Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Michael Tippett

Complete Piano Works

  • Fantasia on a Theme of George Frideric Handel *
  • Concerto for Piano *
  • Sonata for Piano #1 (1935/1942)
  • Sonata for Piano #2 (1962)
  • Sonata for Piano #3 (1972-1973)
  • Sonata for Piano #4 (1984)
Steven Osborne, piano
* BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra/Martyn Brabbins
Hyperion CDA67461/2 2CDs 141m DDD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe

The complete piano works by Sir Michael Tippett only fill the space of 2 CDs, but their sense of power and diversity are so great, that recording them in their entirety is nothing less than a formidable challenge.

Steven Osborne rises to this daunting task with confidence and audacity and the results are simply breathtaking, particularly in the Piano Concerto, considered as one of the most important concertos of the second half of the 20th century with its humane vision and expressive potential which made audiences sit up and applaud.

The First Sonata and Handel Fantasia are fiery and spontaneous, but although the Sonata's slow movement has hints of Hindemith, both pieces distinctly convey Tippett's early style, which leaned towards the romantic language of form and melody.

Sonatas #2-4 are very difficult works and at first glance seem awkward and almost unplayable, but repeated listening reaps rich dividends, as one is permitted to share the composer's inwardness and emotional turmoil.

This set is not a journey for the squeamish with its stark and mostly dark-hued textures, but it should definitely appeal to all 20th-century piano aficionados, particularly fans of tippet. Ian Kemp's invigorating essay and Hyperion's splendid sound complete a memorable issue which should not be missed.

Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2024 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.