Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Michael Tippett with his compelling album "Tippett: The Knot Garden/Symphony No.4." This neoclassical masterpiece, released on January 1, 2003, under Decca Music Group Ltd., is a testament to Tippett's extraordinary compositional prowess. The album is a rich tapestry of two distinct yet harmoniously intertwined works: the opera "The Knot Garden" and the monumental Symphony No. 4.
"The Knot Garden," a three-act opera, unfolds like a intricate narrative, each act divided into compelling segments that draw you into its dramatic depth. From the confrontational opening to the labyrinthine middle and the charade-like conclusion, Tippett's music paints a vivid picture of human complexity and emotion. The opera's libretto, also penned by Tippett, adds a layer of poetic richness that complements the music beautifully.
Complementing the opera is Symphony No. 4, a seven-movement orchestral work that showcases Tippett's ability to blend structure and spontaneity. Each movement, marked by its unique tempo and figurations, builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive and engaging musical journey. The symphony's intricate details and sweeping melodies are a testament to Tippett's mastery of the classical form.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, this album offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Michael Tippett or a newcomer to his work, "Tippett: The Knot Garden/Symphony No.4" is sure to leave a lasting impression. Dive into this album and discover the timeless beauty of Tippett's neoclassical compositions.
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "So, If I Dream"Michael Tippett, Thomas Hemsley, Yvonne Minton, Jill Gomez, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "What Is It You Do To Flora?"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Raimund Herincx, Thomas Hemsley, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "You Can Pick Roses"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Jill Gomez, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "If You Think We're Waxworks, You Ought To Play"Michael Tippett, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Jill Gomez, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "Ca - Ca - Caliban"Michael Tippett, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Yvonne Minton, Thomas Hemsley, Raimund Herincx, Jill Gomez, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "O, You Stare In Horror"Michael Tippett, Josephine Barstow, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 1:"Confrontation": "Do, Do Not, Do Not Torment Me"Michael Tippett, Thomas Carey, Robert Tear, Jill Gomez, Raimund Herincx, Yvonne Minton, Josephine Barstow, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 2:"Labyrinth": "Fear! What Do I Fear?"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Josephine Barstow, Raimund Herincx, Jill Gomez, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 2:"Labyrinth": "Flora: Flora, Love; Stop Crying"Michael Tippett, Robert Tear, Jill Gomez, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 2:"Labyrinth": "I Was Born In a Big Town"Michael Tippett, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "You Must Both Hold With Me"Michael Tippett, Thomas Hemsley, Yvonne Minton, Josephine Barstow, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "Ugh-Ugh-Ugh. -Whatever Is That?"Michael Tippett, Thomas Carey, Jill Gomez, Thomas Hemsley, Robert Tear, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "Two Unruly Spirits Born!"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Josephine Barstow, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "Mel! O Crude, O Obscene"Michael Tippett, Josephine Barstow, Thomas Carey, Robert Tear, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "And What Are You, Mangus?"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Thomas Hemsley, Jill Gomez, Raimund Herincx, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "I Am No More Afraid"Michael Tippett, Yvonne Minton, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "Goodbye Island: Goodbye Cave"Michael Tippett, Jill Gomez, Thomas Hemsley, Raimund Herincx, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
The Knot Garden / Act 3:"Charade": "Enough! Enough!"Michael Tippett, Thomas Hemsley, Robert Tear, Thomas Carey, Raimund Herincx, Yvonne Minton, Jill Gomez, Josephine Barstow, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 4: 1. Tempo 1Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 2. (Fig 21)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 3. (Fig 52)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 4. (Fig 78)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 5. (Fig 100)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 6. (Fig 139)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Symphony No. 4: 7. (Fig 160)Michael Tippett, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti