Bax - Music-Web Forums

reith · #1 21-06-2007, 08:11 PM

Is anyone here interested in Arnold Bax? He's another composer who's been allowed to ebb away. I'm unsure about his qualities and haven't been able to get to grips with his music except the symphonies. He's undeniably romantic with a tendency towards the sugary in early things.

I did, however, study the 3rd in fine detail when the only recording available was Barbirolli's original from 1940-something, reissued by Dutton (and a great job they made of it too). Lyrita issued the 1st and 7th on a CD and are about to reissue their production of his 6th, hence this post. For the romantically inclined, the 3rd movement opens quite magically.

Since hearing them all, though, I concluded that his symphonies started with great energy and vehemence, and gradually tail off to the tranquillity of the 7th. The 3rd being pivotal in this set-up contrasting him at his most violent with periods of terrific calm, like the second subject of the 1st movement. The second (slow) movement begins calm but with undercurrents and gives way to moment of unease, like a threat. Then there's the epilogue, musically simple and like respite after the 3rd movement - it is a part of the 3rd movement. Once I thought it was trite but I have to admit it's quietly beautiful except the closing cadence which is a bit of a cop-out. It should have just faded something like Vaughan Williams' 6th.

Anyway, just a thought as Lyrita is about to release the 6th.

reith

Classicala · #2 22-06-2007, 10:57 AM

I must say I've only noticed Bax in the CD browsers. I've avoided this genre as I've yet to get to grips with heavier modern orchestral pieces. I'll see if I can find anything in the library, may even buy one as these Naxos are reasonable in price.

regards

reith · #3 25-06-2007, 08:04 PM

You probably won't want to buy it but your library might just be prepared to buy-in the Lyrita CD version (del Mar) about to be released. Whether it's the analogue rather than digital I don't know but the sound has a tranlucency, particularly the opening of the 3rd movement. Not so heavy either. So if the chance comes your way...