Thomas Allen

Composers

Biography

Born: September 10, 1944   Country: England  
Recognized as much for his acting ability as for his fine singing, baritone Thomas Allen brings a strong sense of style and character to all types of music; his broad repertory includes Monteverdi, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, the lighter Wagner roles, Britten's Billy Budd, Prokofiev's War and Peace, and Janácek's The Cunning Little Vixen.

Allen grew up in a mining community in the north of England where his father ran a glee club and a dance Read more band, provided accompaniment for a local choir, and collected musical instruments. As a boy, Allen learned both piano and organ from his father, and sang in various local choirs. By the age of 16, he was singing baritone solos in the school choir, and even participating as a soloist in various local recitals, as well as continuing his organ lessons and studying music at school. He successfully auditioned for the Royal College of Music in 1964, where he intended to focus his energies on lieder and oratorio, but by 1967 he had already made his first operatic appearance as a substitute singer in Benjamin's The Prima Donna.

In 1968, before graduating, he won the Queen's Prize, an award that included lessons with James Lockhart, the new music director of the Welsh National Opera. Lockhart encouraged him to audition for the WNO, and he was engaged in 1968 to join the company the next year. Between that time and the beginning of his engagement, he sang in the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus.

At the Welsh National Opera, Lockhart continued to act as a coach and mentor, and Allen made his debut as Figaro in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia in 1969. He made his Covent Garden debut as

Donald in Billy Budd in 1971 (he also took on the title role for the WNO the same year), his Glyndebourne debut in 1973 as Papageno, sang his first Wagner role (Melot in Tristan and Isolde, at Covent Garden), and created the role of the Count in Musgrave's The Voice of Ariadne at the 1974 Aldeburgh Festival. During this period he gave special attention to the major Mozart baritone roles, and, in 1977, sang his first Don Giovanni at the Salzburg Festival, to great acclaim for both his singing and his acting. He garnered even more attention as the Count in a performance of Figaro a few months later at Covent Garden, and made his Met debut as Papageno in 1981. In 1980, he sang Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin for the first time at the Welsh National Opera, and this role soon joined Don Giovanni as one of his signature roles. During the 1980s, he started adding a few Verdi roles to his repertoire, such as Posa in Don Carlo and Ford in Falstaff, though he was wary of the heavier roles. In 1999, he was knighted in Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honors.

He recorded two equally fine performances of Don Giovanni -- one based on a Glyndebourne performance with Haitink (EMI CDS7 47037-8), the other on Philips with Marriner. His Eugene Onegin, conducted by Levine (Deutsche Grammophon), captures him in magnificent form in a memorable role. Read less

Featured Thomas Allen CDs & DVDs:

