Arnold Bax

Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, KCVO was an English composer, poet, and author. His prolific output includes songs, choral music, chamber pieces, and solo piano works, but he is best known for his orchestral music. In addition to a series of symphonic poems, including Tintagel, November Woods and The Garden of Fand he wrote seven symphonies and was for a time widely regarded as the leading British symphonist. He served as Master of the King’s Music from 1941 until his death in 1953. One of his last compositions was a march for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bax, like a number of his generation of composers, was influenced by Celtic history and culture and identified strongly with the Irish struggle for independence. He wrote several books of poetry under the name Dermot O'Byrne. In later life he was influenced by Nordic culture, reflected in works including the Symphonic Variations and Winter Legends.

His brother Clifford Bax was a noted playwright and essayist.