Interesting about Gershwin, and nice observation. I hadn't noticed it previously. The climbing modulations and final cadenza echo the "Rhapsody in Blue" finale. Further, the lyrical "blues" at the beginning of movement II reminds me of the "Concerto in F" movement II blues wail on "felt hat" trumpet. You're right: Although Bax may offer reminders of other composers, he has his own, unique voice! He and RVW are my two favorite English composers (Delius and Moeran, Cyril Scott and Finzi are up there, too). I never cared that much for Elgar--he was too "safely consonant" for my liking.
Hartzell Agreed, though I do consider Elgar’s Cello Concerto a late Romantic gem. I suppose I always associate its mournful yearning with the tragic Jacqueline du Pre.
Bax orchestrations are always incredible. Especially the use of organ to back the orchestra at key moments in the score. Simply fantastic. Thks for your post.
This symphony was my introduction to Bax - on an LP, with Handley conducting the Guildford PO. This must have been one of Handley's first recordings. Around this time the same team also recorded Bax's Symphonic Variations with Joyce Hatto as soloist. Yet another Bax disc was of The Tales the Pine Trees Knew coupled with an incomplete version of Moeran's Serenade.
