Obscure Music Monday: Bax's On a May Evening
Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax (Nov. 8, 1883 - Oct. 3, 1953) was an English composer, poet, and author. Predominately known for his symphonic work, he also wrote choral music, concertos, chamber pieces, and works for piano.
Born in London, Bax was fortunate to be born to a wealthy family. His family was highly supportive of his interest in music, and the fact that he was independently wealthy led him to go down his own path as a composer. He studied at the Hampstead Conservatoire in the 1890, and went on to the Royal Academy of Music in 1900, where he stayed for five years. He studied piano with Tobias Matthay, and composition with Frederick Corder, who was an ardent fan of Wagner, who in turn was Bax's inspiration for some time as well. He'd go on to admire Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, but then became steeped in all things Celtic, and his music took a turn that way. He also developed an affinity for Nordic culture and music too.
On a May Evening is one of his many works for solo piano, and starts with an unassuming, pleasant melody. There are some basic harmonies — nothing terribly modern or complex, but as the piece goes on, the work grows in complexity. Chords expand and leave their conservative confines and venture in to more modern territory. Bax's love for all thing Celtic can be heard, as he turns the melody at one point in to a jig of sorts, with a triplet feel. After going through various harmonic and melodic phases, this work fades away ever so sweetly and peacefully.
Thankfully there's a recording of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!
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