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Tippett: Symphony No. 4

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description Tippett: Symphony No. 4 Overview

Michael Tippett's Symphony No. 4 is a single-movement orchestral work completed in 1977. Commissioned for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the symphony is structurally notable for its continuous flow and the unusual incorporation of human breathing sounds played by the wind instruments. It represents a late-period development in the British composer's style, blending complex counterpoint with highly tactile, sensory performance directions.

help Tippett: Symphony No. 4 FAQ

When was Michael Tippett’s Symphony No. 4 completed?

Tippett completed Symphony No. 4 in 1977. It was commissioned for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

How many movements does Tippett’s Symphony No. 4 have?

The symphony is written as one continuous movement rather than a traditional four-movement sequence. Its sections flow into one another without a full stop between them.

Why does Symphony No. 4 include breathing sounds?

The wind players’ breathing becomes part of the musical texture. This unusual effect connects the physical act of playing with the symphony’s broad, continuously evolving sound.

What orchestra commissioned Tippett’s Symphony No. 4?

The commission came from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The work belongs to Tippett’s late orchestral period and was completed in 1977.

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