This unique collection of songs by Sir Arnold Bax features 18 songs in 4 languages, all to be heard in first recordings; five have never been performed before. Mostly composed during his twenties and thirties, these settings reflect the myriad interests of this enigmatic musical individualist. Bax's devotion to the spiritual culture, literary tradition, and landscapes of the Celtic world is on full display, punctuated by forays into Norse/German mythology as well as French gastronomical farce and folksong.

Almost all of the songs were transcribed from Bax's manuscripts by Graham Parlett, whose insightful and detailed notes contribute much to the understanding of the composer's restless musical explorations. Dr Parlett's good-natured willingness to answer countless emailed queries during the preparation for this recording was invaluable. His unexpected death before the disc could be released has come as a shock to all who knew and admired him, and it is to his memory that this recording is dedicated.