Gustav Holst's captivating album, Holst: The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150, is a masterpiece of classical music that showcases the composer's unique orchestration skills. Released on 3 September 2021 by Lyrita, this 1 hour and 2-minute long album is a treasure trove of enchanting melodies and intricate harmonies.
The album is comprised of multiple tracks, each telling a story of its own, from the whimsical 'Once Upon a Time, a Wizard' to the dramatic 'And All That the Flames Left of the Wizard Was His Hat'. The orchestral pieces, including 'Spirits of the Earth', 'Spirits of the Water', and 'Spirits of Fire', demonstrate Holst's ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music.
With its rich and complex soundscapes, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and orchestral performances. Gustav Holst's The Perfect Fool is a testament to the composer's innovative spirit and his contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Holst's work or just discovering his music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
2021 Lyrita2021 Lyrita
Tracks
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Once Upon a Time, a WizardGeorge Hagan
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Spirits of the EarthGustav Holst, Richard Golding, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Spirits of the WaterGustav Holst, Richard Golding, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Spirits of FireGustav Holst, Richard Golding, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: The Spell Is CastGustav Holst, George Hagan, Richard Golding, Pamela Bowden, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: And Now I Remember That I Haven't Drunk the PotionGustav Holst, Richard Golding, Pamela Bowden, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: I Need Practice in PolitenessGustav Holst, Richard Golding, Pamela Bowden, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: She Looks from One Sleeper to AnotherGustav Holst, George Hagan, Alison Hargan, Barbara Platt, Lesley Rooke, Pamela Bowden, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: The Sound of a TrumpetGustav Holst, George Hagan, Stephen Wilkinson, Margaret Neville, BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Lady You Seek a HusbandGustav Holst, Richard Golding, Margaret Neville, Stephen Wilkinson, BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: Look!Gustav Holst, John Mitchinson, Margaret Neville, David Read, BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: The Traveler Has Stumbled Over the FoolGustav Holst, George Hagan, Margaret Neville, John Mitchinson, Stephen Wilkinson, Pamela Bowden, David Read, Ronald Harvi, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: She Is BewitchedGustav Holst, Stephen Wilkinson, Margaret Neville, Pamela Bowden, BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
The Perfect Fool, Op. 39, H. 150: And All That the Flames Left of the Wizard Was His HatGustav Holst, George Hagan, Pamela Bowden, Stephen Wilkinson, Margaret Neville, Walter Plinge, BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves
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.
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Gustav Holst
