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Fragile Health and the Perfect Walk

Donald Macleod focuses on Holst's breakdown and year-long retreat, and his encounters with Robert Bridges and Thomas Hardy.

Donald Macleod explores the life and career of the English composer Gustav Holst (1874-1912). Remembered by many as the man who wrote the Planets suite, Holst was much more than that. He was an intriguing character and the composer of a number of individual, compelling works. Thursday's programme focuses on Holst's breakdown and year long retreat in Thaxted, plus his encounters with a pair of notable literary figures of the day: Robert Bridges and Thomas Hardy.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Gustav Holst

    Savitri - chamber opera in 1 act Op.25

    Conductor: Richard Hickox. Performer: Felicity Palmer. Performer: Philip Langridge. Performer: Stephen Varcoe. Performer: City of London Sinfonia. Performer: Richard Hickox Singers.
    • HELIOS.
    • CDH-55042.
  • Gustav Holst

    First Choral symphony Op.41 - no.2; Ode on a Grecian urn

    Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis. Performer: Susan Gritton. Performer: ´óÏó´«Ã½ S O.. Performer: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Symphony Chorus.
    • CHANDOS.
    • CHSA5127.
  • Gustav Holst

    7 Part-songs Op.44 - no.7; Assemble, all ye maidens

    Conductor: Imogen Holst. Performer: Susan Longfield. Performer: English Chamber Orchestra. Performer: Purcell Singers.
    • DECCA.
    • 4701912.
  • Gustav Holst

    2 Songs without words Op.22 no.1; Country song

    Conductor: Imogen Holst. Performer: English Chamber Orchestra.
    • LYRITA.
    • SRCD 223.
  • Gustav Holst

    Egdon Heath Op.47

    Conductor: André Previn. Performer: André Previn. Performer: London Symphony Orchestra.
    • EMI.
    • CDU5650412.

Broadcasts

  • Thu 26 Mar 2015 12:00
  • Thu 26 Mar 2015 18:30

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