Overture to a Picaresque Comedy
Encyclopedia
The Overture to a Picaresque Comedy is a concert overture composed by Arnold Bax
in 1931; the piece was introduced in Manchester
in November, 1931, under the direction of Sir Hamilton Harty
. The work is based around two main themes, one light and mocking and one stately.
Of the overture, Bax wrote:
The first recording of the overture was conducted by Igor Buketoff
.
Arnold Bax
Sir Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, KCVO 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...
in 1931; the piece was introduced in Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
in November, 1931, under the direction of Sir Hamilton Harty
Hamilton Harty
Sir Hamilton Harty was an Irish and British composer, conductor, pianist and organist. In his capacity as a conductor, he was particularly noted as an interpreter of the music of Berlioz and he was much respected as a piano accompanist of exceptional prowess...
. The work is based around two main themes, one light and mocking and one stately.
Of the overture, Bax wrote:
This overture does not pretend to be the prelude to any particular play. It is simply a piece of music associated with some character as d'Artagnan or Casanova.
The first recording of the overture was conducted by Igor Buketoff
Igor Buketoff
Igor Buketoff was an American conductor, arranger and teacher. He had a special affinity with Russian music and with Sergei Rachmaninoff in particular. He also strongly promoted British contemporary music, and new music in general.- Biography :Buketoff was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the son...
.