Arnold Bax - Harp Quintet (1919)

Quintet for harp and strings (1919)
This is a single-movement work for harp and string quartet by English composer Arnold Bax (1883-1953). He wrote the harp quintet at the time of his first visit to Ireland following the First World War. This visit led to Bax's lifelong fascination with Ireland and Irish mythology.
Mobius Ensemble [Philippe Honoré, Maya Iwabuchi (violins), Vicci Wardman (viola), Sally Pendlebury (cello), Alison Nicholls (harp)]

[@SethWatersVlogs]

Why have I never heard such a wonderful piece before! I hate how addicted we can get to really famous composers and famous works. This is a wonderful piece of music and deserves so much more attention!

[@moeranite]

I think Bax visited Ireland as early as 1903 and was enchanted with the place. He made many friends in the literary world there but it all came crashing down in 1916 when a number of acquaintances were killed in The Easter Rising in Dublin. This quintet was written in 1919 and is an elegy to those who he knew.

[@jackhousman6637]

A wonderful piece, by one of my favorite composers. Thanks.

[@willhandrich3277]

This is the first time I've ever encountered this piece. Thank you very much for going to the trouble of synchronizing the score. Your work is greatly appreciated. :-)

[@MrCC379]

I've known this piece aurally since I was a teenager. It's so nice to finally see the score!

[@pautabrasileira]

Thank you for this really great and rare upload.
This is the first time I listen to this work! Impressive!

[@pianopera]

I am recently discovering the music of Bax. It has been a long time ago since I was so impressed by a 20th century chamber music work. Thanks for sharing!

[@alexowain]

pianopera

[@foveauxbear]

Oh my, thanks for sharing this beautiful piece.

[@transitny]

It's interesting how Bax's chamber music works on a different kind of development than his orchestral music (particularly his symphonies). His orchestral works are huge tapestries where, on the surface, there aren't two moments the same. In works like this, the themes are clearly delineated and the development process is pretty traditional.
BTW, I was expecting the harp to be more prominent than it was. Was quite a surprise.

[@daphneanson9587]

A virtually unknown masterpiece- one of the three best things Bax wrote, along with Tintagle and his 7th Symphony. A pity it insn't better known.

[@piano6861]

Beautiful piece and performance!

[@alexs1504]

high quality piece

[@0hn0haha]

Me and a few friends want to play this for solo and ensemble. Sadly, I am the weak link, with the cello part, one of the most exposed. But hearing this, while showing me how nuts my task is if I want it to be perfect, inspires me to get it down perfectly.

[@joeboyle5864]

"Me....want to play"? Me want plenty coconut!

[@Christian-tw7me]

Thanks for Posting this is a wonderful rare Peace...

[@sansumida]

likewise I am great score reader too and I find it really maps out the landscape for work you already know. Bax one of the greats truly unique voice. Try his Piano Sonatas!

[@mmbmbmbmb]

like it a lot ... very beautiful, thanks!

[@zosimos102]

I know this piece well, but have never seen the music. Thank you so much for doing the sync score....

[@shishirth]

Eloquent and expressive

[@jazzmunky]

Thanks for the upload. it's a really interesting piece.

[@galas062]

thank you!!

[@michaelm3115]

Ah, the 'Celtic Twilight' . . . and a much-neglected composer. Seven wonderful symphonies, multiple tone-poems and considerable chamber music. If you like this Harp Quintet, you will love the Elegiac Trio (Flt; Vla; Harp) . . . th-cam.com/video/WinuI6sFvOY/w-d-xo.html Nash Ensemble (with multipe other chamber works) and here's a link to a youtube with the score . . . th-cam.com/video/Rek1qI5oJio/w-d-xo.html - Mobius Ensemble (2000). Enjoy, my fellow-Baxians!!

[@TheOnsTong]

IB music anyone?

[@vladshamalov4817]

yeah lol

[@1kgreenberg]

Traumatic

[@fluffywinter1121]

Fucking question 3...

[@jovoneborn1656]

Yesss! lol This was my favorite question :]

[@bryansabbag6151]

Oh my god. Yes.

[@nicolettanomicou367]

1:01 is the best part!!

[@keyboarddancers]

My sentiments entirely! I live in the NW of England (Mancs/Leeds) and there is very little in the way of orchestral concerts exposing lesser known works or indeed, formats; venue managers must always cast a keen eye on popularity and thus ticket sales alas...

[@0hn0haha]

I will get it down perfectly.

[@ChristineWey]

A helpful tip: listening to your part over and over again will make reading it easier. Best of wishes to you and your quintet!

[@0hn0haha]

Christine Wey Thanks!

[@victorgo6813]

does abybody have a printable version of scores (wirh parts)?

[@victorgo6813]

please send to: [e-mail]

[@malikrox]

The cellist in the quartet often sounds weirdly like a viola.

[@Aaron-dj2vi]

I know what you mean...

[@ladakaraskova5474]

Christ, I can barely hear the harp! Either badly recorded or the string musicians are really selfish.

[@Wonderbagel2000]

sounds like something from black butler

[@pauljackson1029]

Not exactly a rewarding harp part

[@keyboarddancers]

how poignant...