Tchaikovsky: Eugen Onegin / Levine, Allen, Freni, Von Otter
Tchaikovsky: Eugen Onegin / Levine, Allen, Freni, Von Otter
Release Date: 10/25/1990   Label: Deutsche Grammophon  
Catalog: 423959   Number of Discs: 2
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Brahms, Wolf: Lieder / Thomas Allen, Geoffrey Parsons
Brahms, Wolf: Lieder / Thomas Allen, Geoffrey Parsons
Release Date: 05/05/1998   Label: Virgin Classics  
Catalog: 61418   Number of Discs: 2
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Berlioz: Beatrice et Benedict / Davis, Baker, Allen
Berlioz: Beatrice et Benedict / Davis, Baker, Allen
Release Date: 03/25/2010   Label: Philips  
Catalog: 475221   Number of Discs: 2
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Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Muti, Allen, Price, Et Al
Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Muti, Allen, Price, Et Al
Release Date: 10/25/1990   Label: Emi Classics  
Catalog: 47978   Number of Discs: 3
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Mahler: Des Knaben Wunderhorn / Mackerras, Murray, Allen
Mahler: Des Knaben Wunderhorn / Mackerras, Murray, Allen
Release Date: 05/23/2000   Label: Virgin Classics Special Import  
Catalog: 61202   Number of Discs: 1
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Browse 176-200 of 201 Available Recordings
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  • 176.
    Tippett: King Priam / Atherton, London Sinfonietta
    Tippett: King Priam / Atherton, London Sinfonietta
    Label: Chandos   Catalog: 9406 Release Date: 11/14/1995   Number of Discs: 2
    Composer:  Michael Tippett
    Performer:  Felicity Palmer,  Thomas Allen,  Norman Bailey,  Yvonne Minton  ... 
    Conductor:  David Atherton
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  London Sinfonietta,  London Sinfonietta Chorus
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  • 177.
    Diva / Montserrat Caballé
    Diva / Montserrat Caballé
    Label: Emi Classics   Catalog: 65575 Release Date: 08/08/1995   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Gioachino Rossini,  Giacomo Puccini,  Pietro Mascagni,  Giuseppe Verdi  ... 
    Performer:  Montserrat Caballé,  José Carreras,  Astrid Varnay,  Sherrill Milnes  ... 
    Conductor:  Lamberto Gardelli,  Sir Charles Mackerras,  Alain Lombard,  Riccardo Muti  ... 
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,  London Symphony Orchestra,  Rhine Opera Chorus  ... 
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  • 178.
    Purcell: Music For Queen Mary / Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir
    Purcell: Music For Queen Mary / Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir
    Label: Erato   Catalog: 96553 Release Date: 05/02/1995   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Henry Purcell
    Performer:  Felicity Lott,  John Williams,  Charles Brett,  Thomas Allen
    Conductor:  John Eliot Gardiner
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Equale Brass,  Monteverdi Choir,  Monteverdi Orchestra
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  • 179.
    Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem / Sawallisch, Price, Allen
    Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem / Sawallisch, Price, Allen
    Label: Orfeo   Catalog: 39101 Release Date: 04/04/1995   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Johannes Brahms
    Performer:  Margaret Price,  Thomas Allen
    Conductor:  Wolfgang Sawallisch
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
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  • 180.
    Barber: Dover Beach, Etc /Allen, Vignoles, Endellion Quartet
    Barber: Dover Beach, Etc /Allen, Vignoles, Endellion Quartet
    Label: Virgin Classics Special Import   Catalog: 45033 Release Date: 02/14/1995   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Samuel Barber
    Performer:  Thomas Allen,  Roger Vignoles,  David Waterman,  Ralph De Souza  ... 
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Endellion String Quartet
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  • 181.
    Gilbert & Sullivan: H.m.s. Pinafore / Mackerras, Welsh Opera
    Gilbert & Sullivan: H.m.s. Pinafore / Mackerras, Welsh Opera
    Label: Telarc   Catalog: 80374 Release Date: 10/25/1994   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Arthur Sullivan
    Performer:  Michael Schade,  Thomas Allen,  Richard Suart,  Felicity Palmer  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Charles Mackerras
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Welsh National Opera Chorus,  Welsh National Opera Orchestra
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  • 182.
    Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy - My Favorite Opera For Children
    Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy - My Favorite Opera For Children
