Michael Tippett: The Shadow and the Light
The turbulent life and fascinating music of British composer Michael Tippett, which has challenged or delighted musicians round the world with its energy and ecstasy.
The latest in John Bridcut’s collection of award-winning films about British composers features the life and music of Sir Michael Tippett, who died in 1998.
For many years, Tippett dominated the contemporary classical music scene in the UK. His life spanned almost the whole of the 20th century, and embraced many of the social issues of his time, from pacifism to homosexuality. His most popular work, the oratorio A Child of Our Time, made his name in 1944. Provoked by Kristallnacht – the 1938 Nazi-led pogrom against German Jews – it continues to speak powerfully about refugees and persecution.
This performance-based documentary features extracts from the full range of Tippett’s music, specially filmed in Glasgow with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Bearsden Choir.
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Clips
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The Bearsden Choir and Ashley Riches perform Go Down, Moses
Duration: 01:09
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The secret of composition
Duration: 01:45
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Michael Tippett's unlikely appearance on Wogan
Duration: 01:38
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Music Group | BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra |
| Music Group | Bearsden Choir |
| Director | John Bridcut |
| Director | Jonathan Partridge |
| Director | Richard Cook |
| Production Manager | Rowan Moss |
| Production Manager | Amy Gostling |
| Production Manager | Anna Holden-Booth |
| Production Manager | Lisa Quilter |
| Executive Producer | Jan Younghusband |
| Production Company | Crux Productions |
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