This
month, Clef Notes is looking at seasonal music and this week, it’s Autumn! What
better title for an Autumn piece than “November Woods”? Arnold Bax’s tone poem
was written in 1917 and first performed in 1920. The piece depicts the sounds
of nature during late Autumn. In Bax’s mind, this meant stormy and bleak. Upon
completing the work, Bax admitted to friends that he also hinted at his own
inner-turmoil in this music. At the time, he was in the midst of a tumultuous
affair with pianist Harriet Cohen.
As
you listen to “November Woods,” see if you can hear the windy morning near the
beginning, depicted by the harp, woodwinds, and muted cello.
Bax
lived under the shadow of Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams. It wasn’t
until later in his life that he received a bit more public recognition.
Join
me next time for a special music playlist to accompany your Thanksgiving
activities!
