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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 25 years ago 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.

Corsham cine film provided by John Whitmore, a former member of the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, of which Tippett was patron.

13 days left to watch

1 hour, 29 minutes

Last on

Thu 8 Jun 2023 21:00
BBC Two

Clips

See all clips from Michael Tippett, The Shadow and the Light (3)

Credits

Music Group BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Music Group Bearsden Choir
Director John Bridcut
Camera Operator Jonathan Partridge
Camera Operator Richard Cook
Sound Patrick Boland
Sound Mike Hatch
Editor Riaz Meer
Production Manager Rowan Moss
Executive Producer Jan Younghusband
Executive Producer Mark Bell
Production Company Crux Productions

Broadcast

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