IN A VODKA SHOP (score & parts)

Arnold Bax (1883-1953) was an English composer, poet and author best known for his orchestral works. During the First World War his heart condition meant that he was medically unfit for military service, although he did serve as a Special Constable. During the war he also had an affair with the pianist Harriet Cohen, for whom he left his wife and children. Following the affair Harriet remained a close friend for the rest of his life. He wrote numerous pieces for her, including In a Vodka Shop (1915), although it was formally dedicated to, and premiered by, Myra Hess.

Given its title it’s perhaps no surprise that In a Vodka Shop has strong Russian influences. Before the war Bax had visited Russia in pursuit of a young Ukrainian woman. Romantically the visit was a failure, but the experience was musically enriching and most certainly influenced his musical style. In a Vodka Shop is a lively, boisterous piece with pounding rhythms and countless time signature changes – quite unlike the usual elusive poetry of a Bax composition. However, it didn’t go down so well in Russia, where one critic described the piece as an alcoholic slur on Russian life!

In 1919 Bax was commissioned to write orchestral music to service as ‘symphonic interludes’ at Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in London. For it he produced orchestrated versions of In a Vodka Shop and another piano piece, Gopak. He later incorporated both in his Russian Suite for orchestra.

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