Holst: The Planets & St. Paul's Suite

Gustav Holst's iconic masterpiece, 'The Planets', is a cornerstone of classical music, and this exquisite album pairs it with the delightful 'St. Paul's Suite'. Performed by the esteemed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, this recording is a testament to the composer's innovative and evocative style.

'The Planets', a seven-movement orchestral suite, is a sonic journey through the celestial bodies of our solar system, each movement imbued with the distinct character of its namesake. From the menacing 'Mars, the Bringer of War' to the ethereal 'Neptune, the Mystic', Holst's music is a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.

The 'St. Paul's Suite', a collection of dances for string orchestra, is a vibrant and buoyant companion to 'The Planets'. With its lively 'Jig' and stately 'Intermezzo', this suite is a showcase for the orchestra's technical prowess and expressive range.

Under the expert baton of conductors such as Vernon Handley and Christopher Hogwood, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra brings these works to life with passion and precision. The result is an album that is at once a thrilling showcase of orchestral virtuosity and a deeply personal exploration of Holst's unique musical vision.

With its perfect blend of energy, elegance, and drama, 'Holst: The Planets & St. Paul's Suite' is a must-have for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. So sit back, relax, and let the majestic sounds of Gustav Holst's music transport you to a world of beauty and wonder.

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.