Building the World of Tomorrow In 1938, the British Council commissioned Arthur Bliss, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Arnold Bax to compose new works for the 1939 World's Fair in New York. Bliss chose a piano concerto intended for the British pianist Solomon. The exhibition's motto, "Building the World of Tomorrow," represented the vision of a technologically advanced age. The aim of the British participation was to promote Anglo-American cooperation, modernize Britain's image abroad, and appeal to American tastes for British tradition and history. The British contribution was meant to symbolize the connection between the past and the future.
Bliss was known for his predilection for writing for special occasions and performers. Even then, he felt a personal connection to the United States. He dedicated his Piano Concerto in B-flat major to the American people. The premiere took place on June 10, 1939, at Carnegie Hall and proved to be a great success. The work combined American optimism, romantic elements, and British realism into a distinctive musical language. Bliss incorporated themes of technological progress but also reflected the darker aspects shaped by his wartime experiences. Nevertheless, the concerto was imbued with virtuosity and energy, captivating audiences.
Edmund Rubbra composed his Piano Concerto for the BBC in 1955. It was characterized by a pastoral and contemplative nature. Rubbra drew inspiration from personal experiences and emphasized the interplay between piano and orchestra. His deep love of nature permeated the concerto, which was dedicated to the sarod master Ali Akbar Khan, whom Rubbra had met in London and who profoundly influenced him.
Rubbra's work united Western and Eastern musical traditions and demonstrated his ability to harmoniously blend diverse influences. His passion for botany and his spiritual depth found expression in it. The dialogue between soloist and orchestra became a musical-philosophical exploration, transporting the audience to a world of passion. The finale unfolded as a joyful dance, uniting the musical ideas and culminating in a delicate coda.
The close friendship and mutual respect between Rubbra and Bliss were reflected in their artistic relationship. Their innovative spirit and musical expressiveness ensured that their compositions continued to be appreciated long after their deaths.