Gustav Holst's enchanting album, Alpha & Omega, is a masterful collection of classical pieces that will captivate your senses. Released on 13 December 2019 by EM Records, this 1 hour and 22-minute masterpiece is a testament to Holst's genius. The album features a beautiful blend of choral and organ arrangements, showcasing the artist's versatility and skill.
From the opening notes of 'Christmas Day, H. 109' to the final strains of 'Scherzo, H. 192', Holst's music transports you to a world of elegance and refinement. The album includes exquisite renditions of 'In the Bleak Midwinter, H. 73' and '4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82', each one a stunning example of Holst's ability to craft beautiful, soaring melodies.
The '4 Voluntaries for Organ' excerpts, featuring pieces such as 'March in C Major' and 'Funeral March in G Minor', demonstrate Holst's mastery of the organ, while 'Lullay My Liking, Op. 34 No. 2, H. 129' and 'Of One That Is So Fair and Bright, Op. 34 No. 3, H. 130' showcase his talent for creating hauntingly beautiful choral music.
With its perfect blend of classical and orchestral elements, Alpha & Omega is an album that will delight fans of Gustav Holst and classical music alike. So sit back, relax, and let the sublime sounds of Holst's music wash over you, as you experience the beauty and wonder of this exceptional album.
(C) 2019 EM Records(P) 2019 EM Records
Tracks
Christmas Day, H. 109 (Version for Choir & Organ)Gustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Lydia Challen, Gareth Moss, Oly Longland, Adrian Ball, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
In the Bleak Midwinter, H. 73Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 1, A Babe Is BornGustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 2, Now Let Us SingGustav Holst, Ailbhe Rees, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 3, Jesu, Thou the Virgin-BornGustav Holst, Thea Waxman, Gareth Moss, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Old English Carols, Op. 20b, H. 82 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 4, The Saviour of the World Is BornGustav Holst, Jocelyn Coates, Ailbhe Rees, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 1, March in C MajorGustav Holst, John Wright
2 Carols, H. 91: No. 1, A Welcome SongGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Charlotte Evans, Alison Moncrieff Kelly, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
2 Carols, H. 91: No. 2, Terly TerlowGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Charlotte Evans, Alison Moncrieff Kelly, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 2, Allegretto pastoraleGustav Holst, John Wright
Lullay My Liking, Op. 34 No. 2, H. 129Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Oly Longland, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 1, I Saw Three ShipsGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 2, Christmas SongGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
3 Carols, H. 133 (Arr. for Choir & Organ): No. 3, Masters in This HallGustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 3, Postlude in C MajorGustav Holst, John Wright
Of One That Is So Fair and Bright, Op. 34 No. 3, H. 130Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Thea Waxman, Gareth Moss, David Young, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
This Have I Done for My True Love, Op. 34 No. 1, H. 128Gustav Holst, Sophie Hopkins, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Bring Us in Good Ale, Op. 34 No. 4, H. 131Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
4 Voluntaries for Organ (Excerpts): No. 4, Funeral March in G MinorGustav Holst, John Wright
A Dream of Christmas, H. 139 (Arr. for Choir & Organ)Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Douglas Tang, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Wassail Song, H. 182Gustav Holst, Godwine Choir, Alex Davan Wetton, Edward Hughes
Scherzo, H. 192 (Arr. R. Brasier for Organ)Gustav Holst, Richard Brasier, Tom Bell
Gustav Holst, born in Cheltenham in 1874, was an English composer whose name is synonymous with his monumental orchestral suite "The Planets." While this work remains his most celebrated, Holst's compositional journey was marked by a rich blend of influences, from the grandeur of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss to the folk revival of early 20th-century England and the modernist innovations of composers like Maurice Ravel. His music transcends mere notes on a page, offering a deep dive into his passions for Eastern mysticism, astronomy, and literature. Despite battling health issues, including neuritis and partial deafness, Holst's output was prolific and diverse, spanning various genres and leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Beyond "The Planets," his works like "Savitri" and "The Hymn of Jesus" showcase his unique style and innovative orchestration, making him one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
Vinylscout
Gustav Holst
