Gustav Holst (1874–1934) was an English composer, arranger, and teacher known for his contribution to the classical music repertoire, most notably his orchestral suite "The Planets." Born in Cheltenham, Holst was fascinated by music from an early age, despite a neuritis-affected arm that hindered his ambitions as a pianist. He studied composition at the Royal College of Music in London and was influenced by a wide range of music, from English folk tunes to Indian spiritualism and astrology.

Throughout his career, Holst strived for innovation and individuality, evident from his eclectic choice of themes and harmonies. His music was characterized by the use of unconventional modal melodies and intricate rhythmic structures. His standout work, "The Planets," composed between 1914 and 1917, showcases a spectacular melding of orchestral color and mystic characterizations of the astrological planets, excluding Earth, from the aggressive and war-driven "Mars" to the sublime and jovial "Jupiter." The suite's impact on both classical and popular culture—particularly film scores—is immeasurable. However, Holst's catalogue extends far beyond "The Planets." His works, including the operatic ballet "The Perfect Fool" and the choral hymn "I Vow to Thee, My Country," based on "Jupiter," further cement his standing as a visionary in symphonic and choral music. Despite the releases mentioned postdating his death, his compositions continue to be celebrated and performed widely, a testament to the enduring legacy Holst left on classical music.

Genres

British Modern Classical

Classical

Post-romantic Era

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Edward Elgar

Ralph Vaughan Williams

William Walton

Frederick Delius

Benjamin Britten

Jean Sibelius

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Henry Purcell

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John Tavener

Charles Villiers Stanford

Latest Release

Classical Wonders: Great Smoky Mountains

Aaron Copland•

Antonio Vivaldi•

Gustav Holst•

Ludwig van Beethoven•

Erich Kunzel

Album - 62 Tracks - Released October 14, 2024