TIPPETT: “THE MASK OF TIME.” Faye Robinson,...

TIPPETT: “THE MASK OF TIME.” Faye Robinson, Sarah Walker, Robert Tear, John Cheek, singers; BBC Singers; BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Symphony conducted by Andrew Davis. EMI-Angel 7-47705-8 (two compact discs). Commissioned from England’s venerable grand old man of music for the Boston Symphony centenary, this 1984 oratorio represents some of its 83-year-old composer’s most cogent and most contorted writing of recent years. Inspired by Jacob Bronowski, the 91-minute work may attempt too much in its biblical episodes and visions of Armaggedon, set to fragments by Yeats, Akhmatova and others. At its enraptured best, Tippett’s quest for an abiding faith in a cruel cosmos captures some of the lyrical universality of his earlier “Child of Our Time.” But the frequent obscurity of intention often alienates even committed listeners. The recording, taped at a live 1986 Royal Festival Hall performance, mingles dedication and fervor, with Robinson’s luxuriant soprano, the excellent balances between chorus, soloists and orchestra and Davis’ staunch conducting the major assets.