Interesting about Gershwin, and nice observation. I hadn't noticed it previously. The climbing modulations and final cadenza echo the "Rhapsody in Blue" finale. Further, the lyrical "blues" at the beginning of movement II reminds me of the "Concerto in F" movement II blues wail on "felt hat" trumpet. You're right: Although Bax may offer reminders of other composers, he has his own, unique voice! He and RVW are my two favorite English composers (Delius and Moeran, Cyril Scott and Finzi are up there, too). I never cared that much for Elgar--he was too "safely consonant" for my liking.
Hartzell Agreed, though I do consider Elgar’s Cello Concerto a late Romantic gem. I suppose I always associate its mournful yearning with the tragic Jacqueline du Pre.
Bax orchestrations are always incredible. Especially the use of organ to back the orchestra at key moments in the score. Simply fantastic. Thks for your post.
This symphony was my introduction to Bax - on an LP, with Handley conducting the Guildford PO. This must have been one of Handley's first recordings. Around this time the same team also recorded Bax's Symphonic Variations with Joyce Hatto as soloist. Yet another Bax disc was of The Tales the Pine Trees Knew coupled with an incomplete version of Moeran's Serenade.
Beautiful. As so many of Arnold Bax's compositions are. Uplifting, full of colour, energy and subtlety.
Amazing symphony, especially last bit of the first movement. Sounds like a fusion of Gershwin, Honegger, and Delius - but unmistakably Bax!
Interesting about Gershwin, and nice observation. I hadn't noticed it previously. The climbing modulations and final cadenza echo the "Rhapsody in Blue" finale. Further, the lyrical "blues" at the beginning of movement II reminds me of the "Concerto in F" movement II blues wail on "felt hat" trumpet. You're right: Although Bax may offer reminders of other composers, he has his own, unique voice! He and RVW are my two favorite English composers (Delius and Moeran, Cyril Scott and Finzi are up there, too). I never cared that much for Elgar--he was too "safely consonant" for my liking.
Hartzell
Agreed, though I do consider Elgar’s Cello Concerto a late Romantic gem. I suppose I always associate its mournful yearning with the tragic Jacqueline du Pre.
yes i hear Honegger,
Bellísima poema de sonidos de Arnold Bax.❤
Bax orchestrations are always incredible. Especially the use of organ to back the orchestra at key moments in the score. Simply fantastic. Thks for your post.
He's the English Rimsky-Korsakov in that regard: Always with the perfect tonal colors.
Di questa incantevole e sontuosa sinfonia adoro soprattutto la gioia incontenibile del finale
The painting of the cathedral is amazing. I want a print of that on my wall.
Me gusta el uso que hace Bax del órgano en esta sinfonía...muchas gracias Sergio!
This symphony was my introduction to Bax - on an LP, with Handley conducting the Guildford PO.
This must have been one of Handley's first recordings. Around this time the same team also recorded Bax's Symphonic Variations with Joyce Hatto as soloist. Yet another Bax disc was of The Tales the Pine Trees Knew coupled with an incomplete version of Moeran's Serenade.
I also know that recording.
The man was a casaulty of whiskey,we aref fortunate for that.
Yeß Steven,hís happy symphony ,but still serious.