Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1909 - 1921

Average_duration

:

15:17

Arnold Bax's "In the Faery Hills" is a tone poem for orchestra that was composed in 1909. It premiered on October 27, 1910, 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, "The Faeries' Revels," begins with a lively and playful theme that is passed around the orchestra. The music is full of energy and excitement, evoking the sense of a wild and joyous dance. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more mysterious and ethereal, with delicate harp and flute solos adding to the magical atmosphere. The second movement, "The Moonlit Glade," is a slower and more contemplative section. The music is gentle and serene, with a sense of stillness and calm. The strings play a prominent role, with long, flowing melodies that evoke the beauty of a moonlit forest. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence. The final movement, "The Enchanted Forest," is the longest and most complex of the three. It begins with a dark and ominous theme, suggesting danger and mystery. The music gradually becomes more intense and dramatic, with the brass and percussion adding to the sense of urgency. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more fantastical and otherworldly, with strange and exotic harmonies and rhythms. The piece ends with a triumphant and majestic theme, suggesting that the hero has emerged victorious from his journey through the enchanted forest. Overall, "In the Faery Hills" is a vivid and evocative piece of music that captures the magic and mystery of the fairy world. Bax's use of orchestral color and texture is particularly effective, creating a rich and varied sound world that brings the story to life. The piece has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire and remains a popular choice for concerts and recordings.

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