Michael Tippett's "Concerto for Double String Orchestra" is a captivating exploration of polyphony, featuring two string orchestras in an antiphonal dialogue. This 1995 release from Nimbus Records is a neoclassical masterpiece that spans 12 tracks and a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes. The album opens with the dynamic "Concerto for Double String Orchestra," a three-movement work that showcases Tippett's intricate compositional style. The first movement, "Allegro con brio," is a lively and energetic piece, while the second movement, "Adagio cantabile," offers a more contemplative and lyrical atmosphere. The third movement, "Allegro molto," brings the concerto to a thrilling conclusion.
The album also includes five Negro Spirituals from Tippett's oratorio "A Child of Our Time," each one a poignant and deeply moving interpretation of these timeless melodies. These spirituals are followed by the "Little Music for Strings," a four-movement suite that highlights Tippett's ability to create complex and engaging works on a smaller scale. The "Evening Canticles," featuring the "Magnificat" and "Nunc Dimittis," are choral works that showcase Tippett's skill in setting sacred texts to music. The album concludes with the "Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli," a virtuosic display of Tippett's compositional prowess.
Performed by the English String Orchestra and conducted by William Boughton, this album is a testament to Tippett's enduring legacy as one of the most important British composers of the 20th century. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tippett's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to impress with its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and profound emotional depth.
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