So glad to see Tippett in this series. Strong argument for the Piano Concerto, among Tippett's many masterpieces. When urging friends to discover his music, I recommend this work, along with the Ritual Dances from The Midsummer Marriage and the Symphony No. 2, as the most immediately appreciable. My own favorites are later: Concerto for Orchestra, Triple Concerto, Symphony No. 3. What a special world (or worlds) Tippett offers!
A Child of our Time will remain undefeated for me. A pure genius at work with gorgeous choral harmonies - the arrangements of the Spirituals were innovative and will remain legendary
Another worthy choice! I was introduced to Tippett's music when he visited my hometown to conduct A Child of our Time 42 years ago. The orchestra's assistant conductor opened the concert with the Birthday Suite for Prince Charles. It was the only time, so far, that I saw a major composer conduct. I did get to sit near Alberto Ginastera, a year earlier, while Ricci performed Ginastera's violin concerto.
Well, as attractive as the Tippett Piano Concerto is, it's a far cry from Tippett's 2nd Symphony, which, for me, is Tippett's greatest work. I too met Tippett on two occasions, first at the American premiere of his 3rd Symphony with the Chicago SO, & later in San Francisco (I think it was in 1977?) at a performance of one of his string quartets. But for my money, Tippett's 2nd is not only his finest work but perhaps the finest of all post-WW2 British symphonies, including those of Rubbra, Fricker, Wordsworth & others.
Totally with you on this one! It's an astonishing work, and he gets sonorities out of the instrument that no other C20 composer managed to do. For me, it'll always be one of the benchmarks of the form.
Lovely choice Dave. I might have chosen the second symphony as I think it’s the most exciting British symphony after Walton, and a similar mix of the lyrical and the crazy-spikey Tippett. But I’m sure the Piano Concerto will blow Cancrizans’ infinite mind :)
There's an album conducted by the composer that includes the Piano Concerto alongside the Triple Concerto, which is a lovely late piece. That whole album is fantastic!
I rate The Rose Lake. I shall give the Piano Concerto a listen. I once saw him conduct his Fantasia on a Theme of Handel for Piano and Orchestra at the BBC Proms. I can't remember who the pianist was. But I do remember that the person turning the pages for the pianist turned it too early at one point. The flash of anger by the pianist as she turned it back to the right page has remained with me.
I recently bought his piano concerto Cd A beautiful piece ! I have never seen any single piece of work of Tippett on a concert program in Paris This is very sad
Yes, I also love his piano concerto which I only discovered after you talk/comparison I also regularly listen to h his 2nd Symphony and 3rd String Quartet.
My choice would have to be the 'Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli'. I remember being completely blown away by it when, as a schoolboy, I first heard it with Tippett himself conducting at a birthday concert in London in the early 80s. In particular there is one deliriously ecstatic passage about two thirds of the way through (it starts at 11.47 in the 'Academy of St Martin in the Fields' recording on TH-cam) which has no counterpart in all of 20th-century music and which made a HUGE impact on me. Another contender (if I'm allowed two) would be the absolutely ravishing 'Lament' from the 'Divertimento on Sellinger's Round' with its ground bass (a nod, perhaps, to Purcell's own lament for Dido) and sinuous solo violin: possibly the most concentratedly sad piece Tippett ever wrote (it lasts only six minutes). As you can probably tell ... I'm a BIG fan of Tippett and would have loved to have met him. It would be great to hear some more about that lunch, Mr Hurwitz! (By the way, THANK YOU for your posts - a source of constant entertainment and enlightenment.)
I love much of Tippett, and I'm really tantalized by the prospect of hearing the early music he withdrew. The Piano Concerto, for some reason, reminds me of the Beethoven PC4.
I would lean toward The Midsummer Marriage. I love the Triple Concerto, and that might be my favorite of his instrumental works. I do like your pick, though. Of note, the first piano sonata is underrated and underperformed.
So glad to see Tippett in this series. Strong argument for the Piano Concerto, among Tippett's many masterpieces. When urging friends to discover his music, I recommend this work, along with the Ritual Dances from The Midsummer Marriage and the Symphony No. 2, as the most immediately appreciable. My own favorites are later: Concerto for Orchestra, Triple Concerto, Symphony No. 3. What a special world (or worlds) Tippett offers!
A Child of our Time will remain undefeated for me. A pure genius at work with gorgeous choral harmonies - the arrangements of the Spirituals were innovative and will remain legendary
Maybe it’s cliche for me to choose the Concerto for Double String Orchestra, but that has a special place in my heart.
