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Choral Music, World War I and The Planets

Donald Macleod focuses on Holst's early choral music, the lead-in to World War I and his most famous composition: his suite The Planets.

Donald Macleod explores the life and career of the English composer Gustav Holst (1874-1912). Remembered by many as the man who wrote one famous, astronomical work, Holst was in fact much more than that. He was an intriguing character and the composer of a number of individual, compelling pieces. Tuesday's programme focuses on Holst's early choral works and the lead into the First World War: Holst was passed unfit for military service and instead put his efforts into writing a suite for large orchestra: The Planets.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Gustav Holst

    In the bleak midwinter

    Conductor: Harry Christophers. Choir: Handel and Haydn Society Chorus. Orchestra: Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra.
    • CORO: CORO16117.
    • CORO.
    • 5.
  • Gustav Holst

    Choral hymns from the Rig Veda - group 3 Op.26`3 for female chorus and harp

    Performer: Osian Ellis. Choir: Purcell Singers. Conductor: Imogen Holst.
    • DECCA: 4802329.
    • DECCA.
    • 3.
  • Gustav Holst

    The Cloud messenger Op.30 for alto solo, chorus and orchestra - Adagio - modera

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra.
    • CHANDOS: CHAN2416.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 5.
  • Gustav Holst

    A Dirge for two veterans for male chorus, brass and percussion

    Choir: The Joyful Company of Singers. Orchestra: City of London Sinfonia. Conductor: Richard Hickox.
    • CHANDOS: CHAN2416.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 9.
  • Gustav Holst

    The Planets - suite Op.32 extracts Saturn, Uranus, Neptune,

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir.
    • LPO: LPO0047.
    • LPO.
    • 5.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 24 Mar 2015 12:00
  • Tue 24 Mar 2015 18:30

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