Bringer of War
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Gustav Holst. As war breaks out, Holst hurries to complete The Planets.
We often think of composers as solitary geniuses, scribbling away at their masterpieces, working alone. But this isn鈥檛 always the case. Gustav Holst, most famous for composing The Planets, struggled all his life with neuritis, a condition that made his arms feel like 鈥渏elly overcharged with electricity.鈥� It was frequently impossible for him to play or even write, so, to bring his vision of our solar system to life, he needed help. This week, Donald Macleod charts Holst鈥檚 interplanetary expedition and discovers the unsung heroes who placed him amongst the stars.
In this programme, Donald plots the chart of Holst鈥檚 life during the First World War. Unable to enlist, all Holst could do was compose. As his friends were dying on the front lines, Holst was hurrying to complete The Planets suite.
The Planets, Op 32 (Mars)聽
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski聽
Ode to Death, Op 38, H 144聽
James Orford, organ
Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, conducted by William Vann聽
The Planets, Op 32 (Venus)聽
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski聽
Suite No 2 for Military Band in F major, Op 28 No 2, H106聽
The Central Band of the RAF, conducted by Wing Commander Eric Banks聽
Choral Symphony, Op 41 (2nd mvt, Song and Bacchanal)聽
Lynne Dawson, soprano
Guildford Choral Society and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton
Produced by Alice McKee for 大象传媒 Audio Wales & West
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Music Played
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (1st mvt, Mars, The Bringer of War)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : LPO-0047.
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Gustav Holst
Ode to Death, Op 38
Performer: James Orford. Choir: Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Director: William Vann.- SOMM : SOMMCD-0187.
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Gustav Holst
The Planets, Op 32 (1st mvt, Mars & 2nd mvt, Venus)
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski.- LPO : LPO-0047.
- LPO.
- 1.
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Gustav Holst
Suite No 2 in F major, Op 28, No 2
Ensemble: Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Conductor: Eric Banks.- REGIS : 13-26.
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Gustav Holst
Choral Symphony, Op 41 (No 1, Song And Bacchanal)
Singer: Lynne Dawson. Choir: Guildford Choral Society. Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Hilary Davan Wetton.- HYPERION : 5814478.
- HYPERION.
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Broadcast
- Thu 19 Sep 2024 16:00大象传媒 Radio 3
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