Gustav Holst

Selections from The Perfect Fool, op. 39, H. 150

            Gustav Holst is one of England’s most revered composers, creator of musical works in great variety: choral music, songs, band music, orchestral works, ballet, and more.  His musical purview was remarkably diverse, and his compositions are frequently performed and appreciated in Great Britain.  His popularity there bears comparison with his good friend and follow composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams.  In this country the matter is somewhat different.  His reputation rests largely, and solidly, upon The Planets, and his two immortal works for band, Suites No. 1 and No.

The Planets, op. 32, H. 125

            Gustav Holst is one of England’s most revered composers, creator of musical works in great variety: choral music, songs, band music, orchestral works, ballet, and more.  His musical purview was remarkably diverse, and his compositions are frequently performed and appreciated in Great Britain.  His popularity there bears comparison with his good friend and follow composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams.  In this country the matter is somewhat different.  His reputation rests largely, and solidly, upon his two immortal works for band, Suites No. 1 and No.