Holst - The British Master

Gustav Holst

Influence of a British Master

1874 - 1935

Son of musicians

Miserable upbringing

“It has done me good to be somewhat parched

by the heat and drenched by

the rain of life.”

-Longfellow

Revered Works

First Suite in Eb for Military BandSecond Suite in F for Military BandSt. Paul’s Suite

But perhaps most importantly…

THE PLANETS SUITE

An Epic PieceOf work

• Written 1914-1916• Originally scored for duet piano

• Each movement carries different

astrological (not astronomical)

aspects

7 Movements

A movement was made

for each planet (except Earth and Pluto), and the characteristics of

each are an odd mix of human emotions and

Roman religion.

MARSBringer of War

VenusBringer of Peace

MercuryWinged Messenger

JupiterBringer of Jollity

SaturnBringer of Old Age

UranusThe Magician

NeptuneThe Mystic

Influences are seen…

Danny Elfman

Bernard

Herrmann

John Williams

King Crimson

All in all…

Holst’s work = revolutionary

Captured pure human spirit in the form ofmusic

THE British Master