Forbes Robinson

Peter Forbes Robinson (21 May 1926 – 13 May 1987) was a British bass, born in Macclesfield, best known for his performances in works by Mozart, Verdi, and Britten.

Career

He created the title role in Michael Tippett's King Priam. His recordings include the Philips recording with Sir Colin Davis of Britten's Peter Grimes, as Swallow; he may also be heard in a live 1972 recording of Arthur Bliss' The Olympians, in which he plays Joseph Lavatte. He sang the part of Géronte de Ravoir in Manon Lescaut on UK television in 1983.

Private life

He was born in Macclesfield and died in London. He married in 1952.

Discography

• Handel, G. F. Chandos Anthem No. 9 (recorded before 1967, when Forbes Robinson was no more than 29 years). Elizabeth Vaughan, Alexander Young, Forbes Robinson, Andrew Davis, John Langdon. In Handel, Antífonas de la Coronación. Antífona de Chandos Nº 9. English Chamber Orchestra, Academy of St .Martin in the Fields, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge / Sir David Willcocks. CD. (Música SAcra, 13). Barcelona: Altaya, 1996.
• Verdi, Giuseppe. La Traviata: Melodrama en tres actos de Francesco Maria Piave (20-6-1958). Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London. With Maria Callas, Cesare Valletti, Mario Zanasi, Marie Collier, Lea Roberts, Dermont Troy, Forbes Robinson, Ronald Lewis, David Kelly. Dir. Nicola Rescigno. New Remastering. 2 CDs. (Maria Callas). Barcelona: DiVa/RBA, 2000.
• Britten, Benjamin. Rejoice in the Lamb: Festival cantata, op. 30. The Choir of St. John's College Cambridge. With Roger Parker, Michael Pearce, Robert Tear. Dir.: George Guest. Organ: Brian Runnett Decca Record Co Ltd, London. Recorded 1966. Digitally remastered 1990

Sources

• CLASSICALmanac
• Forbes Robinson at the Internet Movie Database
• James Anderson, The Complete Dictionary of Opera and Operetta.