Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

4:17

Arnold Bax's "The Poisoned Fountain" is a symphonic poem composed in 1928. It premiered on October 18, 1928, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Sir Henry Wood. The piece is divided into three movements, each depicting a different scene from a medieval legend. The first movement, "The Poisoned Fountain," begins with a haunting melody played by the strings, representing the poisoned water of the fountain. The music builds in intensity as the story unfolds, with the brass and percussion adding to the drama. The movement ends with a sense of foreboding, as the characters realize the danger they are in. The second movement, "The Fiddler of Dooney," is a lively and playful dance. The fiddler is a character from the legend who brings joy and merriment to the people of Dooney. Bax's music captures the energy and excitement of the dance, with the strings and woodwinds leading the way. The final movement, "The Dance of Death," is a dark and ominous piece. The characters from the legend are confronted by Death himself, and the music reflects the terror and despair they feel. The brass and percussion are prominent in this movement, adding to the sense of impending doom. Overall, "The Poisoned Fountain" is a powerful and evocative piece of music. Bax's use of orchestration and melody creates a vivid picture of the medieval legend, and the three movements work together to tell a cohesive story. The piece is a testament to Bax's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and emotionally impactful.

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