Symphony No. 4 (Tippett)
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Michael Tippett's Symphony No. 4 was written in 1977 and first performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the symphony's dedicatee Sir Georg Solti. It is in one movement which divides into seven sections:
1. Introduction and Exposition. 2. Development 1 3. Slow movement 4. Development 2 5. Scherzo and Trios 6. Development 3 7. Recapitulation
In terms of form it combines sonata and fantasia forms, as well as that of the symphonic poem. Tippett linked the work to the idea of birth and death. Stylistically the Fourth Symphony unites all previous stylistic tendencies in Tippett's work: The hard-core counterpoint and gentle lyricism of his first creative period and the angular, spiky modernism of his second period, thus creating a third and final period.
[edit] Instrumentation
Tippett's score calls for a large orchestra. Consisting of: 2 Flutes (both doubling piccolos), 2 Oboes, Cor Anglais, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon. 6 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 2 Tubas. Timpani, Percussion (4 players): Side Drum, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, Tom-toms, 2 Cymbals (1 pair of clashed cymbals, 1 suspended), Wood Block, Triangle, Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells, Maracas, Claves) Harp, Piano, Synthesizer (or Wind Machine) and Strings
