Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, KCVO (8 November 1883 – 3 October 1953) was an English composer and poet. His musical style blended elements of romanticism and impressionism, often with influences from Irish literature and landscape. His orchestral scores are noted for their complexity and colourful instrumentation. Bax's poetry and stories, which he wrote under the pseudonym of Dermot O’Byrne, reflect his profound affinity for Irish poet W. B. Yeats and are largely written in the tradition of the Irish Literary Revival.
Studied at the Royal Academy of Music. His musical style is considered to be a blend of romanticism and impressionism, infused with elements from Irish and Norwegian literature. He also wrote poetry and prose under the pseudonym of Dermot O'Byrne.
He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 1937 King's Honours List and was awarded K.C.V.O. (Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) in the 1953 Queen's Honours List for his services to music.
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His complete film score for "Oliver Twist" was given its first digital stereo recording in 2003, and has been released by Chandos.
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He held the post Master of the King's Music from 1942 until 1952.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Aleph, lectures contades
2000
TV Series documentary music - 1 episode
Ripping Yarns
1979
TV Series music - 1 episode
Studio One in Hollywood
1952
TV Series music - 1 episode
The Browning Version
1951
music: "Finale" - uncredited
Composer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Journey Into History
1951
Short
Oliver Twist
1948
as Sir Arnold Bax D. Mus. Master of the King's Musick
Malta G.C.
1942
Short documentary as Sir Arnold Bax Master of the King's Musick