Sir Michael Tippett (1905-1998)

Byzantium (1989 -1990)

for soprano and orchestra

  • General information
    • Composition date : 1989 - 1990
    • Duration : 25 mn
    • Publisher : Schott
    • Commission: Chicago Symphony Orchestra et Carnegie Hall à l'occasion de leurs centenaires respectifs
    • Libretto (details, author) :

      W. B. Yeats.

Detailed formation
  • soloist : soprano
  • 3 flutes (also 1 piccolo), 2 oboes, English horn, 3 clarinets (also 1 bass clarinet), 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, 7 percussionists, celesta, electronic/MIDI keyboard/synthesizer, 2 harp, strings

Premiere information

  • Date : 11 April 1991
    Location :

    États-Unis, Chicago, Orchestral Hall


    Performers :

    Faye Robinson (soprano), Chicago Symphony Orchestra, direction : Sir George Solti.