Michael Tippett's "A Child of Our Time" is a profound and powerful oratorio that transcends the boundaries of traditional classical music. Composed with both text and music by Tippett himself, this neoclassical masterpiece is a deeply moving exploration of themes such as oppression, persecution, and the human spirit's resilience. The album, set for release on September 5, 2025, by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, features a stellar cast of soloists and the orchestra's full ensemble, conducted by Edward Gardner.
The oratorio is divided into three parts, each delving into different aspects of the human condition. The first part sets the stage with a dark and brooding atmosphere, while the second part escalates the tension with choral and solo performances that convey the anguish and despair of those persecuted. The final part offers a glimmer of hope and redemption, culminating in a spiritual that resonates with a sense of triumph and liberation.
"A Child of Our Time" is not just a musical experience but a journey through the depths of human emotion. Tippett's composition is rich with intricate melodies and harmonies that complement the profound lyrics. The use of spirituals throughout the oratorio adds a layer of cultural and historical depth, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal human experience.
The album's duration of one hour and five minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of the themes, with each track contributing to the overall narrative. From the hauntingly beautiful "Steal Away" to the powerful "Go Down, Moses," every piece is a testament to Tippett's genius and the orchestra's exceptional skill.
This recording is a must-listen for anyone interested in neoclassical music and the broader spectrum of classical compositions. It's a work that challenges and inspires, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and the enduring power of hope.
Tracks
A Child of Our Time, Part I: The World Turns on Its Dark DideMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part I: The Argument. Man has Measured The Heavens With a TelescopeMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part I: InterludiumMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
A Child of Our Time, Part I: Scena. Is Evil Then Good?Michael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part I: The Narrator. Now In Each Nation There Were Some Cast OutMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part I: Chorus of the Oppressed. When Shall The Usurers' City CeaseMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part I: I Have No Money For My BreadMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Tarver
A Child of Our Time, Part I: How Can I Cherish My Man in Such DaysMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nadine Benjamin
A Child of Our Time, Part I: A Spiritual. Steal AwayMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nadine Benjamin, Sarah Connolly, Kenneth Tarver, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: A Star Rises in Mid-WinterMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Narrator. And a Time CameMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: Double Chorus of Persecutors and Persecuted. Away with Them!Michael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Narrator. Where They Could, They Fled from The TerrorMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: Choruse of the Self-Righteous. We Cannot Have Them in Our EmpireMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Narrator. And the Boy's Mother Wrote a LetterMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: Scena. O My Son!Michael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nadine Benjamin, Kenneth Tarver, Sarah Connolly, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: A Spiritual. Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, LordMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly, Nadine Benjamin, Kenneth Tarver, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Boy Comes Desperate in His AgonyMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Narrator. They Took a Terrible VengeanceMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Terror. Burn Down Their Houses!Michael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Narrator. Men Were Ashamed of What Was DoneMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: A Spiritual of Anger. Go Down, MosesMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale, Roderick Williams
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Boy Sings in His Prison. My Dreams Are All Shattered in a Ghastly RealityMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Tarver
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Mother. What Have I Done to You, My Son?Michael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nadine Benjamin
A Child of Our Time, Part II: The Dark Forces Rise like a FloodMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part II: A Spiritual. O, by and ByMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale, Nadine Benjamin
A Child of Our Time, Part III: The Cold DeepensMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part III: The Soul of a Man Is Impassioned like a WomanMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part III: Scena. The Words of Wisdom Are TheseMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams, London Philharmonic Choir, London Adventist Chorale
A Child of Our Time, Part III: PreludiumMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
A Child of Our Time, Part III: General Ensemble. I Would Know My Shadow and My LightMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Tarver, Roderick Williams, Nadine Benjamin, Sarah Connolly
A Child of Our Time, Part III: A Spiritual. Deep River, My Home Is over JordanMichael Tippett, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Tarver, Roderick Williams, Nadine Benjamin, Sarah Connolly
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