Bax Concertino

[schweitzeralan]

I was surprised to learn that Bax had composed the "Concertino for Piano and Orchestra," and that the premier recording with Mark Bebbington and the Orchestra of the Swan (that's a new one) as performers were now available on the Somm label.  The work was conceived right before the outbreak of WW II, and there are many dark and sinister "imagery," to use that mixed metaphor, in the second movement.  The work reminds me somewhat of "Winter Legends." Fine work with many Baxian moods, harmonies, subtleties, and color.  The third movement is quite different from the second with its jovial suggestions.  Perhaps not one of Bax's quintessential masterpieces, the "concertino" is nevertheless  a fine work.  Much pleased that it was made available for Baxian enthusiasts.  The Ireland "Piano Concerto" and his "Legends" are accompanying works, and both represent the very best of John Ireland's work.

[vandermolen]

I have greatly enjoyed this CD too. The Bax has a fine and entirely characteristic opening and I like John Ireland's 'Legend' more that the Piano Concerto.

[schweitzeralan]

I have greatly enjoyed this CD too. The Bax has a fine and entirely characteristic opening and I like John Irelan's 'Legend' more that the Piano Concerto.

Me too.

[vandermolen]

As I had contributed to the John Ireland thread I was listening to the Somm CD with the Bax Concertino on. I had not realised quite how good it is - entirely characteristic - troubled and darkly moving, perhaps reflecting the time of its (apparent) composition after 1939.

[Mirror Image]

Personally, I find many of Bax's chamber works more compelling than any of the orchestral works, which is strange for me, because it's usually the other way around. One of Bax's best compositions IMHO is In Memoriam for cor anglais, harp, and string quartet.