A surprise from Sir Michael Tippett

From the Lebrecht Album of the Week:

Michael Tippett: Unaccompanied choruses (Signum Classics)

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Tippett’s misfortune was to be constantly compared to his contemporary Benjamin Britten, and forever to be found wanting. Where Britten was precise, disciplined and economical, Tippett was all over the place, especially in his five operas which are as random and non-nutritious as a pick’n’mix Woolworth bag of sugar-free sweets. Where Britten dined with the Royal Family, Tippett lived in a farm-worker’s cottage, trouserless and barefoot by choice.

What we have here are Tippett’s settings of Five Spirituals of Afro-American origin and Four Songs from the British Isles, along with half-a dozen choruses of his own making. A Tippett-sceptic like me expected organic eggs past their sell-by Instead, this album is a revelation. Tippett uses mixed voices the way Lucian Freud used paint. He knows the thickness he is seeking and the hue. The harmonies are intriguing and individual. Deep River, that Paul Robeson showstopper, comes over as a session of Jungian profundity with primal urges.

I was taught these British songs in primary school but they are much richer than I remember. And Tippett’s 1959 Lullaby, for countertenor and chorus, occupies a dreamworld all his own. The Carice Singers, who unearth these marvels, take their name from Elgar’s daughter. George Parris conducts. In an age full of conflict and discordance, I am so glad this tranquil album came my way.

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