Composer

:

Michael Tippett

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1982 - 1983

Average_duration

:

20:02

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"The Blue Guitar" is a composition for solo guitar and orchestra by British composer Michael Tippett. It was composed in 1982 and premiered on 17 February 1984 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer, with Julian Bream as the soloist. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a painting by the French artist Georges Braque. The first movement, "The Blue Guitar", is based on Braque's painting of the same name, which depicts a guitar with blue and green stripes. The music is characterized by a lively, syncopated rhythm and a bright, colorful orchestration. The second movement, "The Table", is based on Braque's painting of a table covered with various objects, including a bottle, a glass, and a newspaper. The music is more introspective and contemplative, with a slower tempo and a more subdued orchestration. The third movement, "The Black Mirror", is based on Braque's painting of a mirror with a black frame. The music is characterized by a dark, brooding atmosphere, with a slow, mournful melody and a sparse, haunting orchestration. Overall, "The Blue Guitar" is a complex and challenging work that showcases Tippett's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create vivid musical images. The piece is notable for its use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of elements of jazz and blues music. It is considered one of Tippett's most important works and a significant contribution to the repertoire for solo guitar and orchestra.

More....