~ Arnold Bax
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~ Donald Gramm
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~ Arnold Bax
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~ Gregor Piatigorsky
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~ Charles Mackerras
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The symphonies, written between 1921 and 1939, certainly reflect both inner and outer events: the Irish uprising, which deeply affected Bax who loved Ireland and lost many friends in the "troubles", World War I and the looming threat of World War II. Perhaps the most striking and pervasive characteristic of the music is contrast.
All the symphonies have three movements divided into many sections with different tempo indications, signalling changing mood and character. Indeed, moods change constantly, often abruptly and violently; dynamics surge and swell, climaxes build with increasingly ferocious power. The orchestration is masterful, creating colour, texture, atmosphere and expression--at full throttle, the sound shakes the rafters. The music is predominantly serious, somber and dark with outbursts of passion, turbulence, bitterness and anger, relieved by unexpectedly rambunctious and martial sections. Every symphony opens on low instruments, setting a dark, ominous mood, but several end with a triumphant flourish, while others fade away with an Epilogue in serenity or resignation. No. 7 is regarded as Bax's compositional farewell, No. 4 as "cheerful and blustery." The form is sometimes cyclical, with opening material returning in another guise, which, for the naked ear, is difficult to discern. Most memorable are the truly beautiful, luxuriously lyrical melodies that abound especially in the slow movements. The playing is first-rate throughout. --Edith Eisler, Amazon.com
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