Arnold Bax's score to Malta GC (1943) was written as part of a commission from the Ministry of Information for a propaganda film extolling the heroism of Malta's population in resisting German attacks early in World War II. (As a result of its residents' brave efforts, the entire island had been awarded the George Cross.) The commission came at a point in Bax's career when he had lost his muse and was no longer composing with anything like the facility he had enjoyed in the 1920s and 1930s.

The composer altered his characteristic style for Malta GC in an effort to produce a work that was more overtly patriotic and less florid than his previous music. In this regard he succeeds handily, creating an emotionally charged score perfectly suited to the subject matter; the anthem-like theme of the finale is especially effective.

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