During the recording sessions, conductor Michael Tippett would announce 'Heating break!' when the noisy space heaters needed to run, prompting relief from the orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Michael Tippett called his Symphony No. 4 a 'birth-to-death' piece, incorporating 'gentle breathing' sounds at the beginning and end to enhance its human dimension.
Composer Biography
Sir Michael Tippett, the composer, was imprisoned for three months in 1943 for refusing, as a pacifist, to comply with conditions of exemption from active war service.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Michael Tippett conceived his Symphony No. 2 to reflect four emotional states: joy, tenderness, gaiety, and fantasy.
Composition History
Michael Tippett's Symphony No. 2 began with the inspiration of pounding bass arpeggios from a Vivaldi Concerto for Strings in C, heard while overlooking Lake Lugano.
Composition History
Michael Tippett's Symphony No. 4 was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which gave its premiere under Sir Georg Solti in 1977.
Recording & Production
The recording sessions for this album were held in a freezing cold church, All Hallows, Gospel Oak, in North London, requiring industrial space heaters.
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