    Label: Decca   Catalog: 443817 Release Date: 08/23/1994   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Engelbert Humperdinck,  Gioachino Rossini,  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,  Giuseppe Verdi  ... 
    Performer:  Julia Hamari,  Brigitte Fassbaender,  Lucia Popp,  Walter Berry  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Georg Solti,  Silvio Varviso,  Richard Bonynge,  Herbert von Karajan
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Vienna Boys' Choir,  Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,  London Philharmonic Orchestra  ... 
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  • 183.
    Vaughan Williams: Toward The Unknown Region, Etc / Best
    Vaughan Williams: Toward The Unknown Region, Etc / Best
    Label: Hyperion   Catalog: 66655 Release Date: 02/01/1994   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Performer:  Matthew Souter,  John Mark Ainsley,  Thomas Allen,  Judith Howarth
    Conductor:  Matthew Best
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Corydon Orchestra,  Corydon Singers
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  • 184.
    Vaughan Williams: Serenade To Music, Mystical Songs / Best
    Vaughan Williams: Serenade To Music, Mystical Songs / Best
    Label: Hyperion   Catalog: 66420 Release Date: 11/17/1993   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Ralph Vaughan Williams
    Performer:  Anne Dawson,  Linda Kitchen,  Amanda Roocroft,  Diana Montague  ... 
    Conductor:  Matthew Best
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Corydon Singers,  English Chamber Orchestra
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  • 185.
    Gluck: Iphigénie En Tauride / Muti, Vaness, Allen, La Scala
    Gluck: Iphigénie En Tauride / Muti, Vaness, Allen, La Scala
    Label: Sony   Catalog: 52492 Release Date: 08/24/1993   Number of Discs: 2
    Composer:  Christoph W. Gluck
    Performer:  Thomas Allen,  Carol Vaness,  Gösta Winbergh,  Giorgio Surjan  ... 
    Conductor:  Riccardo Muti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Milan Teatro alla Scala Chorus,  Milan Teatro alla Scala Orchestra
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  • 186.
    Duparc: Songs / Sarah Walker, Thomas Allen, Roger Vignoles
    Duparc: Songs / Sarah Walker, Thomas Allen, Roger Vignoles
    Label: Hyperion   Catalog: 66323 Release Date: 06/21/1993   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Henri Duparc
    Performer:  Sarah Walker,  Roger Vignoles,  Thomas Allen
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  • 187.
    The Hyperion Schubert Edition - Complete Songs Vol 16
    The Hyperion Schubert Edition - Complete Songs Vol 16
    Label: Hyperion   Catalog: 33016 Release Date: 03/04/1993   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Franz Schubert
    Performer:  Graham Johnson,  Thomas Allen
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  • 188.
    Mozart: Die Zauberflote Highlights / Sir Charles Mackerras
    Mozart: Die Zauberflote Highlights / Sir Charles Mackerras
    Label: Telarc   Catalog: 80345 Release Date: 01/26/1993   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Performer:  Ulrike Steinsky,  Nathan Watts,  Anthony Negus,  Daniel Ison  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Charles Mackerras
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Scottish Chamber Orchestra,  Scottish Chamber Chorus
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  • 189.
    Durufle: Requiem, Four Motets / Matthew Best, Ann Murray
    Durufle: Requiem, Four Motets / Matthew Best, Ann Murray
    Label: Hyperion   Catalog: 66191 Release Date: 10/26/1992   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Maurice Duruflé
    Performer:  Ann Murray,  Thomas Trotter,  Thomas Allen,  Mary Seers
    Conductor:  Matthew Best
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Corydon Singers,  English Chamber Orchestra
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  • 190.
    Mendelssohn: Elijah / Marriner, Alle, Rolfe Johnson, Kenny
    Mendelssohn: Elijah / Marriner, Alle, Rolfe Johnson, Kenny
    Label: Philips   Catalog: 432984 Release Date: 09/15/1992   Number of Discs: 2
    Composer:  Felix Mendelssohn
    Performer:  Thomas Allen,  Anne Sofie von Otter,  Jamie Hopkins,  Jean Rigby  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields,  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus
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  • 191.
    Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci; Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
    Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci; Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
    Label: Emi Studio   Catalog: 63650 Release Date: 07/01/1991   Number of Discs: 2
    Composer:  Ruggero Leoncavallo,  Pietro Mascagni
    Performer:  Ugo Benelli,  José Carreras,  Thomas Allen,  Kari Nurmela  ... 
    Conductor:  Riccardo Muti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Ambrosian Singers,  Southend Boys Choir,  Philharmonia Orchestra
