zoom_in Click to enlarge

Arnold Bax

▲ ▼

description Arnold Bax Overview

Arnold Bax (1883–1953) was a British composer, author, and poet appointed Master of the King's Music in 1942. His substantial musical output includes seven symphonies, numerous tone poems, and chamber works, heavily influenced by the late Romantic style and the orchestral textures of Jean Sibelius. Bax was deeply fascinated by Celtic mythology and Irish literature, which profoundly shaped his richly textured Celtic-inspired works. His best-known composition is the symphonic poem Tintagel, written in 1919 as an evocation of the Cornish coast.

help Arnold Bax FAQ

What is Arnold Bax best known for as a composer?

Arnold Bax was a British composer and poet best known for his richly textured, Celtic-inspired symphonies. He composed seven symphonies during his career, alongside famous tone poems like "Tintagel."

When did Arnold Bax become Master of the King's Music?

Bax was appointed Master of the King's Music in 1942, serving under King George VI. He held this prestigious royal position until his death in 1953.

What inspired Arnold Bax's Celtic Revival style of music?

After reading the poetry of W.B. Yeats, Bax became deeply fascinated by Irish culture and the Celtic Revival. He even moved to Ireland for a time, adopting the pseudonym "Dermot O'Byrne" to publish his poetry.

Did Arnold Bax write film scores?

Yes, near the end of his life, Bax composed several film scores for the British cinema. His most famous cinematic work is the score he wrote for David Lean's 1948 classic film, "Oliver Twist."