Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

2:20

Arnold Bax's 'The White Peace' is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1919. It was premiered on October 23, 1920, by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Albert Coates. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, marked 'Allegro moderato,' begins with a somber and mournful theme played by the cellos and basses. This theme is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra and developed throughout the movement. The music is characterized by its dark and brooding tone, with frequent use of dissonance and chromaticism. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, marked 'Andante con moto,' is more lyrical and introspective than the first. It opens with a gentle theme played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies, with frequent use of rubato and expressive phrasing. The movement builds to a passionate climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The third and final movement, marked 'Allegro,' is the most energetic and lively of the three. It opens with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the brass and percussion, which is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and lively melodies, with frequent use of syncopation and cross-rhythms. The movement builds to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. Overall, 'The White Peace' is a powerful and expressive work that reflects the turmoil and uncertainty of the post-World War I era. The music is characterized by its dark and brooding tone, lush harmonies, and expressive melodies, with frequent use of dissonance and chromaticism. The piece is a testament to Bax's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the mood and spirit of his time.

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