Fanfare

Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, KCVO (8 November 1883 – 3 October 1953) was an English composer and writer. Born to a prosperous family, he was encouraged to pursue a musical career. His private income enabled him to pursue the musical path he preferred, without regard for fashion or orthodoxy, and he came to be regarded in musical circles as an important but isolated figure.

While still a student at the Royal Academy of Music Bax became fascinated with Ireland and Celtic culture, which became a strong influence on his early development. In the years before the First World War he lived in Ireland and became a member of Dublin literary circles, writing fiction and verse under the pseudonym Dermot O'Byrne.

Bax wrote a large amount of music between 1910 and 1920, including the symphonic poem Tintagel, his best-known work. In the 1920s he began the series of seven symphonies which form the heart of his orchestral output. He was a prolific composer, writing numerous songs, much choral music and many chamber pieces and solo piano works.

In 1942 Bax was appointed Master of the King's Music, but composed little in that capacity. In his last years he found his music regarded as old-fashioned, and after his death it was generally neglected.

It is certainly true that Bax wrote little "for the church". I don't think he wrote ANYTHING for the organ. His vocal works are superb.

This "Fanfare" was wrttten in 1921, and states: "Hosting at dawn". It is interesting too hear and see, it is written in Bax's own hand, and signed by him. The score is attached. It is for brass and percussion, so, this is my "arrangement/transcription" for organ. Actually, I just played it a dozen times, until I figured out what worked!

Tomorrow is Yom Kippur, and I'll have several hours for "silent practice" during sermons, etc. I've already made my work selection, so, let's see if I can get it done...