Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax (Nov. 8, 1883 - Oct. 3, 1953) was an English composer, poet, and author. Predominately known for his symphonic work, he also wrote choral music, concertos, chamber pieces, and works for piano.

Born in London, Bax was fortunate to be born to a wealthy family. His family was highly supportive of his interest in music, and the fact that he was independently wealthy led him to go down his own path as a composer. He studied at the Hampstead Conservatoire in the 1890, and went on to the Royal Academy of Music in 1900, where he stayed for five years. He studied piano with Tobias Matthay, and composition with Frederick Corder, who was an ardent fan of Wagner, who in turn was Bax's inspiration for some time as well. He'd go on to admire Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler, but then became steeped in all things Celtic, and his music took a turn that way. He also developed an affinity for Nordic culture and music too.

Winter Waters was written in 1915, and is a brooding, dark piece. It's a transcription of a movement in some incidental music he wrote for the play The Truth about Russian Dancers. HIs writing is especially thick; the left hand part that moves up and down in half steps that adds to that thickness, and the right hand, tonally speaking hints towards modernism. There's an ominous air about this interestingly dark work.

Here are some recordings of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Ashley Wass
Iris Loveridge