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Picture: sunset mountains by ssglushakov-d6jellw

Arnold Bax (8 November 1883 -- 3 October 1953) was an English composer and poet.

Work: Symphony No.5 (1932) scored for 2 piccolos, 3 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, double bassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, bass drum, tenor drum, snare drum, tambourine, cymbals, gong, glockenspiel, harp and strings.

Mov.I: Poco lento - Allegro con fuoco 00:00
Mov.II: Poco lento - Molto tranquillo 17:12
Mov.III: Poco moderato - Allegro - Epilogue 28:27

Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Conductor: David Lloyd-Jones

It opens with a five-note motif that is used throughout the entire poco lento section, which is heavily reminiscent of Sibelius's Symphony No. 4. The allegro con fuoco section that follows however is highly Baxian, and all the features of his composition style are evident here. The second subject sees the return of Sibelian moods, but Bax's comprehensive musical technique is noticeable. The recapitulation is particularly exciting, making it one of the most energetic opening movements of all Bax's symphonies.

The second movement is majestic and a relatively short slow movement for Bax, but makes good use of brass and the percussion section. It ends calmly as to ensure a contrast between this movement and the one that follows.

The finale begins with strong, repeated chords from the strings and woodwinds which quickly give way to a fast, fiery and energetic allegro section in which the influences of Russian composers is evident. Unlike in the previous symphonies, the epilogue is bold and majestic.