Bax, Arnold

Bax, Arnold – Overture to Adventure for orchestra

(b. Streatham, 8 November 1883 – d. Cork, 3 October 1953)

Arnold Bax wrote seven symphonies and numerous tone poems for orchestra, but he also wrote many shorter orchestral pieces for specific concerts or occasions. One such was the Overture to Adventure. Bax wrote it in 1935 and dedicated it to his friend Richard Austin, who regularly conducted the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra (now the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra). It is a lively work with a quieter middle section in the mixolydian mode.

The Overture to Adventure was first performed at the Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, by the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra on 23 February 1937, conducted by Richard Austin.

Phillip Brookes, 2026

Performance material is available from Warner Chappell Music (https://warnerchappell.com).