sir michael kemp tippett om ch cbe (2 january 1905 – 8 january 1998) was an english composer. he is one of the greatest and most original composers of the 20th century. his work was published for the first time when he was 30 years old, and only become famous when he was about 40. the rhythms in his music and the tonality are very original. he is remembered for many kinds of music: opera, oratorio, orchestral music, chamber music and piano music. his oratorio "a child of our time" is especially well-known and often performed by choirs.