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, save a few compositions.

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 seemed influenced by his travels there as well.

Bax's Trio in One Movement was written around 1906 at the behest of Lionel Tertis, a virtuoso violist in Britain. Written for violin, viola, and piano, the viola part can be substituted for clarinet. This work requires all three musicians be at the top of their game; it is hardly an easy work. Highly romantic, it's also at times very impressionistic, no doubt stemming from Bax's fascination with Debussy. The work is a tour de force, going through various moods and levels of ferocity, while not shying away from tender, tranquil moments as well. Bax, a poet/author, as well as composer, obviously knows the power of ebb and flow in his story telling and composing, and uses it to great effect in this piece!

Here's a recording of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Gould Piano Trio