Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

November 8, 1883 in Streatham, London, England

Death

:

October 3, 1953 in Cork, Ireland

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Arnold Bax was a British composer and poet who was born on November 8, 1883, in Streatham, London. He was the eldest son of Alfred Ridley Bax, a prosperous barrister, and Charlotte Ellen Lea, a talented amateur pianist. Bax showed an early interest in music and began composing at the age of seven. He was educated at Hampstead High School and later at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition with Frederick Corder and piano with Tobias Matthay. Bax's early compositions were influenced by the music of Richard Wagner and Claude Debussy. He was also inspired by the poetry of W.B. Yeats and the Celtic myths and legends. In 1902, Bax met the Irish poet and playwright Padraic Colum, who introduced him to the world of Irish literature and folklore. This encounter had a profound impact on Bax's artistic development and led him to explore the themes of nature, mysticism, and the supernatural in his music. Bax's first major work was the symphonic poem "In the Tropics," which he composed in 1904. The piece was inspired by his travels to Trinidad and Tobago and reflects the exotic rhythms and colors of the Caribbean. In 1905, Bax won the Mendelssohn Scholarship, which allowed him to study in Germany with the composer Max Bruch. During this time, Bax wrote several orchestral works, including the tone poem "The Garden of Fand" and the symphonic poem "Tintagel," which is considered one of his most famous works. In 1910, Bax married Elsita Sobrino, a Mexican pianist, and settled in Ireland. He became involved in the Irish literary and artistic scene and befriended many of the leading figures of the Irish Renaissance, including W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Sean O'Casey. Bax's music during this period was heavily influenced by Irish folklore and mythology, as well as the landscape and culture of Ireland. He wrote several works for solo piano, including "Cathleen ni Houlihan" and "In the Night," which are based on Irish folk tunes. During World War I, Bax served in the Royal Navy and was stationed in the Mediterranean. He continued to compose during this time and wrote several works for orchestra, including the tone poem "November Woods" and the symphonic poem "The Happy Forest." After the war, Bax returned to Ireland and resumed his career as a composer. He wrote several works for chamber ensemble, including the String Quartet No. 1 and the Piano Quintet. In the 1920s, Bax's music became more introspective and reflective. He wrote several works for solo piano, including the "Sonata in F-sharp minor" and the "Legend." He also wrote several works for voice and piano, including the song cycle "Ireland, Her Songs, Her Friends" and the "Four Songs for Children." Bax's music during this period was characterized by its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. In the 1930s, Bax's music became more experimental and modernist. He wrote several works for orchestra, including the "Symphony No. 5" and the "Symphonic Variations." He also wrote several works for chamber ensemble, including the "String Quartet No. 2" and the "Viola Sonata." Bax's music during this period was characterized by its complex harmonies and intricate textures. During World War II, Bax's health began to decline, and he suffered from depression and alcoholism. He continued to compose, however, and wrote several works for orchestra, including the "Symphony No. 6" and the "Overture to Adventure." He also wrote several works for solo piano, including the "Sonata No.

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