Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1910

Average_duration

:

28:05

'Enchanted Summer' is a tone poem composed by Arnold Bax in 1914. It was premiered on 22nd October 1914 at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Sir Henry Wood. 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 lively and energetic theme played by the strings. This theme is then developed and passed around the orchestra, with the woodwinds and brass adding their own flourishes. The music then becomes more subdued, with a lyrical melody played by the oboe and clarinet. This melody is then taken up by the strings and developed further, leading to a climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The second movement, marked 'Lento', is a slow and dreamy interlude. It begins with a haunting melody played by the solo violin, accompanied by harp and muted strings. This melody is then taken up by the woodwinds and developed further, with the strings adding a lush and romantic accompaniment. The music gradually builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and introspective coda. The final movement, marked 'Allegro con fuoco', is a lively and energetic dance. It begins with a rhythmic ostinato played by the strings, which is then joined by the woodwinds and brass. The music then becomes more frenzied, with the various sections of the orchestra playing off each other in a series of lively and intricate rhythms. The music then subsides briefly before building to a final climax, with the full orchestra playing a triumphant and exuberant melody. Overall, 'Enchanted Summer' is a lush and romantic work, full of rich harmonies and intricate textures. It showcases Bax's skill as an orchestrator, with each section of the orchestra given its own distinctive voice. The piece is also notable for its use of folk melodies and rhythms, which give it a distinctly British flavour.

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