Michael Tippett is a household name, no doubt. He is one of the most important British composers of the last century, next to . But whether his music is so well known? Probably not outside of England, except for A Child Of Our Time. Perhaps this series of Tippett's symphonies will change that. These are two releases from 2017 (Symphonies No. 1-2) and 2019 (Symphonies No. 3-4, Symphony in B flat)
… respectively. The early Symphony in B flat is even released here on CD for the first time. This is the first time this symphonic oeuvre is presented as a coherent whole. And it is worth it. Take the opening movement of the Third Symphony (1970-72), which reflects the zeitgeist in everything. This is evident from the constant alternation of stillness and movement, as was the fashion at the time in the avant-garde. But then the timeless nature music of the Lento: both cool and passionate, both jet black and shiny. The closing vocal sections are a parody and commentary on 's choral finales Ninth Symphony (which is also quoted literally). It's amazing how the soprano sometimes has to compete with the entire orchestra here. During the premiere in 1972, soprano Heather Harper was therefore discreetly amplified by electronic means. (HJ)more
