined the Royal Opera House as a comprimario and sang more than 2,000 performances there until he retired in 1995.
On one celebrated occasion he was released to stand in as Mime in Siegfried at the Coliseum for English National Opera. As an international artist, he knew the role only in German. Such was his commanding presence that two other singers joined him in the original language.
The announcement and performance can be heard here.
Norman Bailey knew Sachs in German. Remedios, who sang Walter, was indisposed, and somebody from Cologne was flown in. He sang in German and Bailey did so in the second act when Sachs and Walter were alone. That was in 1968.
Dobson was also a marvellous Jaquino in Klemperer’s unforgettable Fidelio at Covent Garden.
R.I.P.
Saw him countless times at the ROH over many years and in what must have been dozens of roles. Always in service of the opera and of his colleagues on stage. RIP.
It was a privilege to work with John. I learned so much from his approach to his work – unfailingly cheerful and positive, and his stage performances always detailed and gripping. I would also like to note his dedication to the educational component of ROH’s mission. I accompanied him on many school visits in London and beyond, and I feel that had he not been a professional singer, he would have been an inspiring educator.
John Dobson then returned to the ENO to sing Mime (in English) in the late 1970’s. I stage managed the performances in London and then on tour. A fine artist, John was also a lovely man, a pleasure to work with always and very kind to a rather home-sick young Australian. RIP.
How nice to read this bit of your story!
Stephen McIntyre