★★★★
Tippett’s misfortune was to be constantly compared to his contemporary Benjamin Britten, and forever to be found wanting. Where Britten was precise, disciplined and economical, Tippett was all over the place, especially in his five operas which are as random and non-nutritious as a pick’n’mix Woolworth bag of sugar-free sweets. Where Britten dined with the Royal Family, Tippett lived in a farm-worker’s cottage, trouserless and barefoot by choice.