Another worthy choice! I was introduced to Tippett's music when he visited my hometown to conduct A Child of our Time 42 years ago. The orchestra's assistant conductor opened the concert with the Birthday Suite for Prince Charles. It was the only time, so far, that I saw a major composer conduct. I did get to sit near Alberto Ginastera, a year earlier, while Ricci performed Ginastera's violin concerto.
I’ve heard of Tippett, but never listened to any of his work.
Until today!
Great! I hope you enjoyed it.
I love so much of Tippett - my top 3 would be Piano Concerto, Symphony 2 and Fantasia on a Theme of Corelli...I really don't know which to choose!
Well, as attractive as the Tippett Piano Concerto is, it's a far cry from Tippett's 2nd Symphony, which, for me, is Tippett's greatest work. I too met Tippett on two occasions, first at the American premiere of his 3rd Symphony with the Chicago SO, & later in San Francisco (I think it was in 1977?) at a performance of one of his string quartets. But for my money, Tippett's 2nd is not only his finest work but perhaps the finest of all post-WW2 British symphonies, including those of Rubbra, Fricker, Wordsworth & others.
Totally with you on this one! It's an astonishing work, and he gets sonorities out of the instrument that no other C20 composer managed to do. For me, it'll always be one of the benchmarks of the form.
Lovely choice Dave. I might have chosen the second symphony as I think it’s the most exciting British symphony after Walton, and a similar mix of the lyrical and the crazy-spikey Tippett. But I’m sure the Piano Concerto will blow Cancrizans’ infinite mind :)
There's an album conducted by the composer that includes the Piano Concerto alongside the Triple Concerto, which is a lovely late piece. That whole album is fantastic!
I love the Piano Concerto, Tippett’s 2nd Symphony, and the Triple Concerto is really interesting too.
My choice would be the wonderful Concerto for Double String Orchestra and because I listen to it often.
My favourite too!
I rate The Rose Lake. I shall give the Piano Concerto a listen. I once saw him conduct his Fantasia on a Theme of Handel for Piano and Orchestra at the BBC Proms. I can't remember who the pianist was. But I do remember that the person turning the pages for the pianist turned it too early at one point. The flash of anger by the pianist as she turned it back to the right page has remained with me.
Page turning is a very ungrateful and stressful job. I did it once and it was nerve wracking.
Yep thanks, A good one! Also his 2nd and 3rd String Quartets and 1st Piano Sonata. Also love The Summer Marriage.
I recently bought his piano concerto Cd
A beautiful piece !
I have never seen any single piece of work of Tippett on a concert program in Paris
This is very sad
Yes, I also love his piano concerto which I only discovered after you talk/comparison I also regularly listen to h his 2nd Symphony and 3rd String Quartet.
Yes, that is sad :-(
My choice would have to be the 'Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli'. I remember being completely blown away by it when, as a schoolboy, I first heard it with Tippett himself conducting at a birthday concert in London in the early 80s. In particular there is one deliriously ecstatic passage about two thirds of the way through (it starts at 11.47 in the 'Academy of St Martin in the Fields' recording on TH-cam) which has no counterpart in all of 20th-century music and which made a HUGE impact on me. Another contender (if I'm allowed two) would be the absolutely ravishing 'Lament' from the 'Divertimento on Sellinger's Round' with its ground bass (a nod, perhaps, to Purcell's own lament for Dido) and sinuous solo violin: possibly the most concentratedly sad piece Tippett ever wrote (it lasts only six minutes). As you can probably tell ... I'm a BIG fan of Tippett and would have loved to have met him. It would be great to hear some more about that lunch, Mr Hurwitz! (By the way, THANK YOU for your posts - a source of constant entertainment and enlightenment.)
Good choice. It's an extraordinary work. I know the ecstatic passage you mention too :)
I love much of Tippett, and I'm really tantalized by the prospect of hearing the early music he withdrew. The Piano Concerto, for some reason, reminds me of the Beethoven PC4.
Like I said.
@@DavesClassicalGuide I must have missed that part.
Lucky enough to see it played by Steven Osborne with the LPO recently…a wonderful work
Perfect choice. A shame Lang Lang, who performed it a number of times has never recorded it
I would lean toward The Midsummer Marriage. I love the Triple Concerto, and that might be my favorite of his instrumental works. I do like your pick, though. Of note, the first piano sonata is underrated and underperformed.
Am greatly enjoying this series of videos. How about one on Florence Price?
We'll get there...
Dave, which recording of the Tippett Piano Concerto do you recommend?
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