Bax: Complete Music for Cello & Piano "Spring Fire"
6/20/2025, 10 Tracks, 1:19:49
Featuring
Alexander Baillie
John Thwaites
Sir Arnold Bax
Did you know?
1/6
Composer Biography
Sir Arnold Bax's affair with pianist Harriet Cohen, the dedicatee of his work Tintagel, blossomed in 1914, though he was married to Elsita Sobrino.
Historical Context
The First World War and the 1916 Easter Rising significantly impacted Bax, leading to his poems on the Rising being banned and a work dedicated to one of its leaders remaining unperformed during his lifetime.
Performer Biography
Alexander Baillie, the cellist on this recording, was inspired to play the cello at age 12 by Jacqueline du Pré and taught himself the Haydn C major Concerto by ear.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sir Arnold Bax, the composer, was deeply inspired by the poetry of W.B. Yeats, stating that it meant more to him than all music and unlocked a 'Celtic Wonderland'.
Composition History
The slow movement of Bax's Cello Sonata incorporates a haunting melody from his earlier, unperformed work Spring Fire, which he feared would never be heard in his lifetime.
Recording & Production
This recording features a 1670 Cassini cello and a Steinway Model 'D' piano, recorded in July 2022 and April 2023 at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