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  • 192.
    Bizet: Carmen / Solti, Troyanos, Domingo, Van Dam, Te Kanawa
    Bizet: Carmen / Solti, Troyanos, Domingo, Van Dam, Te Kanawa
    Label: Decca   Catalog: 414489 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 3
    Composer:  Georges Bizet
    Performer:  Jane Berbié,  Placido Domingo,  José Van Dam,  Dame Kiri Te Kanawa  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Georg Solti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Haberdashers' Aske's School Boys Choir,  John Alldis Choir,  London Philharmonic Orchestra
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  • 193.
    Gounod: Faust / Prêtre, Domingo, Freni, Ghiaurov, Paris
    Gounod: Faust / Prêtre, Domingo, Freni, Ghiaurov, Paris
    Label: Emi Classics   Catalog: 47493 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 3
    Composer:  Charles Gounod
    Performer:  Mirella Freni,  Michèle Command,  Thomas Allen,  Placido Domingo  ... 
    Conductor:  Georges Prêtre
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Paris Opera Chorus,  Paris Opera Orchestra
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  • 194.
    Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Muti, Allen, Price, Et Al
    Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Muti, Allen, Price, Et Al
    Label: Emi Classics   Catalog: 47978 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 3
    Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Performer:  Thomas Allen,  Jorma Hynninen,  Kurt Rydl,  Ernesto Gavazzi  ... 
    Conductor:  Riccardo Muti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Vienna State Opera Chorus Konzertvereinigung,  Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
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  • 195.
    Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro Highlights / Solti, Te Kanawa
    Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro Highlights / Solti, Te Kanawa
    Label: Decca   Catalog: 417395 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Performer:  Thomas Allen,  Lucia Popp,  Samuel Ramey,  Frederica Von Stade  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Georg Solti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  London Philharmonic Orchestra
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  • 196.
    Purcell: Dido & Aeneas / Leppard, Norman, Allen, Mclaughlin
    Purcell: Dido & Aeneas / Leppard, Norman, Allen, Mclaughlin
    Label: Philips   Catalog: 416299 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Henry Purcell
    Performer:  Marie McLaughlin,  Patricia Kern,  Derek Lee Ragin,  Patrick Power  ... 
    Conductor:  Raymond Leppard
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  English Chamber Orchestra
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  • 197.
    Tchaikovsky: Eugen Onegin / Levine, Allen, Freni, Von Otter
    Tchaikovsky: Eugen Onegin / Levine, Allen, Freni, Von Otter
    Label: Deutsche Grammophon   Catalog: 423959 Release Date: 10/25/1990   Number of Discs: 2
    Composer:  Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
    Performer:  Rosemarie Lang,  Ruthild Engert,  Thomas Allen,  Neil Shicoff  ... 
    Conductor:  James Levine
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Leipzig Radio Chorus,  Dresden Staatskapelle
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  • 198.
    Mozart: Cosi Fan Tutte / Marriner, Mattila, Von Otter
    Mozart: Cosi Fan Tutte / Marriner, Mattila, Von Otter
    Label: Philips   Catalog: 422381 Release Date: 09/05/1990   Number of Discs: 3
    Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Performer:  Karita Mattila,  Elzbieta Szmytka,  Francisco Araiza,  Thomas Allen  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
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  • 199.
    Gounod: Faust - Highlights / Prêtre, Domingo, Freni
    Gounod: Faust - Highlights / Prêtre, Domingo, Freni
    Label: Emi Studio   Catalog: 63090 Release Date: 06/06/1989   Number of Discs: 1
    Composer:  Charles Gounod
    Performer:  Nicolai Ghiaurov,  Placido Domingo,  Mirella Freni,  Michèle Command  ... 
    Conductor:  Georges Prêtre
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  Paris Opera Orchestra,  Paris Opera Chorus
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  • 200.
    Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Solti, Ramey, Te Kanawa
    Mozart: Le Nozze Di Figaro / Solti, Ramey, Te Kanawa
    Label: Decca   Catalog: 410150 Release Date: 03/12/1984   Number of Discs: 3
    Composer:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Performer:  Dame Kiri Te Kanawa,  Kurt Moll,  Robert Tear,  Yvonne Kenny  ... 
    Conductor:  Sir Georg Solti
    Orchestra/Ensemble:  London Philharmonic Orchestra,  London Opera Chorus
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