Arnold Bax

The British composer Arnold Bax described himself as a brazen Romantic, and although born in South London in 1883 he became intoxicated by Celtic folklore and poetry. He became closely involved with the cultural world of Irish nationalism, writing poetry that was admired by W.B. Yeats. Meanwhile, he found his musical voice with impassioned, richly-coloured symphonic poems such as The Garden of Fand (1913), Tintagel (1919) and November Woods (1917)—the latter inspired by his torrid love affair with the pianist Harriet Cohen. After the First World War, Bax turned towards the symphony, composing seven between 1922 and 1939, as well as concertos for violin and cello. In the years before his death in 1953, his Romantic outlook led many to view him as a conservative figure (he was appointed Master of the King’s Music in 1942), but his music has found 21st-century champions including, in the recording studio, John Wilson and Mark Elder, as well as in the concert hall.