Symphony No. 4 (Bax)

The Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major is a work for orchestra by the British composer Sir Arnold Bax. It was completed in 1931 and premiered on March 15, 1932, by the San Francisco Symphony under Basil Cameron. The symphony is generally considered one of Bax's most accessible and colourful orchestral works.

The Symphony No. 4 is structured in three movements:

• I. Allegro moderato: This movement opens with a turbulent and dramatic introduction, characterized by powerful brass and sweeping string passages. The movement then progresses to a more lyrical and reflective central section before returning to the energy and intensity of the opening.

• II. Lento moderato: This movement offers a contrasting mood of introspection and melancholic beauty. It is notable for its use of evocative orchestration and its exploration of a wider range of emotional expression than the first movement.

• III. Allegro: The finale is a vibrant and energetic movement that brings the symphony to a triumphant conclusion. It features intricate contrapuntal writing and a sense of relentless momentum.

The symphony is typical of Bax's style, which blends elements of late Romanticism with influences from Irish mythology and landscape. The work is often praised for its powerful orchestration, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. It is a significant contribution to the British symphonic repertoire of the 20th century.