Bax... what can I say...brilliant piece of music. November Woods is just perfect for a moody, sombre and windy afternoon walking in a forest...magical. Almost what John Williams did for his film scores.
In many ways still my favourite composer. This rendering is generally regarded as even finer than Boult's and the fine versions that have succeeded it. Sonically spectacular too with early Chandos sound.
What may seem evident and natural in this piece, truly is not, and yet Thomson, again, realizes the tour de force of bringing out the genius of Bax with brilliantly paced tempi and interpretive insight. One perceives humility and dedication in all his Bax recordings , making him one of his finest advocates .
About 100 years ago many were rebelling against overblown mush for huge orchestras. They had a point. However, when the orchestra is handled by one such as Bax you can forgive him. Every section of the orchestra, every instrument contributes to the sound. There is no padding. The tuba, the bass clarinet, the glockenspiel, the horns, the second violins, they are all there doing their thing, the whole lot of them. And with Thomson and Chandos sound you hear this wonderful tapestry. November Woods is for me Bax's finest work prior to the 7 symphonies. What beautiful music.
I agree, but for me, his summit is 'Tintagel.' Nothing comes closer to that glorious opening for epic grandeur, and if you've ever been to Tintagel and seen those incredible cliffs and pounding surf, you realize how completely Bax captured it. 'November Woods' though, is hauntingly beautiful, and this is an exceptional performance.
