Bax’s ‘In Memoriam’ Played In Concert For The First Time.

Arnold Bax

A Few nights ago the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra performed among other pieces Arnold Bax’s In Memoriam, that was written in memory of an Irish patriot who died in the Easter uprising.
It was thought that Bax never orchestrated it, but in 1998 a full score was found in a publishers basement and for the first time ever was performed live at Albert hall, a few nights ago.

According to Robert Hugill

It proved to be a highly atmospheric piece, to my ears very reminiscent of Hamilton Harty’s Irish themed tone poems.

Bax, apparently practicly had a love affair with Ireland, the landscape, artists and people.
He traveled extensively all over Ireland, and for over 30 years revisited the little Donegal village Glencolumbkille annually.
Obviously, Ireland and the Irish had a great deal of influence on his writing and composing over the years.
Although he has been dead for over half a century, it is no less and maybe even more exciting to be able to experience the freshness of a newly exposed piece.