Little Music for strings

• Prelude: Maestoso
• Fugue: Allegro moderato (a tempo doppio piu mosso)
• Air: Andante espressivo
• Finale: Vivace

Tippett's Little Music was written for the tenth anniversary of the Reginald Jacques String Orchestra, an ensemble which, from the time of its formation, had championed British music. The first performance took place in London on 9 November 1946. The piece reflects Tippett's interest in Purcell and baroque music. Its four movements consists of a declamatory Prelude, leading to what the composer called "a clear and cool" Fugue. The reflective Air that follows is built upon a ground bass and is offset by the high-spirited dance rhythms of the finale.

©Meirion Bowen (1997)