Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

6:56

Arnold Bax's "The Devil That Tempted St. Anthony" is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1924. It premiered on October 23, 1925, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Adrian Boult. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The first movement, "The Temptation," begins with a dark and ominous introduction that sets the stage for the devil's arrival. The devil's theme is introduced by the bassoon, and it is a sinuous and seductive melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The music builds in intensity as the devil tempts St. Anthony with visions of pleasure and power. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the devil's theme, as St. Anthony succumbs to temptation. The second movement, "The Dance of the Nymphs," is a contrast to the first. It is a light and playful scherzo that depicts the devil's minions, the nymphs, dancing and frolicking in a pagan celebration. The music is full of energy and vitality, with a prominent role for the percussion section. The movement ends abruptly, as St. Anthony interrupts the revelry. The final movement, "The Ride to the Abyss," is a wild and frenzied depiction of St. Anthony's descent into hell. The devil's theme returns, now transformed into a grotesque and distorted version of itself. The music is full of dissonance and chaos, with the orchestra pushed to its limits. The movement ends with a final statement of the devil's theme, as St. Anthony is consumed by the flames of hell. Overall, "The Devil That Tempted St. Anthony" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Bax's skill as an orchestrator. The piece is full of vivid imagery and dramatic contrasts, and it remains a popular choice for orchestral programming.

More....