Songs of Experience – Sir Michael Tippett at 85

This profile of Sir Michael Tippett (1905-98), one of Britain's foremost twentieth-century composers, was made with him during the rehearsals and first performances of his opera New Year. He talks about many of the important events in his life and about the sources of his inspiration, above all, his longing for peace and beauty in a world torn by violence and oppression. Tippett describes his approach to composition and is seen rehearsing his Triple Concerto for a planned recording.