Tippett - Symphony No.2; Suite for New Year

Michael TIPPETT (1905-1998)

Symphony No. 2

Suite from New Year*

Timothy Holmes (saxophone)*

Alan Taylor (electric guitar)*

Robert Millett (drums)*

Kyle Horch (saxophone)*

Melanie Bush (saxophone)*

Steven Smith (electric guitar)*

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Richard Hickox

Tippett's Second Symphony had a famously disastrous premier under Sir Adrian Boult, who allowed his jerk of a concertmaster to re-bow all of the string parts--with the result that orchestra collapsed into rhythmic chaos. Though difficult to play, the music holds no terrors now, and it's a splendidly vital score, the opening suggestive of Vivaldi and sounding in places like Copland. The slow movement has a truly magical aura, while the scherzo and finale bring to mind the Stravinsky of the Symphony in Three Movements. New Year is Tippet's last opera--the plot concerns aliens visiting an urban slum--and the music is correspondingly wild. These excellent performances provide a fine overview of Tippett's range as a composer.

David Hurwitz

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Although other versions of the 2nd Symphony are more alert rhythmically and musically pointed, the warm recording and natural ambience of Hickox's well-moulded performance make for most satisfying listening, not least in a deeply-felt, magical slow movement. The Suite from Tippett's unaccountably neglected final opera 'New Year' is unique to this disc, full of unearthly richly-strange sonorities, and most beautifully done. Highly recommended.

Amazon Review