Arnold Bax - Piano Sonata No. 2 (1920)

Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax KCVO (8 November 1883 - 3 October 1953) 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, he wrote seven symphonies and was for a time widely regarded as the leading British symphonist.
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Piano Sonata No. 2 in G major, GP 217/225 (1919, rev. 1920)
Dedication: To Miss Harriet Cohen
Michael Endres, piano
Description by Tim Mahon
Conceived in a single movement like its predecessor, the second sonata is more complex than the first, despite sharing the same epic hero inspiration. Bax's notation "in G", without specifying major or minor mode, indicates a sense of ambivalence as to mood, a quality that pervades the whole piece. The 'arch' form which will be a characteristic of the symphonies is readily visible in this sonata, centered on the expressive Lento which quickly moves to an ethereal Epilogue, echoing themes from the Symphonic Variations.
There is a Russian quality about some of the writing, which also shows the transition from Lisztian harmonies towards the more modern sounds which will come to their full expression in the cycle of symphonies.
Bax said about this work that it is a battle between Good and Evil.

[@fransmeersman2334]

An excellent performance of this great sonata, it makes indeed a lasting magnificent impression.

[@daveluttinen2547]

I have enjoyed this sonata for a number of years and very much enjoyed this performance. The added benefit of seeing the music score adds to its delight. This work is complex and brooding; though I can read it well enough, my fingers would never go where Mr. Endres went! Bravo!

[@bananabanana2887]

Wow! A new gem I hadn’t heard of before - thank you :)

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und detaillierte Interpretation dieser einzigartigen doch perfekt komponierten Klaviersonate im veränderlichen Tempo mit klar artikuliertem doch elegantem Anschlag und mit möglichst effektiver Dynamik. Wahrlich intelligenter und genialer Pianist!

[@rosiefay7283]

Sounds as if Bax has heard too much Skryabin --- the 5th sonata, in particular.