Sir Arnold Bax

kyjo · December 20, 2024, 08:17:35 AM

Dare I say that the First is my favorite Bax symphony, at least currently? A recent listening to the BBC Philharmonic/Handley recording on Chandos confirmed this. What an absolutely stunning debut symphony, full of drama, tension, atmosphere, memorable themes, and striking orchestration. It also contains very little of the dead spots/longueurs that occasionally affect his other symphonies. As most of you already know, it was composed in response to the Irish Civil War, a subject which informs the martial nature of the outer movements. But what really makes this symphony stand out to me amongst his other works in the form is its extraordinary slow movement, a tensely mysterious creation which rises to an absolutely gripping, imperious central climax. Pretty much all of Bax's subsequent symphonic slow movements sound positively ordinary compared to this one, IMHO of course! And Handley's rendition sounds marvelously compelling to my ears, though I know most folks here don't seem to particularly like his Bax recordings.

lordlance · February 20, 2025, 09:38:43 AM

Upcoming broadcast of Tintagel -

Roasted Swan · February 21, 2025, 04:45:14 AM

For those who are in the West of England. A Bristol student orchestra is performing Symphony No.7 on Sunday March 30th......

https://sirarnoldbaxsociety.com/blogs/latest-news/posts/7520972/symphony-no-7-in-concert-sunday-30th-march-2025-bristol-uk

PS: apparently they are hoping to record/video(?) the concert and post it online afterwards.......

p30better · February 21, 2025, 05:01:35 AM

I hope that emusic gets this one up quickly. I always liked Fredman's rendering of the No 2. Tempted to buy it as a CD. As a reissue it's long overdue.

Roasted Swan · March 16, 2025, 01:02:56 PM

At the end of this month a student orchestra in Bristol are playing Symphony No.7 which I'm hoping to go and hear.

I decided I'd dip into various versions just to get the mental muscles loosened up in advance..... On YouTube there's a really powerful performance from Vernon Handley and the BBC SSO back in 1973

This is a tremendous performance - much more thrusting and energetic than the version I (we all?!) grew up with on Lyrita (which I love too). The sound is a bit cluttered and lacking range but the playing is excellent and Handley's interpretation quite disproves the argument that by this symphony Bax was "written out" and his music had lost the vitality of earlier years. Well worth a listen.....

relm1 · March 18, 2025, 05:43:06 AM

Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 16, 2025, 01:02:56 PMAt the end of this month a student orchestra in Bristol are playing Symphony No.7 which I'm hoping to go and hear.

I decided I'd dip into various versions just to get the mental muscles loosened up in advance..... On YouTube there's a really powerful performance from Vernon Handley and the BBC SSO back in 1973

This is a tremendous performance - much more thrusting and energetic than the version I (we all?!) grew up with on Lyrita (which I love too). The sound is a bit cluttered and lacking range but the playing is excellent and Handley's interpretation quite disproves the arguement that by this symphony Bax was "written out" and his music had lost the vitality of earlier years. Well worth a listen.....

That was an excellent performance! The rawness helps I think but also heightens some of the more mystical moments since the dramatic contrast is heightened.

Roasted Swan · March 18, 2025, 08:42:55 AM

Quote from: relm1 on March 18, 2025, 05:43:06 AMThat was an excellent performance! The rawness helps I think but also heightens some of the more mystical moments since the dramatic contrast is heightened.

Just so! I must dig out Handley's later studio recording - I don't remember it having this level of drive...

vandermolen · March 18, 2025, 10:00:28 AM

Leppard is unrivalled IMHO.

Roasted Swan · March 18, 2025, 11:06:18 AM

Quote from: vandermolen on March 18, 2025, 10:00:28 AMLeppard is unrivalled IMHO.

Of course the Leppard is excellent - and as I said, probably the version most folk of the LP age(!) imprinted on. But do listen to this Handley just becasue it brings a very different energy to the work. Not necessarily better just different.

vandermolen · March 18, 2025, 11:25:56 AM

Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 18, 2025, 11:06:18 AMOf course the Leppard is excellent - and as I said, probably the version most folk of the LP age(!) imprinted on. But do listen to this Handley just becasue it brings a very different energy to the work. Not necessarily better just different.

Will do - thanks

Symphonic Addict · April 26, 2025, 05:23:32 PM

Listening to Bax's ballet The Truth about the Russian Dancers and is proving to be quite enjoyable. A big part of it has a glamourous distinction, even hollywoodesque at times. This "lighter" and carefree side of the composer is rather appealing if you ask me.