Sir Arnold Bax

[Daverz]

[...] Otherwise I think that Bax is one of those wonderful composers who in recording terms has "had his day", as with Bantock and Holst. There are still commercially unrecorded works by the latter two that would be well worthwhile but how to programme them? Either you pair them with other works by the same composer that have been recorded a million times or you pop them into a mixed bag of odds and sods...

 

I think we are all still waiting for the "definitive" recording of Symphony No. 3. 

[Maestro267]

What would make a recording "definitive" over the ones we have?

[vandermolen]

In one way I admire his move: It takes nerve to step out of your zone. And if you don't make the occasional misstep, you're probably playing it too safe.

A fair point Karl and actually his recording of VW's 'A Pastoral Symphony' was quite good.

[vandermolen]

This is the definitive recording of Bax's 3rd Symphony (it has a unique atmosphere) but you will only find it on LP and others will disagree. It is one of a number of excellent RCA LPs (Tjeknavorian's LSO recording of Khachaturian's First Symphony is another one) which were never released on CD.

[Biffo]

This is the definitive recording of Bax's 3rd Symphony (it has a unique atmosphere) but you will only find it on LP and others will disagree. It is one of a number of excellent RCA LPs (Tjeknavorian's LSO recording of Khachaturian's First Symphony is another one) which were never released on CD.

Of course they will! I have Barbirolli, Handley and Lloyd-Jones and don't feel a need for any more. I am sure someone will tell me I should have Thomson.

[Albion]

This is the definitive recording of Bax's 3rd Symphony (it has a unique atmosphere) but you will only find it on LP and others will disagree. It is one of a number of excellent RCA LPs (Tjeknavorian's LSO recording of Khachaturian's First Symphony is another one) which were never released on CD.

You can hear the Downes Bax No.3 here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bUEH4F5oc

[vandermolen]

You can hear the Downes Bax No.3 here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bUEH4F5oc

Thanks!

[vandermolen]

Of course they will! I have Barbirolli, Handley and Lloyd-Jones and don't feel a need for any more. I am sure someone will tell me I should have Thomson.

You should have Thomson! 

[Albion]

And there are loads of interesting and valuable broadcasts on Youtube as well, including the 1939 premiere of the 7th under Boult...

https://www.youtube.com/@richardadams2447/search?query=bax

...and a great 1983 centenary documentary with Michael Oliver, Vernon Handley, Anthony Payne, Mary Gleaves, Aloys Fleischmann, Alan Bush and Lewis Foreman (and Bax himself) entitled The Golden Age has Passed.

 

[Karl Henning]

[vandermolen]

Delighted to receive this most attractively designed set today. Currently enjoying the epic Symphony No.5

[Irons]

Delighted to receive this most attractively designed set today. Currently enjoying the epic Symphony No.5

Congratulations on your purchase, Jeffrey.

I listened on vinyl Thomson's 4th last night.

[vandermolen]

Congratulations on your purchase, Jeffrey.

I listened on vinyl Thomson's 4th last night.

That's probably the best of Thomson's Bax cycle.

[Albion]

Delighted to receive this most attractively designed set today. Currently enjoying the epic Symphony No.5

Very envious! With the prices that Scottish Power currently charge I had to cancel my order - on second thoughts, bugger 'em...

 

[vandermolen]

Very envious! With the prices that Scottish Power currently charge I had to cancel my order - on second thoughts, bugger 'em...

 

Sorry to hear that. We are relying more on hot water bottles these days with the heating on just for an hour in the morning (usually).   

[calyptorhynchus]

You can hear the Downes Bax No.3 here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bUEH4F5oc

The sound is certainly amazing!

[Irons]

Thoroughly enjoyed Andrew McGregor's interview with Vernon Handley on Bax, focusing on his symphonies. Out of the crop of British composers of the first half of 20c I find Bax the most enigmatic. For me at least a hour well spent.

No doubt link already posted on this thread but in case .....https://youtu.be/fvZ7zcVSwdA

[Karl Henning]

Thoroughly enjoyed Andrew McGregor's interview with Vernon Handley on Bax, focusing on his symphonies. Out of the crop of British composers of the first half of 20c I find Bax the most enigmatic. For me at least a hour well spent.

No doubt link already posted on this thread but in case .....https://youtu.be/fvZ7zcVSwdA

Interesting and enjoyable, thanks!

[relm1]

Thoroughly enjoyed Andrew McGregor's interview with Vernon Handley on Bax, focusing on his symphonies. Out of the crop of British composers of the first half of 20c I find Bax the most enigmatic. For me at least a hour well spent.

No doubt link already posted on this thread but in case .....https://youtu.be/fvZ7zcVSwdA

That was excellent.  He was such an expert on this type of music.

It makes me want to revisit all the symphonies.  What are your thoughts on my preferred list of recordings?
Symphony No. 1:   Vernon Handley
Symphony No. 2:   Fredman or Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 3:   Edward Downes or Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 4:   Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 5:   Leppard
Symphony NO. 6:   Lloyd Jones
Symphony NO. 7:   Lloyd Jones

[Irons]

That was excellent.  He was such an expert on this type of music.

It makes me want to revisit all the symphonies.  What are your thoughts on my preferred list of recordings?
Symphony No. 1:   Vernon Handley
Symphony No. 2:   Fredman or Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 3:   Edward Downes or Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 4:   Bryden Thomson
Symphony No. 5:   Leppard
Symphony NO. 6:   Lloyd Jones
Symphony NO. 7:   Lloyd Jones

Yes, me too. Handley has inspired me to have a real shot at the symphonies. Posters from this thread are infinitely better qualified to comment on your list - I hope and trust they do. I have all the recordings except one, which ironically is Handley's recording of the 1st Symphony.