The Cambridge Companion to Michael Tippett

This Companion provides a wide ranging and accessible study of one of the most individual composers of the twentieth century.

Kenneth Gloag (Edited by), Nicholas Jones (Edited by)

9781107606135, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 January 2013

327 pages, 2 b/w illus. 12 tables 109 music examples
24.5 x 17.3 x 1.7 cm, 0.6 kg

'If The Cambridge Companion to Michael Tippett communicates the state of research on the composer, that is not its only valuable feature. One of the greatest strengths of the volume is in its copious, extended music examples, which are sufficiently intriguing on the page that they do some of the work of advocacy by sending readers to the piano or to recordings of less-familiar works … the volume contains a wealth of illustrations, most of them analytical in nature and focused on the large-scale structure of works.' Kevin Salfen, Notes

Sir Michael Tippett is widely considered to be one of the most individual composers of the twentieth century, whose music continues to be performed to critical acclaim throughout the world. Written by a team of international scholars, this Companion provides a wide ranging and accessible study of Tippett and his works. It discusses the contexts and concepts of modernism, tradition, politics, sexuality and creativity that shaped Tippett's music and ideas, engaging with archive materials, relevant literature and models of interpretation. Chapters explore the genres in which Tippett composed, including opera, symphony, string quartet, concerto and piano sonata, to shed new light on his major works and draw attention to those that have not yet received the attention they deserve. Directing knowledge and expertise towards a wide readership, this book will enrich the listening experience and broaden understanding of the music of this endlessly fascinating and challenging composer.

Chronology of Tippett's life and career Jonathan Rees
Part I. Contexts and Concepts: 1. Tippett and twentieth-century polarities Arnold Whittall
2. Tippett and the English traditions Christopher Mark
3. 'Things that chiefly interest ME': Tippett and early music Suzanne Cole
4. Tippett and politics: the 1930s and beyond Joanna Bullivant
5. 'Coming out to oneself': encodings of homosexual identity from the first string quartet to The Heart's Assurance Suzanne Robinson
6. Between image and imagination: Tippett's creative process Thomas Schuttenhelm
Part II. Works and Genres: 7. Tippett's 'great divide': before and after King Priam Iain Stannard
8. 'Symphonic music in our modern times': Tippett and the symphony Edward Venn
9. Tippett and the concerto: from double to triple Kenneth Gloag
10. The four piano sonatas: past and present tensions Alastair Borthwick
11. Formal archetypes, revered masters and singing nightingales: Tippett's string quartets Nicholas Jones
12. Tippett's operatic world: from The Midsummer Marriage to New Year Kenneth Gloag
13. Words and music Edward Venn
Chronological list of works Jonathan Rees.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1], Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH], 20th century & contemporary classical music [AVGC6]