Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax (Nov. 8, 1883 - Oct. 3, 1953) was an English poet, author, and composer. His output was prolific, and spanned several genres, from choral works to chamber pieces to orchestral music. His music was for a while neglected, and then revived, though predominantly as recordings; we still don't see his work programmed very often in concert halls.

Bax was born in London to a wealthy family, and was encouraged by his parents to pursue music. After preparatory school, he attended the Hampstead Conservatoire. He moved on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, and while there became an admirer of the music of Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Claude Debussy (the latter two were frowned upon by the faculty). Bax became highly interested in Ireland and Celtic culture, and lived in Dublin for a time, and later on became fascinated with Nordic culture. Later on Bax would travel to Russia, and some of his works seem influenced by his travels there as well.

Bax wrote for many genres of music, including solo piano. Sleepy Head, written in 1915, was dedicated to his wife Elsita. This wonderfully chromatic work was a musical portrait of their sleeping children, Dermot and Maeve, who were ages three and two at the time. There is indeed a sleepy quality to it, as the chords climb up and down by half steps, while the melody climbs over the chords. The hints of Impressionism throughout the work give it an ethereal and dream-like feel. It's a wonderfully intriguing work!

Here are some recordings of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Ashley Wass
Iris Loveridge