The Hidden G. Holst behind “The Planets”
All piano students know names such as Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, but when it comes to the name of Gustav Holst, even some piano teachers find themselves hesitant to name other compositions but the orchestral suite “The Planets, Op. 32.”
The reality is that Gustav Holst, English composer, arranger and teacher, born in 1874 in Cheltenham, delivered many compositions, although his speciality was orchestral music through incidental music such as his most known masterpiece, but also Operas, ballets, chamber music, piano solo, music for two pianos, even film scores such as “The Bells”.
He characterised as a composer as one that could portray and depict scenes, proof of this is that he made much incidental music such as ”the vision of Dame Christian!”, “A song of London”, “The Praise of King Olaf” and “The Sneezing Charm” among others.
Also, he premiered many Operas, such as “The Wandering Scholar” or “At the Boar’s Head” (based on Henry IV from William Shakespeare)
The list is not over; many ballets were also premiered during his life, being the most famous “The perfect Fool” he also wrote the libretto.
We can say now that despite the fact of being recognised by his suite “The Planets”, we can affirm that Gustav Holst was a prolific composer in many areas.
However, this orchestral suite was composed during the first world war and premiered in 1920 in Queen’s Hall (London city).
Each number or movement describes a different planet. It is noteworthy to mention that this idea was completely original. Although a few criticised it, immediately people welcomed it, and even today, this is one piece that is continuously performed in theatres across the globe.
Also is worth mentioning that even the composer conducted two recordings of his work. After him, 80 recordings were followed by different conductors, orchestras and choirs in the UK and around the world.
