BAX, SIR ARNOLD EDWARD TREVOR ), English composer, born in London on Nov. 8, 1883, studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Frederick Corder for composi tion and Tobias Matthay for pianoforte. As a student his ex ceptional facility, alike in composition and as an executant, ex cited astonishment and was illustrated further by the tendency to excessive elaboration which distinguished his own earliest creative efforts and a tendency, it may be added which, though better controlled later, has never been entirely overcome. But as to the wealth and distinction of his ideas and the skill and re sourcefulness displayed in their handling there was never any question and he has long taken a place among the most interesting and important of contemporary British composers. Especially attractive is the romantic and mystical feeling pervading so much of his work, with which characteristic may be associated his strong affinity for Irish folklore and legend and other aspects of the Celtic spirit. With the exception of opera, practically every branch of composition is represented in Bax's extensive output. For the orchestra his more notable works include three character istically imaginative symphonic poems "The Garden of Fand" "Tintagel" and "November Woods" to gether with a fine symphony (1921). Among a number of ad mirable chamber works may be mentioned two violin sonatas, a string quartet and a fine piano quintet. The beautiful carol "Mater ora Filium," for double choir unaccompanied, should be noted, as well as three ballets and numerous pianoforte pieces and songs. Bax was knighted in 1937.