Arnold Bax and the Horsham Music Circle.

Seventy years ago, on 3 October 1953, the composer Arnold Bax died suddenly in Cork, Eire. The West Sussex Gazette (15 October 1953 p.10) reported that six days later, the Horsham Music Circle gathered for their monthly programme of music. This event was held at the town’s Friend’s Meeting House. At this meeting, they paid tribute to their late, distinguished president, Sir Arnold Bax.

The novelty that evening was Bax’s Piano Trio in B flat. He had been encouraged to write a new work by British pianist Harry Isaacs for one of a series of concerts due to be given at the Wigmore Hall during 1946. At first, Bax refused, saying that “the medium was too difficult and suggesting that Dvorak’s Dumsky Trio, op.90 was the only successful example.” (Parlett, A Catalogue of the Works of Sir Arnold Bax, OUP, 1999, p.247). Bax eventually relented and, on 4 December 1945 wrote to Isaacs, “I was thinking that you will be pleased to hear that I have finished two movements of the trio and am in the middle of the last. I am pleased with the work so far…” (op.cit). The holograph was completed on 9 January 1946 at the White Horse Hotel in Storrington, where Bax was in residence at the time.

In an early review (Western Morning News, 23 March 1946) of the Trio, the critic wrote that it is “passionate and sincere, [presenting] little difficulty to listeners familiar with the less excruciating tendencies of modern harmony and counterpoint and may well find a place in the standard repertory.” Sadly, this prophecy has not happened, although the work has been recorded on at least four occasions.

The programme was performed by the Loveridge-Martin-Hooton Trio. This ensemble included the violinist David Martin, the pianist and Bax specialist Iris Loveridge, and the cellist Florence Hooton. The recital was introduced by David Martin and was dedicated to Bax’s memory. He asked that as a matter of respect there was to be no applause at the end of the performance. Other works heard included Haydn’s Trio in G major (Gypsy) and Beethoven’s Trio in E flat major, op.70 no.2.

During the evening session, the Music Circle leader, Grace Humphrey, said that “Sir Arnold Bax (who resided at Storrington) had been their President for many years. and no President could have taken a more personal interest in their activities.” He had visited the Circle on several occasions and sat among the audience. Furthermore, he was a descendant of Quaker stock who had worshipped in the Meeting House. Miss Humphery added that one of his works had been included in the programme to show their gratitude to, and affection for, him.”