Michael Tippett

A feature-length documentary that explores the tumultuous life and brilliant career of the British composer. Through rare archives and intimate interviews, the film reveals how his deepest personal traumas directly shaped his musical masterpieces. It captures a man of intense conviction, highlighting his conscientious objection that led to a prison sentence in 1943. It openly discusses his homosexuality during a time when it was illegal, and the Jungian therapy that helped him embrace his inner darkness to create radiant works like A Child of Our Time. The film balances his artistic genius with his eccentricities, showing an egalitarian who ultimately died broke. This intimate portrait is woven together with powerful orchestral performances, demonstrating how Tippett transformed the suffering of the 20th century into timeless, universal music.

About the life and work of the composer, which includes an interview in which he discusses his musical ideas and important events in his life. Excerpts from a number of key compositions dating from 1925 to 1977 including the choral 'Africa is my name' and Lidice, Five pieces for violin, viola, cello, horn and clarinet' and Dialectic' are used to illustrate the development of his music.

How do we relate to and make use of our physical senses? This film examines the mechanics of perception and the still mysterious way in which the brain makes meaning of it all. Includes comments by artists on how they use their senses in creative work.

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.